The cash-rich baby of Indian Cricket, the Indian Premier League began on this day i.e. 18th April in 2008. Running into its 12th season, one of the biggest leagues in the world of sports gave six Champions (Chennai Super Kings x 3, Mumbai Indians x 3, Kolkata Knight Riders x 2, Rajasthan Royals x 1, Deccan Chargers x 1 & Sunrisers Hyderabad x 1) and plenty of memories with it.
The two-time Champions Kolkata Knight Riders will always have a special place in the history of IPL. The team played the first-ever match of Vivo IPL back in 2008 against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Who can ever forget what Brendon McCullum did to RCB bowlers that day. With a blistering 158* run knock, Baz put himself and the other 10 Knights in the record books up become the first playing 11 to win an IPL match. But have you ever wondered what those first-eleven Knights are upto these days? Time to check it out.
Sourav Ganguly
The very first captain of KKR, Dada is currently with Delhi Capitals as a batting advisor. When DC played KKR at Eden Garden, Ganguly shared the opposite team’s dugout for the first time at Eden Gardens. He’s currently the President of the Cricket Association of Bengal as well.
Brendon McCullum
158* from 73 balls unarguably changed Baz’s life during one of his interviews with cricbuzz. His aggressive captaincy took New Zealand to the 2015 ICC World Cup final. Baz is currently a cricket expert and last played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2018.
Ricky Ponting
One of the most accomplished cricketers and former Australian Captain Ricky Ponting is the Head Coach of Delhi Capitals. Punter also Coached Mumbai Indians during IPL 2015-17 and does commentary when away from IPL.
David Hussey
A T20 specialist David Hussey has played a lot of cricket all over the world. His last stint in IPL was with CSK in 2014 and ended his career while playing for Melbourne Stars in Big Bash League, 2017.
Mohammad Hafeez
When the all-rounder played IPL for the first time, he was already five years into his international career. Now, also known by professor, Mohammed Hafeez is still going strong and playing for Pakistan.
Laxmi Ratan Shukla
The Bengal all-rounder last held bat in 2015. He joined politics later with All India Trinamool Congress and became minister of State Sports and Youth Services under Mamta Banerjee’s second government.
Wriddhiman Saha
A strong prospect for India in Test cricket, Saha recently missed out on the cricketing action due to injury. After Vivo IPL 2018, Saha was ruled out of cricket for months due to injury but is currently a part of the SRH squad in IPL 2019.
Ajit Agarkar
Three wickets for 25 runs was Agarkar’s bowling figure in that first match of IPL 2008. His last stint in IPL was with Delhi Daredevils (till 2013). Currently, he’s become a cricket pundit and is widely known for his bold statements as a cricket expert.
Ashok Dinda
The fast bowler has played most of his cricket for Bengal and at Eden Gardens. He last appeared in IPL for Rising Pune Supergiants in 2017. He’s still an active cricketer and is only playing the shortest version of cricket for Bengal.
Murali Kartik
The former left-arm finger spinner Murali Kartik was a smart bowler and had won many matches for his respective teams in all formats of the game. He’s now a cricket commentator under BCCI contract.
Ishant Sharma
The tall fast bowler Ishant first gained limelight during his magical spell against Australia while bowling to Ricky Ponting in Perth Test. He soon played his first IPL match for KKR and made a name for himself at International level too. He is currently representing Delhi Capitals in Vivo IPL 2019.
