IPL: Eight cricketers who have been with the same franchisee since 2008

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some thrilling performances from a number of players over the years. Some cricketers have become synonymous with certain teams. Shiamak Unwalla lists out eight players who have been associated with the same team since IPL 2008.

While the likes of Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers are instantly recognised as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) players, few remember that Gayle had actually started out with Kolkata Knight Riders, while de Villiers was part of Delhi Daredevil. Similarly, after his exploits in IPL 2014, Glenn Maxwell and Kings XI Punjab went hand in hand, but “Glendeep Singh” Maxwell was initially a Mumbai Indian. Let us look, then, at the players who have stayed with one side since the very start of IPL.

MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings (CSK):

The skipper and finisher par excellence, MS Dhoni has led CSK for all eight seasons in a row. Under him, CSK have reached the final four every year. He has also led them to two IPL titles and two Champions League T20 (CLT20) titles.

Suresh Raina, Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
Dhoni’s trusted aide and CSK’s belligerent No. 3, Suresh Raina is the leading run-scorer in IPL history, despite never winning the Orange Cap. Raina has appeared in virtually every match CSK has ever played, more so even than Dhoni. He remains their main batsman, and could well be called an IPL legend.

Shaun Marsh, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP):

Quiet, unassuming, and consistent, Shaun Marsh has been a vital cog in KXIP’s plans since emerging as the leading run-scorer and Orange Cap winner in IPL 2008. Marsh did not have a huge role to play in IPL 2014, with Glenn Maxwell and David Miller getting the nod ahead of him. He remains one of the most successful batsmen in IPL history though, and will be keen to prove himself again.

Harbhajan Singh, Mumbai Indians (MI):

He has been a part of Mumbai Indians since the first IPL, and remains the mainstay of the spin department even now. Out of favour with the Indian selectors since 2011-12, he remains a potent force in IPL. He has even led Mumbai on occasion, and is one of three MI players to have been there since the start.

Lasith Malinga, Mumbai Indians (MI):

IPL’s most successful bowler, Lasith Malinga ruled the IPL with his at-will toe-crushing yorkers that even the best of batsmen found tough to negotiate. The sight of “Slinga” Malinga shattering stumps in Mumbai’s blue jersey remains a familiar one.

Sachin Tendulkar, Mumbai Indians (MI):

Though he retired after IPL 2013, Sachin Tendulkar remains a part of the Mumbai Indians, at least in spirit. After captaining the team for years, Tendulkar is now something of an icon that MI can tap into whenever his presence is needed. He is an important backroom brain for the team.

Shane Watson, Rajasthan Royals (RR):

It would not be wrong to say that IPL rejuvenated Shane Watson’s international career. He was named man of the tournament in the inaugural edition of IPL, and hasn’t looked back since. Earlier,he was Shane Warne and Rahul Dravid’s deputy before taking over the reins after the retirement of the two legends. He remains a powerhouse performer at the top for the Royals.

Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB):

ViratKohli has come a very long way from being the boy with potential in IPL 2008 to their leading batsman and captain in later years. His innings with RCB has mirrored his form and position in Team India as well. He is the only man RCB retained in a major overhaul, and has been one of the most recognised faces of the team.

(Shiamak Unwalla is a proud Whovian and all-round geek who also dabbles in cricket writing as a reporter with CricketCountry. His Twitter handle is @ShiamakUnwalla)