The Indian Premier League (IPL) has evolved into a cricketing phenomenon, captivating audiences for 17 glorious years. Numerous players have risen to prominence, becoming household names and leaving an indelible mark on the tournament’s history.
The IPL, initiated in 2008, has transformed into India’s premier sporting event, valued at a staggering $15.4 billion. The league’s global appeal has attracted star performers from around the world, showcasing their talent on the grand stage.
As we delve into the achievements of the Baaps (Fathers) of IPL cricket, it’s essential to appreciate the tournament’s growth and its impact on the cricketing landscape.
This article sheds light on the exceptional achievements of players who have left an indelible mark on IPL matches.
Virat Kohli – The Batting Maestro
Virat Kohli, often hailed as the Baap of Cricket Batting in the IPL, stands atop the run charts with an impressive tally of 7,263 runs. His consistency, highlighted by a record 963 runs in the 2016 season, has made him a stalwart in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lineup.
With an unbeatable record, he has accumulated a whopping 7,263 runs at an average of 37.25 in 237 matches. Kohli, a consistent presence in the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and a participant in three IPL finals, leads the tournament with a 478-run lead.
Kohli’s achievements extend beyond runs; he holds the record for the most centuries by an Indian in the IPL and boasts an impressive array of statistics. His influence on the league has been unparalleled, setting the benchmark for batting excellence.
Achievements of Virat Kohli:
- Virat Kohli holds the record for the most IPL runs with 7,263.
- He has the title for the most centuries scored by an Indian in the IPL.
- In the 2016 IPL season, Kohli scored 963 runs, the highest in a single season.
- Kohli ranks third for the most 4’s in the tournament with 646.
- He played the majority of matches as captain for RCB.
- Kohli has made the most runs against the Delhi Capitals team.
- He has also delivered the most runs against Rising Pune Supergiant.
Virat Kohli’s impact on IPL transcends statistics; it is a testament to his consistency and ability to dominate the cricketing arena.
Shikhar Dhawan – The Baap of Consistency & Father of IPL
Shikhar Dhawan, known as the Baap of Consistency and Father of IPL, has displayed persistent performance since the IPL’s inception. As the second-highest run-getter in IPL history, Dhawan’s consistency earned him the title of the Baap of IPL teams. In IPL 2020, he achieved a milestone by delivering straight centuries, showcasing his brilliance with 6,617 runs, 50 half-centuries, and 2 centuries.
Dhawan’s ability to adapt and deliver straight centuries in IPL 2020 showcases his mastery as a top-order batsman. The Baap of Consistency has earned his place among the cricketing elites with a plethora of records to his name.
Achievements of Shikhar Dhawan:
- Second leading run-scorer in IPL history.
- Most number of 4s in IPL history.
- Among six players scoring numerous hundreds in a single IPL season.
- First batsman to score back-to-back hundreds.
Shikhar Dhawan’s journey in the IPL is a testament to his ability to adapt to different formats and his enduring impact as a top-order batsman.
MS Dhoni – The Baap of the IPL
MS Dhoni, the Baap of the IPL, has been synonymous with success since the league’s inception. As the captain of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Dhoni’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding the team to ten finals and securing five titles.
MS Dhoni made his mark in 2008 as a wicketkeeper-batsman for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With 250 matches and 5,082 runs at an average of 39.09, Dhoni’s lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps, match-concluding prowess, and shrewd decision-making have been crucial in CSK’s success.
Dhoni’s impact goes beyond captaincy; his lightning-fast reflexes behind the stumps and match-concluding prowess make him a force to be reckoned with. The Baap of the IPL has left an indelible mark, solidifying his place as one of the greatest captains in the league’s history.
Achievements of MS Dhoni:
- Sole captain in the IPL T20 tournament to lead his team successfully in the finals ten times.
- Most number of 6s for CSK in the IPL.
- Holds the record for the most times CSK’s captain title in the Indian Premier League.
- Played the most number of matches for CSK in the IPL.
- Holds the record for the most appearances as captain in the IPL playoffs.
- Leads in the majority of 6s as captain in the IPL.
MS Dhoni’s leadership and cricketing acumen have left an indelible mark on the IPL, making him a revered figure in the cricketing world.
Rohit Sharma – The Baap of IPL Team Captain
Rohit Sharma, renowned as the Baap of IPL Team Captains, boasts five IPL trophies and has led the Mumbai Indians to consistent success since 2011. His leadership has been pivotal in Mumbai Indians’ consistent success, turning the franchise into one of the most dominant teams in the tournament. With striking abilities and excellent captaincy, Sharma has become one of the most successful batters in IPL history.
Sharma’s batting prowess, coupled with astute captaincy, has made him a formidable force in the IPL. The Baap of IPL Team Captains continues to inspire with his remarkable achievements and commitment to success.
Achievements of Rohit Sharma:
- Rohit Sharma is among the 4 players with over 5,000 runs in the IPL.
- He is a highly successful skipper, winning 5 IPL trophies.
- Rohit Sharma is recognized as Mumbai Indians’ finest fielder in the IPL.
Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has been a defining factor in Mumbai Indians’ dominance in the IPL, and his prowess as a batsman adds another layer to his legacy.
Jasprit Bumrah – The Baap of Bowling
Jasprit Bumrah, the Baap of Bowling, stands as the number one Indian bowler across all formats. Known for his unconventional action, Bumrah’s lethal pace and control have earned him a position as one of the world’s quickest bowlers. Bumrah’s impact extends to Mumbai Indians’ five IPL trophies, showcasing his ability to control and dismantle opposition batting lineups.
The Baap of Bowling’s achievements include the most titles as a player, the second most wickets for Mumbai Indians, and remarkable bowling figures. Bumrah’s contributions have been pivotal to his team’s success and have elevated him to the status of one of the world’s quickest bowlers.
