Five overseas stars who improved their image in India with IPL

#4 Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine

The mystery spinner from the Caribbean was a revelation when he burst on to the international scene. The subcontinental dust bowls never had a hiccup in churning out quality spin bowlers, but the variations and guile of Sunil Narine were so much that even the Indian fans could not help being jealous.

That he proved to be a thorn in India's flesh on multiple limited over encounters further aggravated the uneasy feeling that came when the fans saw him taking the short run-up. It was not until Kolkata Knight Riders acquired his services in 2011 that Narine's tricks and his sharp turn started to receive the Indian admiration.

With his peculiar hairstyle and calm demeanour, Narine was an instant hit. His ability to wield the long handle has now slotted him as a pinch-hitting opener. He has played the role to perfection, scoring almost 600 runs in two seasons. Add a small matter of 112 wickets and you have one of the most illustrious Caribbean players in the IPL.