The exiled Chennai Super Kings team is one that really took IPL by storm and made it their own.
Circumstances however caused for the team to dismantle and now most of them ply their trade in the two newly created teams – Gujarat Lions and the Rising Pune Supergiant. However, the first edition of IPL is one that will always be special and it was one where Chennai made it all the way to the finals.
If you’re wondering what the players from the first edition of the IPL are up to, here are your answers:
- Matthew Hayden:
The big, burly Australian southpaw was one of CSK’s finest batsmen and lived up to his reputation as a destructive opener. Hayden is now a commentator with the Australian Board and has retreated into retirement gracefully back at his farm ranch in Australia with his family.
- Parthiv Patel:
The diminutive left-hand keeper Parthiv Patel played as an opener for CSK back in the day. He has since moved teams, representing the likes of Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Royal Challengers Bangalore and is now playing a similar opening role for the Mumbai Indians franchise.
Suresh Raina:
If there’s one batsman who is synonymous with a rise in stature after IPL, it is surely Suresh Raina. The stylish left-hander represented the team magnificently over 8 years, scoring over 400 runs in all editions and is now the captain of the Gujarat Lions. He was also successful for the Indian team and is relied on as a specialist limited overs batsman.
Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan:
Son of famous Indian spinner, Venkataraman Sivaramakrishnan, Vidyut represented CSK in the first edition of the IPL. Though he was a promising all-rounder, Vidyut didn’t live up to expectations and retired from domestic cricket too.
Albie Morkel:
The big-hitting South African is another player who symbolized the Chennai Super Kings team; Albie Morkel was an all-rounder who could bowl economical spells. Morkel is now out of the SA team and is playing domestic cricket in South Africa.
Stephen Fleming:
The ex-New Zealand captain too was a part of the franchise before he turned coach. He helped the team win two IPLs and a Champions League T20. Fleming is now the coach of RPS for the time being as CSK completes its two year ban.
MS Dhoni:
The captain of the team, MS Dhoni is a legend of the game and is still able to play the big innings. He moved to RPS during the ban and is also a part of the Indian T20 and ODI squad. He also guided India to a World Cup.
Muttiah Muralitharan:
The legendary Sri Lankan spinner played for CSK for a few years before he moved to Kochi Tuskers Kerala and then RCB before retiring with SRH. He is now a coach with SRH and actively participates in drills.
Mike Hussey:
“Mr. Cricket” as he was popularly known took IPL 2008 by storm when he became the second batsman in the history of the league to score a century on debut. He went on to play many more years with CSK and Australia before retiring.
Makhaya Ntini:
The ever-smiling South African speedster represented CSK for three year and was a fan favourite. He has since retired from all forms and is in South Africa.
Lakshmipathy Balaji:
The “smiling assassin” Balaji was another fan favourite thanks to him being from Tamil Nadu. He played for the Kolkata Knight Riders too, before retiring from all forms of the game.
Abhinav Mukund:
The Tamil Nadu batsman was an opener in 2008 and is a regular opener for the state in domestic matches.
