IPL is an annual carnival that is nothing short of an extravaganza. Elite players from across the world participate in the league. Teams put in their everything to win the coveted championship. The first few seasons were more about skill but soon the league delved into data and analytics. Teams started identifying players best suited for different positions, different situations. This resulted in teams buying specialist players for specialised positions. This strategy also led to few historic signings. Here are 5 Game Changing Player Signings In IPL.
5 Game Changing Player Signings In IPL
#5 Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan spent a large part of his IPL career with the Hyderabad franchise. But post-Warner’s entry into the side, Dhawan almost always played second fiddle to him. Dhawan made his intentions clear to move to a different franchise ahead of IPL 2019. Delhi Capitals traded Dhawan in exchange for 3 players. Dhawan since 2019 has been a completely different beast. His consistency has gone up several notches. He has married that with great aggression. It is hard to imagine Dhawan playing for any other team now.
#4 AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers has to go down as one of the most iconic signings in the IPL. He represented the Delhi Daredevils from 2008-2010. But strangely Delhi went on to release him ahead of the 2011 auctions. The Royal Challengers Bangalore didn’t waste any time in acquiring ABD. Since 2011, ABD has been one of the league’s best batsmen lest only RCB. He averages in excess of 40 and strikes at more than 150. Delhi’s loss was Bangalore’s gain.
#3 Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir was visibly upset when Delhi released him post 2010. He was a strong character who wore his heart on his sleeve. Kolkata Knight Riders bought Gambhir in 2011 for a record INR 11.6 crores. Gambhir led KKR to their first playoff in 2011. KKR won two championships in 3 years under Gambhir (2012 and 2014). He transformed KKR into a top-class side.
#2 David Warner
David Warner started his IPL career with Delhi. Virender Sehwag was Warner’s mentor. Warner played crucial knocks when he was part of the Delhi squad. But his IPL career received a big boost when he joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014. SRH were also-rans in the IPL before Warner took charge. He led to IPL glory in 2016. Warner is the only batsman to have 3 orange caps (2015, 2017, and 2019). He smashed 848 runs in SRH’s title-winning season. Warner is SRH! SRH is Warner!
#1 Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma was one of Deccan Chargers’ key players. Sharma was part of the championship-winning team in 2009. It was widely expected that Sharma will lead Deccan in the future. But in a shocking move, Deccan released Sharma ahead of 2011 auctions. MI went all-out to acquire Sharma in 2011 auctions. They went on to build the team around him. It is unarguably IPL’s most valuable signing as Sharma has led MI to 5 IPL title wins.
Also read: 5 Lies About IPL You Believed Were True
