Six Overseas Greats Who Shaped the IPL

Every IPL team can field up to four overseas players, and the best of them have become as much a part of their franchises as any local hero. These six are among the greatest imports the league has seen.

Chris Gayle

The self-styled "Universe Boss" played for Kolkata, Bengaluru and Punjab, and holds two of the IPL's most famous records. His 175 not out against Pune Warriors in 2013 is still the highest individual score, and the 30-ball hundred within it is still the fastest. He also hit more sixes than anyone else in IPL history: 357.

AB de Villiers

After starting with Delhi, de Villiers spent eleven seasons at RCB, from 2011 to 2021. Known as "Mr 360" for his ability to hit the ball anywhere, he formed one of the league's great batting partnerships with Virat Kohli.

David Warner

Warner is the only player to win the Orange Cap three times, in 2015, 2017 and 2019. He also captained Sunrisers Hyderabad to their only title, in 2016, scoring heavily throughout the season and making 69 in the final.

Lasith Malinga

With his slinging round-arm action and deadly yorker, Malinga was the IPL's first great death-overs bowler. He won four titles with Mumbai Indians, and his last ball of the 2019 final, an lbw to win by one run, is one of the most famous deliveries in the league's history.

Malinga's last ball of the 2019 final is one of the most replayed deliveries in IPL history.

Kieron Pollard

Pollard played his whole IPL career for Mumbai Indians, from 2010 to 2022, and was part of all five of their title wins. A huge hitter at the end of an innings and a useful medium-pace bowler, he became one of the most reliable finishers the league has seen.

Sunil Narine

Narine arrived at Kolkata in 2012 as a mystery spinner and helped them win the title in his first season. Years later he reinvented himself as an explosive opening batter. He has won three titles with Kolkata, in 2012, 2014 and 2024, and has stayed with the franchise throughout.

Honourable mentions

• Dwayne Bravo: won the Purple Cap twice, in 2013 and 2015.
• Shane Watson: unbeaten hundred in the 2018 final.
• Shane Warne: captained Rajasthan to the first IPL title in 2008.