From 2008 to 2025: Meet the ever-lasting nine IPL OGs-OxBig News Network

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to enter its 18^th season as the ten teams are all ready to stake claim to the coveted title with their exceptional performances on the field. Since its inception way back in 2008, IPL has surpassed everybody’s imagination to become the second most valued sporting league in the world.

The T20 extravaganza completely revolutionised Indian cricket by bringing razzmatazz into the sport, making it a money-making platform for both players and businesses. While over the years, several big legends of international cricket have graced the league with their presence, there have been a select few who’ve seen the tournament reach new heights right from its maiden season till now.

On that note, here’s a look at nine such players who’ve been a part of the IPL since the first season and will also be seen playing in the upcoming edition:

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1. Rohit Sharma

The current India captain was bought for USD 750,000 by Deccan Chargers in the inaugural auction of the IPL. Rohit went on to have a phenomenal season, scoring 404 runs from 12 innings at an average of 36.72 and a strike rate of 147.98 with four fifties.

Rohit hasn’t looked back since then as he’s the third-highest run scorer and has won the most titles (6) in the tournament’s history. He’s the first captain to lead his team to three, four and five IPL titles, having guided Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles under his leadership.

2. Virat Kohli

The most prolific batter in the history of the IPL was picked up by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Under-19 Players’ draft ahead of the inaugural season for USD 50,000. Kohli today stands as the most successful batter in the tournament’s history, with most runs (8004) and centuries (8) to his name. He’s won the Orange Cap twice, in 2016 (973 runs) and 2024 (741 runs).

However, Kohli is yet to win an IPL title and will once again go hungrier than ever in the upcoming season to complete his mission. Among the nine players, Kohli is the only player to have played for just one team since the beginning of the IPL.

3. MS Dhoni

The legendary India captain entered the IPL in a record-breaking fashion by becoming the most expensive player in the inaugural auction, being sold for USD 1.5 million to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Since then, Dhoni has become the joint-most successful captain in the history of the tournament having led CSK to five title wins.

The wicketkeeper batter continues to be the heartbeat of CSK fans and is arguably the biggest crowd-puller in the history of the tournament. He will be seen playing in the upcoming season as an uncapped player for the first time.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s premier off-spinner first grabbed eyeballs with his sensational performances in the IPL as he spearheaded Chennai Super Kings (CSK) spin attack from 2009-2015. Ashwin was a part of the CSK squad in the inaugural season but got his first opportunity to play in the 2009 edition.

He is the joint fifth-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 180 wickets to his name. In the upcoming season, he will be once again seen making his much-awaited return to CSK after ten years.

5. Ravindra Jadeja

Before becoming the most valuable player in the Indian cricket team, Jadeja began the path towards cricketing glory with Rajasthan Royals in the 2008 season. The all-rounder was also picked in the Under 19 Players draft for USD 50,000. Under the leadership of the late Shane Warne, the underdogs were crowned the inaugural winners of the tournament and Jadeja contributed with 135 runs from nine innings.

Jadeja joined CSK in 2012 and has been a part of their three title-winning campaigns. He even helped them win the 2023 edition of the tournament by scoring ten runs required off the last two balls in the final against Gujarat Titans. He also holds the record for scoring most runs (37) in a single over in IPL history against RCB’s Harshal Patel in 2021.

6. Ishant Sharma

The towering India pacer was the most expensive bowler in the inaugural edition, being sold for USD 950,000 to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Ishant was seen as the future of Indian pace bowling following his remarkable exploits in Australia. The seam bowler has evolved with time and has managed to stay relevant even today with his variations.

However, Ishant is yet to win an IPL title and will be eager to win one playing for Gujarat Titans in the upcoming season, who bought him for Rs 75 lakh. During the auction, he became the only player to go under the hammer for both 2008 and 2025 editions of the tournament.

7. Manish Pandey

Pandey rose to the limelight after becoming the first Indian player to score an IPL century during the second edition of the tournament playing for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He began his journey with Mumbai Indians in 2008 and has played for seven IPL teams in his career.

He will be once again seen playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the upcoming season, having been picked for Rs 75 lakh by the defending champions. Pandey also won the 2014 IPL playing for KKR where he was also adjudged Player of the Match for his innings of 94 (50). It remains his only IPL title till date.

8. Ajinkya Rahane

Rahane began his IPL journey playing for Mumbai Indians in the first three seasons before being bought by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the 2011 edition. He rose to the limelight with his prolific performances for Rajasthan from 2012 onwards and even led them in two seasons (2018 and 2019).

After having some poor outings in the IPL, Rahane was bought by CSK for the 2023 edition where he scored 326 runs at a thunderous strike rate of 172.48 and won his maiden IPL title. In the upcoming season, he’s been entrusted with the task of leading the defending champions KKR after being bought for Rs 1.5 crore in the mega auction.

9. Swapnil Singh

The left-arm spinner was signed by Mumbai Indians (MI) for the inaugural season but didn’t get a chance to play. He had to wait for nine more years to make his IPL debut as he played in 2017 for Punjab Kings and represented the franchise for two seasons. He made his return to the tournament in 2023 after being bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for Rs 20 lakh and further played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the next season.

Swapnil was once again acquired by RCB in the mega-auction for Rs 50 lakh using the Right to Match (RTM) card. The 34-year-old has played 14 matches in his IPL career, picked up 7 wickets and has also scored 51 runs.