Team-wise one player who made its IPL franchise famous

MS Dhoni with the 2023 IPL Trophy (Source: IPL)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has got off to an electrifying start. While some teams have hit the ground running, others are still finding their feet in what is the first season after a mega-auction.

Over the years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed players becoming synonymous with some franchises. As the action heats up in the 18th edition of the IPL, CricTracker takes a look at one player from each of the 10 teams who has played a considerable role in making their franchise famous.

Team-wise, one player who made their franchise teams famous in IPL history:

10. Mumbai Indians (MI) – Rohit Sharma

It is always a tough call to leave out the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in any category. The Master Blaster led Mumbai Indians from the front during his tenure. However, he won his only IPL title when Rohit Sharma took charge in 2013. The latter was appointed as the captain in the middle of IPL 2013 after Ricky Ponting stepped down following a form slump.

Apart from IPL 2013, Rohit led MI to the title in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. He is the joint-most successful captain in the league. The 37-year-old is from Mumbai, and this is one of the many reasons for his massive craze among the MI fans.

After Rohit was removed from captaincy ahead of IPL 2024, MI supporters expressed their resentment by campaigning on social media and criticising his successor, Hardik Pandya. The Baroda all-rounder had to win the hearts of the fans with his sensational performances for India in ICC events like the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025.

9. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh was signed by Punjab Kings in December 2018, and he made his IPL debut in 2019. He was a part of the Prithvi Shaw-led Indian team, which won the Under-19 World Cup in February 2018. The Punjab-born made his IPL debut in April 2019 against Rajasthan Royals and has never looked back.

Arshdeep, who plays his domestic cricket for Punjab, learned the art of bowling in T20 cricket in a very short time. His ability to swing the new ball at pace and bowl lethal yorkers at the death, garnered him a lot of praise from cricket enthusiasts. He is the leading wicket-taker for the franchise, scalping 66 wickets from 55 innings at an average of 26.68. The left-arm pacer is also India’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is.

8. Gujarat Titans (GT) – Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill was roped in by the Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of IPL 2022, which also marked the maiden appearance for the franchise. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) released Shubman ahead of the auction and the move raised quite a few eyebrows. This was because the Punjab batter was touted for big things, not just in the IPL but also in international cricket.

While Shubman had a good outing in his first stint with GT, he took his game to a different level in IPL 2023. In 2022, he scored 483 runs from 16 matches at an average of 34.50 and a strike rate of 132.33. However, in IPL 2023, the right-handed batter won the Orange Cap, amassing 890 runs at an average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80.

The Titans won the title in 2022 and finished runners-up in 2023. Ahead of IPL 2024, he was appointed as the captain of the franchise. He had another fine outing with the bat, but his team finished third from the bottom of the points table.

7. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – KL Rahul

KL Rahul joined Lucknow Super Giants ahead of IPL 2022. The franchise made its debut that year, with KL Rahul being appointed as their first captain. The wicketkeeper-batter finished as the second-highest run-getter and took his team to the playoffs. Rahul could play only nine matches in IPL 2023, but LSG reached the playoffs once again.

However, things went downhill in IPL 2024 for the Karnataka cricketer, as he could not inspire his team to the playoffs for the third time in a row. Rahul had a fine outing with the bat, scoring more than 500 runs, but his strike rate in some of the games was not impressive.

He was involved in an animated discussion with owner Sanjiv Goenka after a crushing 10-wicket defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The franchise let him go ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction, and he joined the Delhi Capitals.

6. Delhi Capitals (DC) – Rishabh Pant

Delhi Capitals signed Rishabh Pant ahead of IPL 2016 on the same day he scored a century in the Under-19 World Cup, sealing India’s spot in the semi-finals. The local lad played a few promising knocks in his first couple of seasons in the IPL. However, he took his game up by several notches in IPL 2018, finishing with 684 runs at an average of 52.61 and a strike rate of 173.60.

Pant was appointed as the captain of DC for IPL 2021. He led the team in IPL 2022 and IPL 2024 after missing the 2023 edition following surgery for a stress fracture on his back. Pant was released by the franchise ahead of the IPL 2025 mega-auction. He joined Lucknow Super Giants for a record amount of INR 27 crore but continues to be the Capitals’ highest run-getter in the IPL.

5. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni needs no introduction. He has been with the franchise in every season it has participated in the league. Under his inspirational leadership, CSK won five titles: 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Dhoni handed captaincy to Ruturaj Gaikwad ahead of IPL 2024.

The wicketkeeper-batter retired from international cricket in 2020. However, he continues to play for the Men in Yellow, effecting some trademark stumpings and hitting some smashing sixes. CSK enjoy strong support at every venue in the IPL, and Dhoni’s presence is a huge reason behind it.

The fans flock to the stadium in numbers to catch a glimpse of the former India captain. They even cheer for a CSK wicket when Dhoni is the next batter to come in. He might be 43 years old, but his fans just don’t want him to step away from the game.

4. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is the only player to have played for one team in all the 18 seasons of the IPL. This speaks volumes of his bond with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Kohli is in a quest alongside RCB fans to win their elusive first IPL title. He is one of the most revered cricketers in the world. Like CSK, RCB also has a lot of fans coming to the stadiums for their away games.

Kohli is the highest run-scorer in the history of the league. He has also won the Orange Cap in two seasons. Kohli has one ODI World Cup, one T20 World Cup, and two Champions Trophy titles in his trophy cabinet. He would want to add the IPL title as well, not just for himself but for the fans, who have been by his and RCB’s side through thick and thin.

3. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Shane Warne

Rajasthan Royals made history as they won the inaugural season of the IPL under the late Shane Warne. The Australian stalwart gave opportunities to several youngsters, and they repaid the faith. Warne wasn’t only a captain on the field, but he was a leader in the dressing room.

Warne instilled belief in his team and impressed everyone with his captaincy acumen. He played in the first four seasons of the tournament for the Royals and finished with 57 wickets at an average of 25.39 and an economy rate of 7.27. After his retirement, he continued his association with the franchise as a mentor and a brand ambassador.

2. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – David Warner

David Warner joined SRH during the IPL 2014 auction. He stayed with the franchise from 2014 to 2021. The Australian opener led them to the title in 2016. Warner won the Orange Cap on three occasions for the franchise. He is the only batter in the league with three Orange Cap awards to his name.

Warner’s association with SRH ended on a sour note as he was removed from captaincy and later from the playing XI. The franchise released him ahead of the IPL 2022 auction. Warner might not be associated with SRH, but the fans have not forgotten his exemplary contributions.

1. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Gautam Gambhir

Kolkata Knight Riders failed to finish in the top four in the first three seasons of the IPL. However, their fortunes changed after they roped in Gautam Gambhir ahead of IPL 2011. Under the opening batter’s leadership, KKR reached the playoffs for the first time in 2011. One year later, he helped the Kolkata-based franchise win its first IPL title. After a gap of one season, KKR won their second IPL title in 2014.

Gambhir left KKR after IPL 2017. He returned to the franchise as a mentor in 2024 and guided them to their first title in 10 years. Gambhir will forever be synonymous to KKR, not just because of his contributions to the team but because of the passion he has for them.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

 

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