Achievements of Jasprit Bumrah:
- Jasprit Bumrah holds the record for the most titles as a player.
- He ranks second for the most wickets for Mumbai Indians.
- Bumrah possesses the second-best bowling figures for MI.
- His bowling figures also stand as the fifth finest in the entire IPL tournament.
Jasprit Bumrah’s impact as a bowler is not only statistical but also visible in the fear he instills in batsmen with his unique bowling style.
Shubman Gill – The Baap of Consistent Openers
Shubman Gill, recognized as the Baap of Consistent Openers, represents the new generation of talent in the IPL. Captaining the U-19 World Cup-winning team in 2018, Gill’s rise has been meteoric. Winning the IPL 2023 Orange Cap with 890 runs and displaying consistency at the top of the order, he exemplifies the potential of young players in the league.
Gill’s achievements include being the second-highest run-scorer in an individual edition, showcasing his ability to shoulder responsibility at a young age. The Baap of Consistent Openers is a testament to the IPL’s role in nurturing and showcasing emerging talent.
Achievements of Shubman Gill:
- IPL 2023 Orange Cap winner with 890 runs.
- Second-highest run tally in an individual edition.
Shubman Gill’s rise in the IPL is a testament to the potential of young talent in Indian cricket, and his consistent performances have established him as a key player.
Surya Kumar Yadav – The Baap of Innovative Strokeplay
Surya Kumar Yadav, known as the Baap of Innovative Strokeplay, has played 139 matches and holds the number one rank with 910 points in T20 International. Renowned as SKY, he has become a prominent figure in Mumbai Indians, showcasing innovative strokeplay with an average of 43.21 and a strike rate of over 180.
Surya Kumar Yadav, known as the Baap of Innovative Strokeplay, has brought flair and innovation to the IPL. With a remarkable T20 International ranking and a score above 600, SKY has become a vital asset for Mumbai Indians.
Achievements of Surya Kumar Yadav:
- Number one ranked player with 910 points in T20 International.
- Second MI player with a score above 600.
Surya Kumar Yadav’s innovative strokeplay and ability to adapt to different formats have solidified his position as one of the most exciting players in the IPL.
CSK & MI – The Baap of IPL Teams:
Well, this is really hard to decide as we have two competitors for this title. The two most successful teams in IPL history are Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). They have both won four and five IPL titles respectively, the most by any team. They have also reached the most IPL finals, with MI reaching six and CSK reaching nine. They have a fierce rivalry and have faced each other in five IPL finals, with MI winning four and CSK winning one.
MI and CSK also have the highest winning percentages among all IPL teams, with CSK having 60.27% and MI having 59.04%. They have the most wins in IPL history, with MI having 138 and CSK having 131. They have also produced some of the best players and captains in IPL history, such as Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Suresh Raina, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja.
What Makes These Team Baaps of IPL Teams
Mumbai Indians (MI):
- MI’s Big Wins: Mumbai Indians (MI) holds the record for the most IPL titles, winning five times in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. This consistent winning streak has earned them the nickname ‘Baap’ or father of the IPL.
- Solid Team: MI has a strong and stable team with key players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, and Suryakumar Yadav. Their success has gained respect from fans and opponents.
- Financial Support: MI is supported by Reliance Industries, a major Indian company. This financial backing allows them to attract and keep top players.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK):
- Second-Most IPL Titles (4): CSK has won the IPL trophy four times, in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021. Their consistent performance over a long period makes them a force to be reckoned with.
- Loyal Fanbase: CSK boasts one of the most loyal and passionate fanbases in the IPL. Their “yellow brigade” is known for its unwavering support, even in times of struggle.
- MS Dhoni Factor: Led by the legendary MS Dhoni, CSK has a proven leader who has brought calmness and strategic brilliance to the team. Dhoni’s legacy and influence on the game add to CSK’s claim to the “Baap” title.
MI’s Achievements:
- MI has won five IPL titles, the most by any team
- MI has reached six IPL finals, the second-most after CSK
- MI has the second-highest winning percentage among all IPL teams, with 59.04%
- MI has the most wins in IPL history, with 138
- MI has produced some of the best players and captains in IPL history, such as Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kieron Pollard
- MI has also won the CLT20 twice, in 2011 and 2013.
CSK’s Achievements:
- CSK has won four IPL titles, the second-most after MI
- CSK has reached nine IPL finals, the most by any team
- CSK has the highest winning percentage among all IPL teams, with 60.27%
- CSK has the second-most wins in IPL history, with 131
- CSK has produced some of the best players and captains in IPL history, such as MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, and Faf du Plessis
- CSK has also won the CLT20 twice, in 2010 and 2014.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the achievements of these Baaps of IPL cricket, it’s evident that the league has become a breeding ground for talent and a stage for cricketing excellence. The evolution of the IPL over 17 years has transformed it into a global phenomenon, attracting players from various cricketing nations.
The Baaps of the IPL, whether through consistent performances, astute captaincy, or innovative play, have left an indelible mark on the league’s history. From Virat Kohli’s run machine to MS Dhoni’s Captain Cool, each player has contributed to the rich tapestry of IPL cricket.
While the list of Baaps may be subject to debate, their impact on the league is undeniable. The IPL has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences worldwide and providing a platform for cricketers to showcase their skills.
As the IPL continues to evolve, new stars will emerge, adding their names to the illustrious list of Baaps. The journey of the IPL is far from over, and cricket enthusiasts can look forward to more exhilarating seasons, filled with iconic moments and the rise of new cricketing legends.
Engaging in online IPL betting allows fans to not only support their favorite players but also be part of the excitement that the IPL brings. The legacy of the Baaps of IPL cricket lives on, and the league remains a celebration of the sport’s spirit and excellence.
