IPL is not just any cricket tournament but a festival of culture and passion. Since its inception in 2007, IPL has become exciting and incredibly popular amongst all cricketing fans. IPL showcases the most talented players from India and abroad competing in a thrilling tournament. With its exciting matches, renowned players, and jam-packed audience, IPL has become one of the most-watched leagues in the world. In this article, we discuss the Top 10 Unique Facts about IPL.
1. First Ball In IPL
Sourav Ganguly, former Indian Team skipper, and Kolkata Knight Riders skipper, faced the first ball of the IPL. His was also the first wicket picked up in the first IPL tournament by Zaheer Khan.
2. Highest Score In IPL History
Chris Gayle hit the highest individual score of 175 against Pune Warriors India. He hit 13 fours and 17 sixes to complete this feat. The highest personal score in IPL history is 175 by Chris Gayle, followed by 156 by Brendon McCullum against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
3. Most IPL Titles Won
The record for the most IPL titles won is shared between Mumbai Indians(2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021) and Chennai Super Kings(2010,2011, 2018,2021,2023) after their 5th IPL Title win over Gujarat Titans. Out of 10 IPL teams, only Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have won the IPL titles the most number of times.
4. No No-balls For 8 IPL Seasons
Piyush Chawla, one of the most underrated spin bowlers, currently playing for the Mumbai Indians, holds the record for the most overs bowled without bowling a no-ball. He achieved this record while he was at Delhi Daredevils. He has bowled in the most disciplined manner imaginable for eight seasons in IPL.
5. Most Number Of Fifties And Number Of Ducks
Gautam Gambhir, former Kolkata Knight Riders Captain, holds the record for the most fifties scored in IPL history(26) and the most ducks in IPL history(11). Still, he led his team to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014 and is one of the most successful captains in IPL history.
6. One-team Man
Virat Kohli of the Royal Challengers Bangalore is the only player in IPL history to have played in a single IPL team since its inauguration. He joined RCB when the inaugural IPL season began in 2008 and has continued to play for RCB throughout his IPL career. Kohli has performed consistently for RCB, scoring the most runs in an IPL Season(973 runs in 2016) and has scored the most centuries in IPL history, including his most recent century against Kolkata Knight Riders(5). Overall, he is the highest run-getter in a single team in IPL History with 7263 runs. Despite his success, RCB has been unable to win a title, finishing as runners-up on three occasions.
7. One Of The Most Prosperous Leagues In The World
The IPL is one of the most prosperous sports leagues in the world, with an estimated turnover value of over 10$ Billion per annum. According to sources, it is way ahead of the Premier League(English Football League) in England and La Liga(Spanish Football League) in Spain. IPL is just behind NFL(National Football League) in the US in terms, of revenue. The success of IPL can be attributed to effective marketing strategies, innovative format, high-profile signings, and extensive marketing efforts.
8. Second Most Watched League In The World
IPL is the second most-watched league in the world, with over 460 million viewers worldwide. The constant increase in viewership goes to the extensive marketing efforts, branding strategies, numerous high-profile player signings, and its exciting league structure. In terms of viewership, the IPL trails only the Premier League in England.
9. Most Number Of Teams Played For
Australian Cricketer Aaron Finch holds the record for most number of teams played in IPL history. Finch arrived at Rajasthan Royals in 2010 and has changed teams eight times. He played for Pune Warriors India, Delhi Daredevils(now Delhi Capitals), Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab(now Punjab Kings), Gujarat Lions, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
10. Highest Team Total And Lowest Team Total
Royal Challengers Bangalore holds the record for the highest team total and the lowest team total in IPL history. Their highest team total was against Pune Warriors India(2013), in which RCB scored 263-5, the highest total in IPL history. Their lowest team score was against Kolkata Knight Riders (2017) when RCB was bowled out for 49 in 9.5 overs while chasing an easy target of 131 runs, and KKR won by 82 runs.
