Top 5 players who were never released by their IPL teams

The Indian Premier League (IPL), the world's biggest franchise cricket tournament, is growing every year. Since its inception in 2008, the league has served as a platform for players across the globe to showcase their talents. While participating in the cash-rich league is a dream for many players, it is the responsibility of the franchises to pick a roster that can succeed.

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Before the start of every IPL season, teams make some changes in their composition. They are allowed to let go of players who failed to make the desired impact in the previous season and fill vacancies in the auction. However, there are some players who have been irreplaceable assets of their respective teams. They are the face of the franchise and will not be dropped for any cause. 

In this article, we take a look at the top 5 players who were never released by their IPL teams.

5. Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians)

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Mumbai Indians (MI) recruited legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar in the inaugural IPL season (2008). The Master Blaster led MI incredibly well from 2008 to 2011 and the team reached their first IPL final in 2010. Despite relinquishing the captaincy, Sachin has always remained a leader and a great contributor with his bat. He played 78 matches for MI and scored 2334 runs at an average of 33.83, with 1 century and 13 fifties. Tendulkar bid adieu to the sport after winning the title with MI in te 2013 edition. 

4. MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings)

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The signing of MS Dhoni in the inaugural season was a masterstoke by the Chennai-based franchise. He was acquired for over Rs 6 crore as the team captain and is still playing that role with excellence even at the age of 42. No amount of money can match what he has done for the franchise over the years. The legendary captains' mastermind helped CSK emerge as one of the most successful franchises in the league with five titles. The 2024 season is rumoured to be his last, but he is expected to remain with the franchise in a different role. 

3. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

Kohli's Under-19 heroics helped attract franchises in the 2008 IPL. In the first-ever IPL draft, Kohli was overlooked by his home team franchise Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) and picked by Royal Challengers. Since then, the former India captain has never entered an IPL auction - showing what an asset he is to the team and his loyalty to the franchise. Kohli was appointed their captain in the 2013 season and led them until 2021 before handing over the baton to Faf du Plessis. The pinnacle of his IPL career was in the 2016 season, where he led RCB to the final and won the Player of the Tournament for 973 runs - a record that is still unbroken. Although he is not the captain of the team, the 35-year-old is still the leader and their brand ambassador.

2. Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals)

Delhi Capitals (DC) signed flamboyant Indian wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant in the 2016 IPL season. Since then, he has been a valuable asset to the franchise and also held the captaincy. Delhi retained Pant in two mega auctions in 2018 and 2022, and notably, he is their most expensive player (INR 16 crores). However, he missed the entire tournament last season due to a horrific car accident, but he is expected to regain fitness before the 2024 IPL. 

1. Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders) 

The only non-Indian player in the list. Sunil Narine is the backbone of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with his mysterious spin and explosive batting. Ever since his arrival in the IPL, the West Indies spinner has been a vital cog of the KKR team. The Kolkata-based franchise has undergone various changes over the years, but Narine has remained constant. He played 162 matches for KKR and took 163 wickets including a fifer.