IPL: 5 famous persons who were once part of the IPL teams supporting staff

Over the years, a large number of legendary players have participated in the Indian Premier League. It was a dream come true moment for the cricket fans when they witnessed their dream partnerships like Sachin Tendulkar-Sanath Jayasuriya, Sachin Tendulkar-Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli - AB de Villiers in real. Fantasy became a reality with the inception of IPL.

Players like Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Rahul Dravid donned the role of the head coach once their IPL playing career was over. Stars like Shane Warne and Zaheer Khan played the role of coach-cum-player.

In the above list of players who have joined the support staff, we will look at five other famous persons who were once part of the supporting staff. Let us look at them one by one.

#5 Kepler Wessels

Kepler Wessels had a decent time with Chennai Super Kings

Kepler Wessels was the first player to represent two different nations (Australia & South Africa) in ODIs. After his playing career, he coached the English county side Northamptonshire from 2003 to 2006.

In the inaugural season of IPL, Chennai Super Kings appointed the South African born player as their head coach. With massive expectation on his shoulders, he successfully helped the team to reach the final in their very first season. However, CSK lost the final to Rajasthan Royals who entered the tournament as ‘underdogs.’

Stephen Fleming replaced Wessels as the head coach ahead of the 2009 season since Wessels initial contract was just for a single year.

#4 Martin Crowe

Martin Crowe had an unsuccessful stint with the Bangalore franchise

Late New Zealand skipper Martin Crowe’s contribution to the national cricket team is invaluable. He will always be the country’s most celebrated batsman.

After his retirement, Crowe continued his association with the game as a commentator. In the first season of IPL, Royal Challengers Bangalore appointed Crowe as the Chief Cricket Officer. However, RCB had a torrid time in their inaugural season as they finished seventh in the points table with just four victories.

Because of the disastrous campaign, Martin Crowe decided to part ways with the RCB management. Vijay Mallaya's open statement on his dissatisfaction with the players picked during the auction by the supporting staff also played a significant role in Crowe's resignation. Later, Ray Jennings took over as the team’s head coach ahead of the 2009 season.

#3 Dennis Lillee

Dennis Lillee (middle) in discussion with the Delhi bowlers

The legendary Australian fast bowler along with his partner-in-crime Jeff Thomson terrorized the batsmen in their playing days. Lillee is one among the players who love to give back the game that gave him everything. He was the director of MRF Pace Foundation for more than two decades.

A plethora of stars graced the IPL’s inaugural season. Just a few days ahead of the tournament, Delhi Daredevils roped in Lillee as their bowling consultant. His presence in the dressing room should have benefited the players like Pradeep Sangwan, Mohammad Asif. Delhi finished fourth in the points table but lost the semifinal to the eventual champions RR in their maiden season.

#2 Sir Vivian Richards

Viv Richards had a very short shirt with Delhi Daredevils

The very first characteristic that comes to everyone mind when think of Sir Viv is his ‘Swag.’ The way Richards carried himself on the field is second-to-none. If Viv played in the current era of T20 with big bats and shorter boundaries, then Viv would have been the ‘Universe Boss.’

In the 2013 season, Delhi Daredevils had lost their first six matches. With so many young players in the squad, DD roped in Richards with the aim of boosting the team morale. Richards donned the roles of a mentor as well as team’s ambassador. However, DD finished last in the points table with just three wins out of 16 games.

#1 Harsha Bhogle

Harsha Bhogle was the advisor of Mumbai Indians in 2008

Harsha Bhogle is a renowned journalist and cricket commentator. Harsha’s journey from an ordinary middle-class person to a famous cricket expert without any considerable cricket background is an inspiration to many.

Mumbai Indians and their love for star-studded support staff started back in 2008. Ahead of the inaugural season, they announced Bhogle as the team’s advisor. His association with the franchise lasted just for a single season. Perhaps, his close relationship with Sachin Tendulkar might have earned him the job. Nevertheless, Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for the semifinal as they ended up fifth in the points table.