5 commentators and their associations with IPL teams in the past

Over the years, Indian Premier League has grown on to become one of the most coveted cricketing tournaments in the world. The eleven editions of the league have seen players from across the globe take part in it in various capacities.

While it's the ever-increasing fervour for the game that keeps us hooked to our TV sets day in and day out, the riveting commentary in the background makes the whole experience of watching the game all the more special. Thanks to our favourite commentators, and their insightful opinions that are aired throughout the game, the viewing experience is never short of its zest and keeps us engrossed all along.

In addition to the numerous seasoned commentators, many cricketers, who were a part of IPL in the past, have now got on the mic to express their views on the game. Here are five such commentators from the current lot who were associated with different IPL teams over the past decade.

#5 Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke played for Pune Warriors India in the past

The former Australian skipper, Michael Clarke, represented Pune Warriors India in the fifth edition of the tournament. Playing under Sourav Ganguly's captaincy, the New South Welshman had six outings for the team in which he managed to score 98 runs at a bleak average of 16.33.

The edition also saw Clarke also picking up two wickets with his left arm spinners. Despite being bought by the same franchise in 2013 as well, the right-handed batsman had to sit out owing to his back injury.

After hanging up his boots as a player, Pup, as he's fondly called, turned into a full-time commentator and joined the commentary panel of IPL in 2017.

#4 Murali Kartik

Murali Kartik represented four franchises in IPL

After making his debut with Kolkata Knight Riders initially, Murali Kartik went on to play for Pune Warriors India, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kings XI Punjab in different editions of the IPL.

Thanks to his exceptional experience of playing county cricket in England, Kartik came into the tournament as a seasoned campaigner. A wily left-arm orthodox spinner, who is hailed for his immaculate control over line and length, Kartik played 56 IPL games and ended up by picking 31 wickets and played a major role in helping his teams defend paltry targets on many occasions. After a brief stint with Kings XI Punjab, he retired from the game in 2014.

The past few years have seen the man from Tamil Nadu thriving in the role of a commentator in the languages of both, Hindi and English.

#3 Matthew Hayden

Matthew Hayden served Chennai Super Kings for the first three seasons

Matthew Hayden formed a crucial part of Chennai Super Kings in the first three editions of IPL. Being bought by the franchise in 2008, the powerfully built opening batsman got the team off to solid starts and helped them pile on massive scores on the board. Hayden also stood out as the tournament's leading run scorer in 2009. In a total of 32 games, the man from Queensland amassed 1107 runs at an impressive average of 36.9 runs per innings.

The Australian is also known for pioneering the use of mongoose bat in T20 cricket. In the third edition of IPL, Hayden blasted away with this inventive bat and played a key role in helping CSK help its maiden title that year.

Since the past few years, Hayden has been a regular feature of IPL's commentary panel as the big left-hander continues to voice his opinion on the game.

#2 Brett Lee

Brett Lee was one among the star attractions in IPL 2008

Brett Lee was one of the hottest properties at the inaugural auction of IPL. Bought by the Kings XI Punjab, the speedster proved to be one of the richest Australian cricketers to walk back home in 2008.

After playing for the men from Punjab for the first three years, Lee moved to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2011 and played a key role in helping the team lift its maiden title in 2012. The New South Welshman, before playing his last season in 2013, accounted for a total of 25 scalps in 38 games.

Brett Lee, much similar to a few other foreign players, is a popular name among the Indian masses. Even though many fans miss watching his daunting bouncers and fiery yorkers, the man continues to entertain them with his engaging commentary.

#1 Harsha Bhogle

Harsha Bhogle worked as the team advisor for Mumbai Indians in 2008

One of the most popular commentators and analysts of the game, Harsha Bhogle donned quite an unfamiliar avatar in the first edition of IPL. Not many might remember the fact that Bhogle played an active role in the first edition of IPL in spite of not being a part of the commentary panel.

He was appointed as the team advisor for the Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai Indians in 2008. Famous for his ingenious and astute analysis of the game, Bhogle worked towards the integration and betterment of the team. Mumbai Indians eventually finished 5th on the points table in the inaugural edition.

After his short stint as MI's team advisor, the man from Hyderabad once again returned to commentary and ever since, has continued to catch our attention us with his trademark commentary.