Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the world’s best T20 cricketing league right since its inception in 2008. Thanks to IPL, there are many players who have made a successful international career. During IPL’s first season, many teams opted for players who can become the face of their respective sides. These are who are yet to play for their home city in the IPL.
Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians), Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Knight Riders), Rahul Dravid (Royal Challengers Bangalore), Yuvraj Singh (Punjab Kings) (Kings XI Punjab then), VVS Laxman (Deccan Chargers), and Virender Sehwag (Delhi Capitals) (Daredevils back then) are the classic examples. The only teams to not have icon players in its ranks were the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals. These two franchisees bred players from other cities to lead their team.
We at StumpsandBails look at the top 5 players who have not yet played for their home city in the IPL
#5 Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik has plied his trade for many teams in the IPL. He was part of the Delhi Daredevils in the initial years of the IPL. Karthik later played for MI and had a successful stint there. He later moved on to RCB and then again back to DD for a couple of years. Karthik was acquired by KKR in IPL 2018 and he was their captain until the mid of last season where he stepped down from the captaincy. But he never got a chance to represent CSK in IPL. He has often mentioned his wish to play for the CSK but his wish is yet to come true.
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#4 Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar created ripples in the domestic circuit when he picked up 8-10 in a Ranji game for Rajasthan. But the Rajasthani-born pacer has never played a single game for the RR franchise. He made his mark with CSK in 2018 when he was one of the leading wicket-taker for the franchise. Chahar continues to be a valued addition for CSK and he shall continue to don the CSK colours for many seasons to come.
#3 Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan Singh is an IPL legend. This Punjab-born spinner played for the Mumbai Indians from 2008-18. He represented CSK in 2019 and 2020. But the master off-spinner is yet to play a game for his home city franchise, Punjab Kings. IPL 2021 may just see this happen as Punjab may want to have the experienced spinner in their ranks.
#2 Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer had set the Ranji Trophy on fire with his dazzling stroke play for Mumbai. He was one of the highest run-getters in the tournament in the 2014-15 season. His stellar form led him to an IPL contract with the Delhi Capitals. He has been a constant figure in the Delhi lineup. Iyer was even made the captain of the franchise in 2018 midway through the tournament. He has led DC to successive playoffs in 2019 and 2020. But the Mumbai boy is yet to play for his home city, Mumbai. We don’t think this will be happening anytime soon.
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#1 Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli was acquired by RCB in 2008 based on his U-19 exploits. Kohli has represented only RCB since then. He is the league’s highest run-getter. He is the face of RCB. Kohli is the biggest brand for the Bengaluru franchise. It comes as a big surprise that why Delhi didn’t go for the local boy in the 2008 auction. DC’s missed signing of Kohli will forever remain their biggest miss. Kohli has often admitted that the only franchise he will ever play for is the RCB. Good luck DC with that!
