Ever since the Indian Premier League came into existence in 2008, it has changed Twenty20 cricket forever. Furthermore, it has set the standard of the game so high that any total is not safe enough and no game is predictable, as either side are equally competitive.
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The tournament has also helped some talented players make a name for themselves and become prospects for their respective national sides. Meanwhile, it has also helped certain top veteran players to cement their legacy.
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Over the years, numerous top players have regularly played in the IPL. On the same note, we present the five top players to have featured in every edition of the tournament.
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AB de VilliersThe flamboyant South African veteran batsman who is famous for his 360 hitting abilities continues to enthral the fans even today. He has been a super hit following his acquisition by Royal Challenges Bangalore in 2011. Although he initially played for Delhi Daredevils for the first three seasons, he has become a fan-favourite at RCB, having scored 4,974 runs in 173 games at an impressive average of 40.8 and a decent strike rate of 152.7. Showing no signs of slowing down, he is expected to feature in the next season as well.
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Shikhar DhawanThe southpaw from Delhi has been a charismatic opener in the tournament since 2008. He began his career with his local team, DD, in 2008, before switching many teams. He was a part of Sunrisers Hyderabad's title-winning campaign in 2016. Currently, he is back with Delhi Capitals and is having a commendable season so far, being the side's highest run-scorer this season, so far. He also holds the record of having hit the most fours in the competition, while he has scored 5,428 runs in 180 matches at 35.0 and an SR of 127.7.
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Rohit SharmaThe opening Indian batsman and the Team India vice-captain is the most successful skipper of his current side Mumbai Indians, which is the five-time defending champion this season. Rohit is also the most successful player of the tournament, having won record six titles. It all started with Deccan Chargers in 2008, as the side lifted the title in 2009. After being roped in by MI in 2011, he was handed the leadership duty in 2013 and won the title the very season. Since then, he and his side have been on a winning streak and the rest is history. He is one of the highest run-scorers of the competition, having scored 5,431 in 205 at 31.6 and 130.6.
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Virat KohliThe Indian skipper has been associated with Royal Challengers Bangalore since 2008 and has also been leading the side since 2013. He has helped the side reach the final on three occasions but has never won the title to date. He is the only cricketer to have played for a single franchise since the tournament's inception. With RCB off to an explosive start in IPL 2021, winning the opening four games and placed atop the table, Kohli and co would fancy their chances this season. As for Kohli, he has delivered consistently as a batsman, as he is the highest run-scorer of the tournament, having scored 6,021 in 196 at 38.4 and 130.7.
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MS DhoniLast, but not least, it is the legendary former Indian skipper MS Dhoni, who has been the longest reigning skipper of Chennai Super Kings and any side in the IPL. Having led the side since 2008, CSK has won three titles under him. During 2016-17, he switched teams momentarily, to play for Rising Pune Supergiant, owing to CSK's two-season suspension. Nonetheless, he is one of the most successful players of CSK and IPL, having scored 4,667 in 208 at 40.2 and 136.7. Fans are expecting him to have one last hurrah before he calls time on his illustrious career, as he turns 40 this July.
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