The Indian Premiere League (IPL) has attained worldwide popularity. It is the most famous and popular T20 league across the globe. Renowned players from different nations participate in this cash-rich league. Every year this league gets better and better. IPL has a huge fan base not only in India but across all other cricketing nations. Especially players from England, South Africa, West Indies, and Australia participate in vast numbers. Out of these, South Africa is one such nation that has a huge fan base. And in the past, a few matches of IPL has been played on South African soil also. Have you all ever wondered which retired players of South Africa participated in this league? Let us have a look:
1. AB de Villiers
One of the legends of world cricket and an outstanding IPL performer who needs no reason to be on the top of this list, we are talking of none other than AB de Villiers. He has been of this Indian Premiere league right from its start. In 2008, he was roped in by Delhi Daredevils. However, he parted ways with Delhi Daredevils after having played in 2021 and joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2011. It all stated from here that he started gaining popularity in India and got praise for his performance by legends. Having amassed to his name 5162 runs in IPL and a strike rate of 151.69, he is still one of the greatest players who played in IPL. He retired from IPL after playing in 2021. Currently, he is serving as a commentator in IPL with Jio TV.
2. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis played For Royal Challengers Bengaluru in its first three seasons, then after that joined Kolkata Knight Riders and played there till his retirement. He scored 2427 runs in IPL in 96 innings and at a strike rate of 109.23. His batting average was 28.55. He took 65 wickets in IPL and had a good economy of 7.90. He was a terrific all-rounder and never used to disappoint his captain, with the bat or ball. He was a match-winner for Kolkata Knight Riders and gifted the team with many blistering knocks.
3. Hashim Amla
Although he did not have a very long IPL career but hailed as one of the greatest South African cricketers of his time, Hashim Amla is actually of Indian origin and went on to represent South Africa in international cricket. He was a fine stroke maker. He used to play shots well at the back foot. Amla scored 577 runs in IPL and had an impressive average of 44.38 and a reasonable strike rate 141.77. He even slammed two centuries in IPL. He was ranked sixth in the list highest of run-getters in IPL in 2017 edition.
4. Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir was a fierce leg spinner who represented in IPL. He was a very prolific bowler in international cricket, and was successful in replicating the same in IPL. Tahir represented in IPL in 59 matches and he took 82 wickets. Tahir used to play with variations in his bowling style. This made him a very tough bowler to play. In 2019, Imran Tahir won the purple cap. He had a perfect season with Chennai Super Kings that year. He joined in as a commentator in this IPL season.
5. Dale Steyn
The speedster represented himself in 95 matches in IPL, where he took 97 wickets. He was used to be considered one of the most difficult bowlers to play. His pace of the ball and placement of his delivery made him a unique bowler and a fascinating one too. He represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL. Currently, he is associated and is a member of the coaching staff of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
6. Chris Morris
Chris Morris is a well-renowned all-rounder who participated in 81 games in IPL. He has scored 618 runs in IPL at a blistering strike rate of 155.28. in 81 matches, and has taken 95 wickets. He represented himself in IPL in numerous teams and did his job in every group. He last represented Rajasthan Royals in IPL and played a pivotal role, justifying his price tag. However, he took retirement at a very early age and at a time when a lot of crickets was still left in him. Fans still wonder why he took retirement at such a stage.
7. Morne Morkel
Morne Morkel played for Rajasthan, Delhi, and Kolkata in the IPL. His stint with Kolkata made him famous in India. He was the leading wicket-taker in the 2012 season and won the purple cap. He had taken 77 wickets in IPL in his 70 matches. He was known for his bouncers and use of pace in world cricket. However, he was prone to injury, which affected his career. He also took retirement at a very early age.
8. Shaun Pollock
Shaun Pollock, who captained South Africa, represented IPL very few matches in the first inaugural seasons of IPL. He was a right-arm medium-fast bowler who took 11 wickets in IPL in 13 games. Pollock was part of the Mumbai Indians squad as a player. He later on, joined as a coaching staff in the team. He was a renowned all-rounder and could contribute with the bat, also.
9. Dwaine Pretorius
Pretorius represented in IPL in only seven matches, where he scored 44 runs and took six wickets. He had represented Chennai Super Kings in IPL. He was an excellent all-rounder. And served as a power hitter in whichever role in the team he was given. He participated in many domestic cricket leagues across the globe.
10. Albie Morkel
The renowned cricketer of South Africa represented Chennai, Bengaluru and Delhi in IPL. He represented himself in IPL in 91 matches and scored 974 runs in IPL at a strike rate of 141.98. He even has 85 wickets to his name. He was an excellent all-rounder who played a pivotal role in whichever team he represented. He used to be very aggressive with the bat on many occasions, making him a very popular cricketer.
