IPL 2018: 5 players who have never played for their state-based IPL franchise

The IPL over the years has seen the transfer of many players from one franchise to another. This diversity is the beauty of the league.

Before the inaugural edition, Sachin Tendulkar (MI), Sourav Ganguly (KKR), Virender Sehwag (DD), Rahul Dravid (RCB), Yuvraj Singh (KXIP) were named as the icon players of their state-based franchises and did not go under the hammer.

However after a decade, there have been few players who have never represented their state-based franchises.

Here is a look at 5 players who have played at least 5 seasons of IPL but never played for their state-based franchise, when the franchise has been a part of IPL for more than 5 seasons.

NOTE: Gujarat Lions and Kochi Tuskers Kerala have not been considered since neither of them played 5 seasons. Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad have been considered since the franchise’s base stayed in Hyderabad for all 10 seasons.

1) Virat Kohli

Picture Source - PTI

The Indian skipper who hails from Delhi is one of only two cricketers to play for the same team for all 10 seasons, the other being Harbhajan Singh. Virat’s long-time association with RCB has seen its share of ups and downs.

Even though RCB have still been searching for their maiden silverware, there is no denying that they are proven entertainers and Virat has been a champion batsman for them. As of now, it looks like the deep association between RCB and Virat is not going to end anytime soon.

2) Harbhajan Singh

Picture Source - IPL

The ‘Punjab da puttar’ has been the backbone of the Mumbai Indians for a decade, carrying the burden of the spin department of the team almost entirely on his shoulders. He has proved to be a great utility player for MI, bowling crucial overs often keeping things tight in middle overs and swinging his willow effectively in death overs scoring priceless runs.

One thing that has kept Harbhajan and Mumbai Indians together in the franchise’s core belief of making the team a family.

Harbhajan was retained by Mumbai Indians in 2010 and 2014 and this year it will not be a surprise if MI push hard to secure their senior pro.

3) Ambati Rayudu

Picture Source - BCCI

One of the most underrated cricketers in the league, Ambati Rayudu has done almost everything that has been asked of him from Mumbai Indians.

Hailing from Hyderabad, Rayudu joined the Mumbai Indians in 2010 and has been a vital cog in Mumbai Indians batting line up since then. Rayudu has been a part of Mumbai Indians’ top wins in 2013, 2015 and 2017.

It won’t be a surprise if Mumbai pick Rayudu again this season since they are a close knit unit.

4) Kedar Jadhav

The pocket-sized dynamo from Maharashtra had been a part of the Delhi Daredevils side in 2010 before making a shift to Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011 and again returning to DD in 2013.

He represented Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016 and 2017. Pune is Jadhav’s home-ground, but the right hander has not played for either of franchises based out of Pune (Pune Warriors India and Rising Pune Supergiants).

Jadhav’s all-round ability is likely to fetch him a handsome bid at the auction this time around.

5) Dinesh Karthik

Picture Source - AFP

Dinesh Karthik has a staggering record for Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket. However, the wicket-keeper batsman has never donned the yellow of Chennai Super Kings in any of the ten editions of the league.

In the past Karthik has had stints with Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions. Being in the scheme of things in international cricket always enhances the chances of getting a huge bid and that may work in Karthik's favour this time around.