The IPL is known for the big international players who come and play for different franchises. These players are also the soul of the league, as the foreign players bring intensity and excitement for the fans to watch. The players, both Indian and overseas, are brought by the franchises in hopes that they will win the games based on their performances, which they are capable of delivering. Many a time, these big-budget players perform and deliver successful results, which the franchise enjoys for a very long time..
1. MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni is considered to be the best captain to ever play cricket. In the IPL, too, he is considered a mastermind. He is the first player for Chennai Super Kings and has led the team since 2008, making them the most consistent team in the IPL and also winning them four IPL titles. He was the most expensive player in the first IPL auction.
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is the highest run-getter batsman in the history of the IPL. He was brought in by RCB in the inaugural year of 2008. He is the only player to have played for only one franchise throughout his entire career. Virat Kohli is widely regarded as the best batsman in the current generation. Virat Kohli captained the RCB side from 2013 to 2022. He managed to take RCB to the finals in 2016. Virat Kohli, regardless, was not able to win any IPL trophy but has proved to be one of the most important players in the entire IPL.
3. AB de Villiers
AB De Villiers joined RCB in 2011 and played until his retirement in 2021. A.B. De Villiers is considered to be the overseas player who had the most impact on a franchise in the entire history of the IPL. He has been a match saver for the Royal Challengers Bangalore for many years and has won countless matches. Many a time, he single-handedly won the match for RCB. De Villiers is considered to be one of the best complete batsmen who can play at any position and win games single-handedly.
4. David Warner
He joined the Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014. He is one of the only overseas captains after Shane Warne in 2008 to win an IPL trophy. This came in 2016, when Sunrisers Hyderabad won the IPL. He is one of the highest run scorers in the history of the IPL. David Warner has also won the orange cap and produced a very long-lasting impact on the IPL. He is now with the Delhi Capitals, which he joined in 2022.
5. Rohit Sharma
He is the most successful captain in the history of the IPL, with the most IPL trophies won by a captain, which is five, and every one of them he won with the Mumbai Indians. He got the trophy in the very first year, when Mumbai won the IPL trophy in 2013. He, too, is one of the leading run scorers in IPL history. Rohit Sharma, as a player, has won six IPL trophies; he also got one with the Deccan Chargers in 2009.
6. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah was a relatively unknown figure when he joined the Mumbai Indians in 2013. The year 2013 was one of the most dramatic, especially in the case of the Mumbai Indians. He has since played only for the Mumbai Indians. Jasprit Bumrah has grown extensively with the Mumbai Indians, and he has been transformed into the most impactful bowler not only for the Mumbai Indians but also for the Indian team. Jasprit Bumrah has turned out to be the death-over specialist and has changed the game for the Mumbai Indians on numerous occasions.
7. Kieron Pollard
Kieron Pollard was picked up by the Mumbai Indians in 2010. Since then, there has been no looking back for this West Indies all-rounder. Kieron Pollard is known for his power-hitting capabilities and part-time medium-pacer bowling. The impact that Kieron Pollard brought to this Mumbai side was unimaginable, as just with his raw power hitting, he has changed numerous games for the Mumbai Indians. Kieron Pollard has been part of all the title-winning campaigns against the Mumbai Indians. His impactful power performances proved to be a massive success for the Mumbai Indians. Even after announcing his retirement from the IPL in 2022, he is the batting coach for the MI players this season.
8. Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo was picked up by the Chennai Super Kings in 2011. Dwayne Bravo is an all-rounder who is known for his power-hitting finishes and death-over-bowling specialties. He has produced much death-over magic for the Chennai Super Kings, which has led them to win matches in many instances. Bravo’s power-hitting capabilities were also much more impactful, as he had a strike rate of nearly 150. He also holds the record for the joint-highest wicket-taker in a single season. He has two purple caps to his name, which is also the joint-highest by any player.
9. Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina joined the Chennai Super Kings in 2008. Suresh Raina has since had a massive impact on the Chennai Super Kings and on the IPL as a whole. He was one of the top run-getters in the history of the IPL and was No. 1 for some time. He has represented CSK in almost every match the franchise has ever played until his retirement. Suresh Raina has been part of all four title-winning campaigns for the Chennai Super Kings.
10. Faf du Plessis
FAF du Plessis was brought in by the Chennai Super Kings in 2011. Since then, FAF du Plessis has always remained an integral part of the team and has contributed with the bat on a number of occasions. He played for the Chennai Super Kings from 2011 to 2021, has played in a number of positions, and has been part of their three title-winning campaigns. He is now with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he captains the side.
