The Indian Premier League since its inception in 2008 has seen Indian Cricketers and foreign players show their skills together for the franchise. It is one of the best leagues in the world. Many international players from South Africa, New Zealand, England, Sri Lanka, Australia, West Indies come to take part and show their skills with ball or bat.
The local players from India can learn many things which make them improve their game a lot. Also, the audiences love to watch their batting and big sixes.
Look at the 5 most loved overseas cricketers in Indian Premier League:
1. Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle is the most loved overseas cricketer in Indian Premier League history. He made his IPL debut in 2008 for Kolkata Knight Riders. Apart from Kolkata Knight Riders, the hard-hitting Gayle played his best knocks for Royal Challengers Bangalore from 2011 onwards.
Gayle played one of the finest knocks in T20’s with 175 not out off 66 balls against Pune Warriors India in 2013 edition at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. He had great 3 back to back successive seasons for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2011, 12 and 13 scoring 608,733 and 708 respectively. His ability to hit big sixes with ease created an impact on the match. Gayle also has the record of most IPL sixes with 265. The West Indies hard-hitting batsman holds of fastest century in T20 cricket off 30 balls.
The crowds at M Chinnaswamy Stadium saw Chris Gayle hit big sixes and seen many big totals at this high scoring ground in India.
In the 2018 edition, Kings XI Punjab purchased Gayle. Gayle has been in brilliant form and continued his aggressive intent scoring 252 from 4 matches with an average of 126.
2. AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers is another overseas player who has been loved by the Indian crowds in Indian Premier League history. He made his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils in 2008 and played for DD till 2010.
From 2011 onwards, the South African legend has represented Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise. Whenever he comes to bat at any ground in IPL, the crowds want to see his big hitting. He has been in superb form during 2018 edition of IPL, with 280 runs from 6 matches with an average of 56.00.
The home ground of Royal Challengers Bangalore, at M Chinnaswamy Stadium the crowds have been electric and want to see AB de Villiers hit big sixes. In 2015 and 2016 season, de Villiers scored 513 and 687 runs respectively, made crowds happy with his innovative stroke play. South African great de Villiers is 9th in leading runs scorer in IPL history.
3. David Warner
David Warner another great overseas player who has been loved by Indian crowds at IPL. He made his IPL debut in 2009 for Delhi Daredevils and played for DD till 2013.
In 2013, Sunrisers Hyderabad made their IPL debut. From 2014 onwards, David Warner played in SRH franchise. In 2015, Warner was named as the captain of SRH franchise and led to their maiden IPL title by beating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the finals during 2016 edition.
He also led SRH franchise in the 2017 edition to the playoffs stage. Whenever he came to bat at Hyderabad, people expected him to score a century. His best performance came during 2016 edition where the hard-hitting Warner scored 848 from 17 matches while opening and gave the team flying starts. In the 2017 edition also, Australian opener continued his brilliant form with 641 runs from 14 matches.
David Warner stepped down from captaincy this season due to his involvement in ball tampering scandal during the 3rd test against South Africa. Warner has been handed a 12-month ban along with Steve Smith. Warner is in the top 5 batsmen list of leading runs scorer in IPL history.
4. Dwayne Bravo
The West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo is another loved overseas player in IPL history. He made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2008 and played for MI till 2010. From 2011 onwards, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, Bravo played for Chennai Super Kings.
CSK was suspended from IPL for 2 years because of the match-fixing scandal. In the 2018 edition, Bravo is currently playing for Chennai Super Kings. He is loved by Chennai Super Kings fans due to his style of celebration which makes the team happy. Currently, CSK is playing their matches at MCA Stadium, Pune as their matches have been moved out of Chennai.
In the 2018 edition, Bravo has been good so far scoring 118 runs from 9 matches and also taken 7 wickets. Chennai Super Kings are currently top of points table with 12 points.
5. Andre Russell
Andre Russell another hard-hitting all-rounder from West Indies is also loved in IPL. He made his IPL debut for Delhi Daredevils in 2012 and played till 2013. From 2014 onwards, Russell has represented Kolkata Knight Riders.
He is known for big sixes which makes the crowd entertained. Russell can change the course of the game with his power-hitting. When he comes to bat at Eden Garden’s, the crowds want him to hit big sixes. In the 2018 edition of IPL, Russell has been in brilliant form with 207 runs from 9 matches. With the ball he has contributed, taking 5 wickets.
His ability to strike the ball right from the word go makes him a dangerous batsman. He comes lower down the order and demoralizes bowler’s morale.