5 players who have never changed their IPL franchise

The IPL over the years has seen its fair share of chopping and changing. There is a trend going around that the players who once get picked do not go on to play for the same franchise for more than three years. Also, at fresh auction, the franchises are allowed to retain only five players and hence they have to let go their core from the last season.

There are only a handful of cricketers who have managed to stay at the same IPL franchise all these years. These players are exceptional for their team and have been proven match-winners. The teams cannot afford to let these cricketers go.

In this article, we will take a look at 5 players who have never changed their IPL franchise.

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#5 David Miller (KXIP)

David Miller

David Miller is one of the most dangerous batsmen in the IPL. Having been bought by the Kings XI Punjab for a considerable fee of 6 crores in 2012, Miller has been a consistent performer for them and hence has regularly featured in their side for almost eight years.

He has single-handedly won a lot of matches for his side in the past due to his hard-hitting in the death overs. His knock of 101 not out off 38 balls against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013 was a treat to watch for the cricket fans.

#4 Lasith Malinga (MI)

Lasith Malinga

Lasith Malinga has been one of the most dangerous bowlers in the IPL for the last few seasons. Having been bought by Mumbai Indians in 2008, Malinga was a crucial part of the team till 2017. Thereafter, the MI offered him the role of bowling mentor in 2018.

He was signed back by the Mumbai Indians as a player again for 2 crores at the 2019 Auction. His ability to bowl perfect toe-crushing yorkers have helped Mumbai Indians win the IPL three times in their history and has given them a dependable option in defending totals on the flat Wankhede pitch.

Lasith Malinga is the leading wicket-taker in the IPL with 154 scalps in 110 matches at an average of 19.01. Hence, his figures speak about his contribution to the Mumbai Indians over the years.

#3 Sunil Narine (KKR)

Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine is one of the toughest spinners for any world-class batsman to face in the Indian Premier League. Having been bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2012 for a fee of $700,000, Narine has been their go-to man during crunch moments and has paid them rich dividends. Narine has also won the Most Valuable Player award twice.

Narine is an accurate bowler who has got subtle variations and is calm and composed even under extreme pressure. In 98 matches, he has picked up 112 wickets at an average of 22.30 and economy rate of 6.53.

#2 Kieron Pollard (MI)

Kieron Pollard

Kieron Pollard is one of the hottest property in the Indian Premier League due to his powerful striking, athleticism and acrobatic catching in the field.

The Mumbai Indians bought him in 2010 at a huge price of $750,000. Over the years, Pollard has become a senior player and a member of the core group around which the Mumbai Indians squad is formed.

Despite being out of form in the IPL 2018, Pollard was retained by the team before the auction due to his valued service towards the side for almost nine years.

In 132 matches Pollard has scored 2476 runs at a strike rate of 145.73. He has also taken 70 catches in his career so far.

#1 Virat Kohli (RCB)

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli has been one of the top performers in the Indian Premier League for almost a decade now. His technique, strokeplay, and ability to play as per the situation have made him one of the most dangerous players to watch out for the opposition.

He is also a treat to watch for the fans while chasing big targets on board. Despite his heroics, Royal Challengers Banglore have never lifted the prestigious trophy till now. Having played for RCB right from the inception of the Indian Premier League, Kohli was made the captain of the franchise in 2013.

Kohli has scored 4948 runs in 163 matches at an average of 38.35 and strike rate of 130.76. In 2016, Kohli scored 973 runs in 16 games and hence won the Orange Cap. Also, Kohli was declared the most valuable player of the tournament in the same season.