IPL 2021: 5 Players You Might Not Know Played For These Franchises

In 13 seasons of IPL held thus far, several records went shattered; many heartwarming and thrilling moments witnessed alongside a few controversies. But with as many as at least eight teams participating in the marquee T20 league every year, several players worldwide have also made their presence felt. And cricketers have been traded from one franchise to another as well over the years.

But with quite a few trades and exchanges taking place ahead of almost every season, it could be challenging to keep account of which players played for which team. It could be complicated to keep a record of cricketers, who once played for defunct franchises. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to know that cricketers, famous now, played for which team before becoming an accomplished player.

We take a look at five cricketers who people might not know were part of these IPL teams:

Yuzvendra Chahal – Mumbai Indians:

Before joining the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014 and spearheading their spin-bowling unit, leggie Yuzvendra Chahal shone for the Mumbai Indians. In fact, Yuzvendra Chahal debuted in the Champions League T20 for the Mumbai Indians – a franchise he was part of from 2011 to 2013. The 30-year old played a significant role in the franchise’s title victory in the 2011 Champions League T20.

The Haryana-born wrist-spinner was the most economical bowler in the final against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, taking figures of 3-0-9-2, dismissing Mayank Agarwal and Arun Karthik. It helped the Mumbai Indians defend a modest total of 139 to lift the title. Chahal did not play in 2012, while he played only one match the following year.

Cheteshwar Pujara – Kolkata Knight Riders:

Cheteshwar Pujara received his most chances in a single season with the Kolkata Knight Riders as he played ten matches in IPL 2010. Pujara, who is not a hard-hitter of the ball, managed 122 runs at 30.50, keeping a strike rate of 106.09 with the best score of 45. The franchise released him ahead of the next season.

From 2011 to 2013, the Saurashtra batsman was part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore before moving to Kings XI Punjab in 2014. The upcoming season will see the 33-year old play his first IPL in seven years, featuring for the Chennai Super Kings, who bought him for INR 50 lakhs at the auction.

Wriddhiman Saha – Chennai Super Kings:

Keeper-batsman Wriddhiman Saha could not be a frequent fixture with the Chennai Super Kings, mainly due to MS Dhoni’s presence. Moreover, the Super Kings had quite a settled squad between 2011-2013, reaching the final twice and lifting the trophy in 2011. But Wriddhiman Saha played only 14 matches in those three years and putting on mediocre performances.

The most matches he played between 2011-2013 was in 2011 as he got to play seven games, scoring 68 runs, maintaining a strike rate of 107.96. The 36-year old’s best edition came with the Kings XI Punjab in 2014 as he made 362 runs in 17 matches, keeping a strike rate of 145.38. Saha also scored a brilliant hundred in the final of that season; however, it went in a losing cause.

Shikhar Dhawan – Mumbai Indians:

Before being part of the Delhi Capitals, SunRisers Hyderabad, and the Deccan Chargers, opening batsman, Shikhar Dhawan was part of the Mumbai Indians. While Shikhar Dhawan’s 2008 edition with the Delhi Daredevils was outstanding, it was not so much with the Mumbai Indians.

Between 2009 and 2010, the southpaw managed only 231 runs in 15 games. The last five editions have seen the 34-year old consistently being amongst the runs. Last year, Dhawan was the second-highest run-getter, making 618 runs in 17 matches at 44.14, managing four fifties and two consecutive tons.

Ravindra Jadeja – Kochi Tuskers Kerala:

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has been part of five IPL franchises and Kochi Tuskers Kerala was one of them. While the Kochi Tuskers Kerala’s campaign did not extend beyond 2011, Ravindra Jadeja performed decently for the franchise. He managed 283 runs in 14 matches at 31.44, keeping a strike rate of 124.12 as Kochi finished eighth out of the ten teams participated.

At present, Ravindra Jadeja remains a vital member of the Chennai Super Kings. The southpaw performed well in IPL 2020 in the UAE, scoring 232 runs in 14 matches at 46.40, keeping a strike rate of 171.85. The Saurashtra all-rounder has also transformed himself into a terrific fielder, capable of effecting jaw-dropping run-outs and taking spectacular catches.

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