Cricket reigns as the most beloved sport in India, and while we cherish all the other leagues, our hearts are forever with the IPL.
The Indian Premier League quickly captured the nation’s attention, thanks to its fast-paced 20-over format and the star-studded lineup of both national and international players.
An IPL fan never misses a beat, staying informed about everything happening on and off the field. Here are 10 lesser-known facts about the IPL that will leave you amazed:
1. Yuvraj Singh's Record-Breaking Auction Price
In 2015, Yuvraj Singh was purchased for a whopping 16 crores, making him the highest-paid player, even surpassing the game’s winning price of 15 crores.
2. Kings Punjab's Captaincy Carousel
Kings Punjab holds the unique distinction of changing its captain 11 times throughout the IPL’s history. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings stands out for having one captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, remain consistent since the very first match.
3. Sachin Tendulkar's Historic Orange Cap
Sachin Tendulkar made history by becoming the first Indian player to win the prestigious Orange Cap in the IPL, a true testament to his legendary career.
4. Praveen Kumar's Dot Ball Dominance
Praveen Kumar holds the record for the most dot balls bowled in IPL history with an impressive 1,109. He is also known for bowling the most maiden overs, showing his ability to stifle the opposition.
5. Chris Gayle's Six-Hitting Streak
Chris Gayle is a true master of power hitting, having smashed 335 sixes, making him the player with the most sixes in IPL history.
6. IPL's Green Jersey for a Cause
In every IPL season, a match is played where teams wear green jerseys to promote the 'Go Green' initiative, raising awareness about environmental causes. This year, they wore it during the match against CSK.
7. Record-Breaking Fast Fifty and Hundred
K.L. Rahul holds the record for the fastest 50 in just 14 balls, while Chris Gayle set the benchmark for the fastest 100 in 30 balls, showcasing their explosive batting styles.
8. The Incredible Broadcasting Rights Deal
The broadcasting rights for IPL were sold for an astronomical ₹16,347.5 crore to Star India Network, which means that each ball in the game costs around ₹21 lakh – truly a massive deal!
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Purple Cap Feat
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the only bowler in IPL history to have won the Purple Cap twice. Meanwhile, Chris Gayle and David Warner have both claimed the Orange Cap twice.
10. IPL’s Most Valuable Player Trio
Three standout players have won the MVP (Most Valuable Player) award in IPL history:
Andre Russell – 2015 and 2019
Sunil Narine – 2012 and 2018
Shane Watson – 2008 and 2013
The Indian Premier League continues to captivate cricket fans with its thrilling matches, record-breaking performances, and fascinating trivia. From historic auction prices to environmental initiatives, the IPL is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of cricket at its finest.
As each season unfolds, new records will be set, and new legends will emerge, further cementing the IPL’s status as the heart and soul of Indian cricket. Whether you're a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, the IPL never fails to amaze, reminding us why our love for this league is truly unmatched.
