In the Indian Premier League (IPL), team compositions and player rosters undergo seismic shifts with each season. However, some cricketing legends have etched their names in the history of the league, becoming synonymous with their respective franchises. Here, we look into the intriguing stories of five players who have remained unwavering pillars of their IPL teams.
Top 5 Players Who Have Never Been Released By Their IPL Teams
Sachin Tendulkar:
In the inaugural IPL season of 2008, the Mumbai Indians made a move that would resonate for years to come – recruiting Sachin Tendulkar as their icon player. This decision proved to be a masterstroke as Tendulkar, the cricketing maestro, led MI with distinction from 2008 to 2011. Under his captaincy, Mumbai reached the pinnacle by making it to the IPL final in 2010.
The crescendo of Tendulkar’s IPL journey was marked by the 2013 final, where Mumbai Indians emerged victorious. Post that triumph, Sachin Tendulkar bid adieu to the sport, leaving a mark on MI. Despite retiring, he continued to be an icon for the franchise, embodying the spirit of Mumbai Indians.
MS Dhoni:
MS Dhoni’s association with the Chennai Super Kings stands out as a testament to loyalty and leadership. Joining the CSK camp in the 2008 IPL auction for a staggering amount of over Rs 6 crore, Dhoni became the face of the franchise. Remarkably, CSK has never relinquished the charismatic captain before an auction.
Dhoni’s leadership prowess has propelled Chennai Super Kings to an unparalleled five IPL championships. His impact goes beyond the playing field, with speculation rife that Dhoni will transition into a coaching role post his retirement. The anticipation is high, and it’s almost certain that we will witness the iconic captain in action during IPL 2024.
Virat Kohli:
Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, Virat Kohli has been synonymous with the Royal Challengers Bangalore. A mainstay in the RCB lineup, Kohli has never entered an IPL auction, showcasing the unwavering trust the franchise has in his abilities. Not only a player but a brand ambassador, Kohli has been the face of RCB for over a decade.
Kohli’s captaincy stint with RCB from 2013 to 2021 was marked by passion and determination. In 2022, the baton passed to Faf du Plessis, but Kohli’s association with RCB remains unbroken. The trajectory indicates that Kohli is set to continue his legacy with the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the foreseeable future.
Rishabh Pant:
In 2016, the Delhi Capitals struck gold during the IPL mini-auction by acquiring the services of the young and dynamic Rishabh Pant. Since then, Pant has evolved into a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his prowess behind the stumps and with the bat. Delhi retained Pant in both the mega-auctions of 2018 and 2022, underscoring their belief in his potential.
As of now, it appears that Rishabh Pant is set to don the Delhi Capitals jersey indefinitely. His contributions to the team, coupled with his explosive batting and agile wicketkeeping, make him an indispensable asset for the Capitals. Plus, he is the captain of Delhi Capitals as well.
Sunil Narine:
Adding to the roster of iconic players, Sunil Narine has been a linchpin for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Renowned for his mysterious spin and explosive batting, Narine has been an integral part of the KKR squad since his induction. Despite the shifting sands of player dynamics, Kolkata Knight Riders have astutely retained Narine, recognizing his match-winning abilities.
Narine’s impact extends beyond conventional spin bowling, with his ability to contribute crucial runs in the lower order. As KKR continues to reshape its squad, Sunil Narine remains a pivotal figure, embodying the essence of loyalty and skill.
