A show of appreciation to some IPL legends ahead of the new season

Excitement has well and truly set in ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League, despite the understandable concerns around coronavirus. Some are suggesting that the start of the season should be put on hold, but the BCCI insist that the scheduled start date of March 29 is still very much on. Great news, then, for cricket fans.

The season ahead in the IPL promises to be another excellent campaign full of top quality cricket – it’s almost guaranteed given the abundance of talent throughout the league. Reigning champions, the Mumbai Indians, aren’t actually favorites though and are currently priced at 33/10 (888sport) to retain their trophy, with the Hyderabad Sunrisers hotly tipped to pip them to the post at 9/2 according to the latest cricket betting markets online. It’s a tough one to call, though, but a feast of cricket will undoubtedly be served up whatever the outcome.

With the season just weeks away, fans will be assessed at their respective sides and hoping new legends can be born. So, with that in mind, here’s a list of players who have cemented themselves as IPL legends already. Now it’s up to the class of 2020 to join it.

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma transformed the Mumbai Indians’ fortunes and enabled them to become the most successful team in tournament history. Part of the Indian setup, Sharma has lifted the IPL trophy five times – more than any other player – and has done so with the Mumbai Indians four times. His first title win came in 2009 with the Deccan Chargers, which clearly held him in good stead for future title challenges. Sharma has scored 4898 runs at 31.60, highlighting just how influential he is both on and off the field.

Virat Kohli 

Despite failing to get his hands on the trophy thus far, Virat Kohli is still very much one of the best players in the league. His Royal Challengers Bangalore side are currently priced at 13/2 (888sport) to finish top of proceedings, which represents decent value considering the talent they possess in their ranks, with Virat Kohli at the forefront of it. They’re bound to mount a serious challenge sooner or later, you’d think, especially with one of the best batsman in the competition leading the troops. Kohli tops the run charts with 5412 runs in 177 matches. He is also the only player in the tournament to demonstrate unrivalled loyalty to his team, having represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore in all 12 seasons of the IPL.

David Warner

A player who divides opinion off the pitch, there’s undoubtedly no doubts over David Warner’s ability on it. One of the most prolific run-scorers in tournament history, the Australian is widely regarded as the league’s best-ever foreign import. He is fourth on the list of all-time run-scorers and has an average considerably higher than the rest of the top five at 43.17. Sunrisers Hyderabad won the competition in 2016, with Warner a huge reason as to why. He has also won the Orange Cap thrice in his career, which hasn’t been done before.

Dwayne Bravo

A West Indies legend known for his death bowling and hugely effective slower ball, Dwayne Bravo is a fast bowler even the most formidable batsmen fear. He is the fifth-highest wicket-taker in tournament history, with a rate of 147 at 24.60. He also has two purple caps to his name. An entertaining presence too, Bravo is a fan favourite.

Special mentions to Andre Russell, Ravindra Jadeja, Sunil Narine, MS Dhoni, Lasith Malinga and Suresh Raina too.