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IPL is one of the biggest T20 tournaments in the T20 franchise cricket calendar. Playing in the league for a long time helps a player attain legendary status in world cricket, let alone Indian cricket. Those players have the huge trust of fans, who put their skills to the test in IPL betting platforms during the season.
This blog looks at the five players who have made the most appearances in IPL history.
Top 5 Players with Most Appearances in IPL
Former India captain MS Dhoni has the most appearances in the history of the IPL. He is closely followed by current India captain Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik in the second and third positions. Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja occupy the fourth and fifth spots in the most appearances chart.
|
Player |
Matches |
|
MS Dhoni |
250 |
|
Rohit Sharma |
243 |
|
Dinesh Karthik |
242 |
|
Virat Kohli |
237 |
|
Ravindra Jadeja |
226 |
MS Dhoni:
The former India captain, MS Dhoni, who led India to glory in the 2007 T20 World Cup and 2011 ODI World Cup, also left a legacy in the IPL. Even before he led the ‘Men in Blue’ to success in the 2011 ODI World Cup, Dhoni had led CSK to the IPL trophy in 2010 and would lead them to another title in 2011.
After a seven-year gap, he would again guide them to IPL trophies in 2018, 2021, and 2023. In between, he played 250 IPL games, the most by any player in the tournament’s history. Dhoni had also represented and captained Rising Pune Supergiant, whom he joined after CSK was banned for two years.
Rohit Sharma:
The current India captain, Rohit Sharma, became a legend in the IPL long ago. He might have become the India skipper in 2021, but he was named the skipper of the Mumbai Indians back in 2013, and he led them to the trophy in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. He would repeat his feats in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.
He started his IPL days with the Deccan Chargers in 2008 before he moved to the Mumbai Indians, where he has earned a reputation as a serial winner. The ‘Hitman’ is the second-leading in the appearances chart with 243 IPL matches under his belt.
● Dinesh Karthik
In a career that started in 2008, Dinesh Karthik has played for various franchises like Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Gujarat Lions. He is currently with Royal Challengers Bangalore. Karthik was part of the Mumbai Indians team that won its first maiden IPL title in the 2013 season.
The wicketkeeper-batted player used IPL to find his way back into the Indian team. He featured for the ‘Men in Blue’ in the 2019 ODI and 2022 T20 World Cups after impressive performances in the league. It is why the Chennai-born cricketer is still in demand and has appeared in 242 IPL matches.
● Virat Kohli:
Kohli became the RCB captain and led them to the final in the 2016 season, where SRH beat them. The legendary batter has played 237 games for RCB, making him fourth on our list of players with the most appearances in IPL.
● Ravindra Jadeja:
Jadeja was part of the India under-19 team, which Kohli captained in 2008. Thanks to his all-round show in the tournament, Rajasthan Royals picked him up in the IPL 2008 season, which was won by the Jaipur-based franchise.
He played for now-defunct Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011 and became part of CSK the following year. Jadeja’s time at CSK was a turning point for him as he made a name for himself in the international arena. The all-rounder, who has played 226 matches in IPL, has won four IPL trophies – 2008, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Concluding Thoughts
Indian cricketers dominate the list of players with the most appearances in IPL. Dhoni and Rohit are two players who have lifted the IPL trophy five times each and have made plenty of runs. Meanwhile, Karthik has used his experience to fight for a place in the national team and succeeded. Meanwhile, Kohli and Jadeja are fighters who have always given their all on the field.
