Here are the little known facts about IPL
What's the story
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season is set to commence on April 9. The cash-rich league returns to India after the last edition was held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with COVID-19 scare. Over the years, we have had many memorable facts in the tournament. However, there are several little known facts about the IPL. Here we present the same.
MVP awards
Tendulkar and Kohli only Indians to win MVP awards
Over 13 seasons so far, two Indian players have won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Former Mumbai Indians captain Sachin Tendulkar was the first one to win the award in this category in the 2010 IPL season. He scored 618 runs that season. Virat Kohli was the second do it in the 2016 season. Kohli scored 973 runs for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
200-plus stands
Kohli has been part of three double century stands
So far, Kohli has been a part of three 200-plus stands in the IPL. He shared a 229-run stand alongside AB de Villiers against Gujarat Lions. This remains the highest partnership for any wicket in the IPL. Kohli and ABD had earlier shared a 215-run partnership against MI in 2015. In 2012, Kohli and Chris Gayle shared 204 runs between them (vs Delhi Capitals).
Unwanted records
RCB, Harbhajan have registered these unwanted records
Royal Challengers Bangalore have accounted for the most scores below the 100-run mark in the IPL (6). They also hold the record for the highest (263/5 vs PWI) and lowest scores (49 vs KKR) in IPL history. Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh and Parthiv Patel have registered joint-most ducks in the IPL (13 each). However, Bhajji has achieved this unwanted tally in 88 IPL innings.
MSD, CSK
Unique records for Dhoni and CSK
MS Dhoni is set to become the first player to appear in 200 matches as captain in the IPL 2021 edition. He has currently led in 188 matches. CSK have appeared in the most IPL finals till date (8). They have won won the trophy on three occasions. They have also lost the most IPL finals (5).
Information
Sangakkara and ABD hold these unique records
Former Deccan Chargers wicket-keeper Kumar Sangakkara has the record for most dismissals in one innings (5). In the 2016 edition of IPL, AB de Villiers registered 19 catches, most in a single season. This record still remains intact.
Feats
Other unique records scripted in the competition
Former RCB bowler Praveen Kumar bowled the first delivery in the IPL, back in 2008. Sourav Ganguly was at the other end to face the first ball. Brendon McCullum hit the first four and six in the IPL. Meanwhile, CSK are the only side that have never changed their captain in the tournament's history.