Overseas Players Had A Huge Contribution In IPL's Success - Saba Karim

Since the advent of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, the relations between Indian and overseas players have changed altogether.

Apart from spending time in IPL seasons, players have shown camaraderie on the field during international matches as well. For instance, the short banter between KL Rahul and Australia’s white-ball skipper Aaron Finch during an ODI match last year after the latter was hit on the chest.

MS Dhoni showed the true spirit of sportsmanship

In another example, MS Dhoni helped his then CSK teammate Faf du Plessis after the latter was down on the pitch, struggling with cramps. Dhoni volunteered to stretch du Plessis legs and flex his feet during the fifth ODI match between India and South Africa at Wankhede in Mumbai.

Not just the international players but the domestic or the emerging players also get an opportunity to interact with overseas stars and learn their personal experiences with the game. Himachal Pradesh batter Prashant Chopra bonded well with England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler in the Rajasthan Royals camp, the youngster took the overseas player on a motorcycle ride in Mohali.

Overseas players have taught a lot to our youngsters: Saba Karim

Former Indian player Saba Karim said that the overseas players with an abundance of experience influence the youngsters of their franchise and credited the openness in the dressing room for making the domestic players confident in playing against the same players on the international stage.

“The kind of level, skill and flavour that the overseas players have brought with their performances in the IPL has helped the Indian players and the team environment. Legends like Malinga, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Brendon McCullum have taught a lot to our youngsters,” Karim said on the YouTube channel ‘Khelneeti podcast’.

“There has been a lot of openness in the dressing room which has helped the domestic players a lot. The quality of the league has increased and the Indian players have got the confidence to play with and against foreign players. So they have had a huge contribution in IPL’s success,” he added. 

The IPL 2022 season gets underway on March 26 with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Kolkata Knight Riders in the first match at the Wankhede.

Also Read: IND vs SL: Huge Decision By Rohit Sharma And Rahul Dravid To Back Rishabh Pant At No. 5 – Saba Karim