IPL history: Top 5 memorable moments for fans

The introduction of the Indian Premier League opened many facets for the cricket fans. Although many great players across the world have played the game, fans have never been able to support them wholeheartedly as fans had only international cricket to enjoy. Unlike football, where city-based franchises had an equal fan following, cricket couldn't follow suit because of the long duration of the game.

But with India's World T20 triumph in 2007, the format gained popularity. This gave birth to IPL as all top players started gathering annually in India for a two-month cricketing extravaganza. It created some moments to be savored as it helped create a great camaraderie among international stars who often play as rivals.

More than anything, each season of IPL has thrown up many enthralling performances by some greats of the game as well as by some greenhorns. IPL has given many moments over the course of 11 years which wasn't possible in International cricket. On that note, let us look at the top five fan moments in IPL history.

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#5 Adam Gilchrist picks up a wicket first ball and dances

Gilchrist picked up his first wicket in his last game

One of the most loved characters in the cricketing arena over the world is former Australian wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist. As he retired just before the start of the inaugural edition of IPL, he was part of the first six seasons. Despite staying out of international cricket, he played some scintillating innings in every season of the IPL.

His best moment would undoubtedly be leading Deccan Chargers to title triumph in 2009 after finishing last in 2008. But the best moment for the fans came in his last ever professional game of cricket. Having witnessed his batting and wicket-keeping prowess, Gilly enthralled the fans with his bowling.

Mumbai Indians, in a chase of 184 lost wickets in the middle to be at 133/8 at the end of 19th over. Gilchrist gave his wicket-keeping duties to Praveen Kumar and came to roll his arm over. He bowled a slowish off-spinner to Harbhajan Singh who holed out to Gurkeerat Singh at long on.

The entire crowd went frenzy and celebrated Gilchrist's first wicket. What was even more entertaining was the fact that Gilchrist put his dancing shoes on and brought his own version of Gangnam Style which was the most popular way of celebrating in the 2013 IPL.

#4 Hardik Pandya-KL Rahul swap jerseys after a thrilling match

Hardik & Rahul swapped their jerseys

Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were in the news recently for an unfortunate incident. But one incident that happened in the 2018 IPL established the off-field friendship among the duo. Mumbai Indians faced Kings XI Punjab in a must-win game at Wankhede. Batting first, Mumbai posted 186 in 20 overs.

Punjab was on course for a victory with Aaron Finch and Rahul stitching together for a 111 run partnership. But some impressive death bowling by Jasprit Bumrah helped Mumbai win the game by 3 runs. Rahul played a valiant knock of 94 only to end up on the losing side.

After the game, Pandya and Rahul exchanged their jerseys. Jersey swap is common among football players after a game. But with cricket being played predominantly as an international sport, jersey swap has never been in trend. With Pandya and Rahul representing the new brand of players, this gesture won them many hearts.

#3 Pondulkar: Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting opening together

Although IPL has always been seen as a wonderful platform for youngsters to showcase their talent, it also provides a chance for the fans all over the world to witness their favorite stars play after they retire from international cricket.

Many legends like Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly, and Muttiah Muralitharan played IPL for years after their retirement. Talking about legends, if there are two batsmen who dominated world cricket in the early 2000s, then it has to be Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting. In fact, no one scored more international runs than these two since their debut to the start of the IPL.

Having guided their national teams for so long, both announced retirement in by 2013. But it was the same year that Mumbai bought Ponting in IPL auction to captain their side. The fans were delighted to see both legends opening the batting together. The memory of these two legends with most international centuries batting together will be etched in every cricket fan heart.

#2 The AB De Villiers-Dale Steyn battle

ABD and Steyn have had eventful face-offs in IPL

The peculiarity of Indian Premier League is that it not only makes two different countrymen as teammates but also pitches the same countrymen against each other. It presented a wonderful opportunity to see AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn face-off against each other and those became moments to savor for in the tournament history.

IPL 5 saw one of the most enthralling encounters. With RCB requiring 39 off 3 overs, Steyn came on to bowl with figures 2-1-7-0. ABD smashed him all over the park for 23 runs to seal the deal in his team's favor.

Steyn got one back by bowling a remarkable spell that knocked RCB out of the tournament in 2012. But the superhuman in AB stunned the cricket fans with his 360-degree batting as he mauled Steyn for 23 runs, to which even Steyn applauded. The battle between two beasts at the top of their powers was one of the highlights of IPL.

#1 Journey of Chennai Super Kings fans from Chennai to Pune

Whistle Podu Army traveled from Chennai to Pune in a special train to support their team

Cricket is one thing that unites every Indian and the fan following for the game is unpalpable. Fans of Chennai Super Kings are one such frenzied group. The fact that their fan base grew enormously despite staying out of the competition was clear evidence of it.

Hence, when they came back in 2018 the city was celebrating as they came in thousands for the practice sessions. The first match at Chennai was an event in itself as players and fans were emotional to see CSK play at Chepauk.

But due to some political tensions, remaining fixtures were shifted to Pune. But just as a blessing in disguise, the move resulted in Whistle Podu army showing their passion. Franchise and fans gathered together to arrange a train for themselves and traveled miles to watch them play.

Fan groups like Swami Army and Bharat Army have been supporting the Indian Cricket team for years. But to see this sort of passion for a city-based franchise has to be the moment of the IPL.