Credit: IPL
IPL has witnessed some former internationals having a blast and doing better than young and active players in the international circuit. Back in 2008, when Rajasthan Royals (RR) won their maiden title, Shane Warne played a key role with his captaincy and bowling. It’s not just one instance when a retired international figure left a massive impact in the competition. After 17 years of IPL, SportsTiger is keen to discuss the five players who excelled in the league after their retirement.
1. Shane Watson
Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson, who retired from international cricket in 2016, did a brilliant job with his bat for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2018. In CSK’s fourth trophy win, the Aussie all-rounder chipped in with 555 runs in 15 matches at a formidable strike rate of 154.59. With these numbers, he ended up as the fifth-leading run-getter in the season.
2. Matthew Hayden
Matthew Hayden hung his boots from international cricket in January 2009. After a few months of his retirement, he served CSK in the second IPL edition and played an aggressive brand of cricket. The southpaw did an extraordinary job as an opener. Amassing 572 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 144.81, he concluded the season as the Orange Cap winner.
3. Anil Kumble
Anil Kumble brought curtains down to his international career in November 2008. In 2009, Kevin Pietersen, who was the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), left IPL midway to serve England and Kumble was handed the reins of the side. Handling the captaincy mantle brilliantly, former India spinner took the team to the final. In his team’s journey as runners-up, Kumble contributed 21 wickets in 16 matches to end the competition as the second-highest wicket-taker.
4. Adam Gilchrist
Australia legend Adam Gilchrist played IPL for five years after retiring from international cricket in 2008. He became the second IPL-winning skipper after handing success to Deccan Chargers in the 2009 IPL edition played in South Africa. The Aussie led the Chargers from the front and also ended up as the second-highest run-scorer with 495 runs in 16 games at a strike rate of 152.30.
5. Shane Warne
Shane Warne featured in IPL after a year of his international retirement. Back in 2008, he showcased his leadership and bowling mettle and won the trophy for Rajasthan. In RR’s maiden title victory, he bagged 19 wickets in 15 games at a frugal economy of 7.76 and concluded the season as the second-highest wicket-taker.
