IPL: Players with most appearances for each team

It is a dream for every Indian player to play the Indian Premier League. The IPL season is usually two months long and hence it is difficult to keep the fitness levels intact. Some players have remained fit and played for their franchise for the entire season continuously.

Some of these players have moved on to some other franchise and have enhanced their reputation. The contribution provided by them to their earlier franchise remains immortal and much valued.

On the other hand, some players have stayed with the same franchise from the start and have earned respect from the owners as well as fans for their loyalty towards the franchise. Let us have a look at the players with most appearances for each team.

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Delhi Daredevils- Amit Mishra (81 matches)

Amit Mishra

Amit Mishra is one of the most veteran spinners in the Indian Premier League. Having started his career for the Delhi Daredevils in 2008, Mishra has represented the team in 81 matches so far and picked up 86 wickets at an average of 23.90.

A quality wrist spinner, Mishra has got the better of several world-class batsmen in this tournament over the years. Further, despite getting fewer chances in the international arena, Mishra has consistently given his best for the Delhi Daredevils.

Kings XI Punjab- Piyush Chawla (87 matches)

Piyush Chawla is perhaps one of the most underrated players in the Indian Premier League. The wrist spinner has got subtle variations which are difficult to pick. He has cemented his place in the Kolkata Knight Riders starting XI since 2014.

Piyush Chawla made 87 appearances for the Kings XI Punjab from 2008 to 2013. He picked up 84 wickets at an average of 26.63. He successfully spearheaded the spin department of the Kings XI Punjab in this brief period.

Rajasthan Royals- Ajinkya Rahane (86 matches)

Ajinkya Rahane is one of the most senior and experienced campaigners for the Rajasthan Royals. He has till now represented the franchise in 86 matches and scored 2417 runs at an average of 34.52.

Being their best Indian player, Rahane was the captain of the team last season due to the absence of Steve Smith. He led the team well and helped them reach the playoffs. Despite being criticized repeatedly by pundits, Rahane tried his level best in every game last season to give an excellent platform for his side to capitalize on.

Royal Challengers Banglore- Virat Kohli (163 matches)

Virat Kohli is one of the most feared and dangerous batsmen in the Indian Premier League. He has made 163 appearances for the Royal Challengers Banglore since 2008 and has scored 4948 runs at an average of 38.35. Despite his phenomenal batting record, he has been unsuccessful in helping his team win the prestigious tournament so far.

His ability to play as per the situation is a rare quality seen in players who have participated in the IPL. Kohli has a never-say-die attitude, and hence he will keep going till RCB win the prestigious trophy.

Sunrisers Hyderabad- Shikhar Dhawan (85 matches)

Shikhar Dhawan is one of the most formidable left-handed batsmen in the IPL. Despite being traded to the Delhi Capitals, Dhawan has made 85 appearances for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and has scored 2518 runs at an average of 34.59.

He played a huge role in their first IPL title victory in 2016 and also provided valuable contributions in the absence of David Warner last season. Hence, Dhawan will be missed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the upcoming season.

Kolkata Knight Riders- Gautam Gambhir (108 matches)

Gautam Gambhir was perhaps one of the best captains in the Indian Premier League. Due to his attitude and brilliance, the Kolkata Knight Riders won the tournament in 2012 as well as 2014. With the bat too, he provided a good start. His footwork against the spinners was a treat to watch for the cricket fans.

Gambhir played 108 matches for KKR and scored 3035 runs at an average of 31.61. He was greatly revered by his teammates as well as the Kolkata Knight Riders' owners for his commitment on the field.

Chennai Super Kings- Suresh Raina (147 matches)

Suresh Raina is one of the most experienced players in the IPL. Having played in the tournament since its inception, Raina has made 147 appearances for the Chennai Super Kings. Due to his all-round performances on the field, CSK have won the tournament thrice in their entire history so far.

He is also the aggregate leading run scorer in the Indian Premier League with 4144 runs at an average of 34.53. Being one of the best fielders in the world, Raina also holds the record of taking the most number of catches (95) in IPL.

Hence, due to his commitment and loyalty towards the team, Raina has almost featured in every match the Chennai Super Kings have played so far.

Mumbai Indians- Harbhajan Singh (136 matches)

Harbhajan Singh is one of the best players to ever play for the Mumbai Indians in their history. He has made a record 136 appearances for the team and has picked up 127 wickets at an average of 26.65.

For almost a decade, Harbhajan Singh was the frontline spinner for the Mumbai and regularly bowled economical overs for them. He paid rich dividends for the franchise by playing a pivotal role in helping them win the IPL thrice.

After he was sold to the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians lacked a specialist spinner last season and hence couldn't qualify for the playoffs.