Sunil Narine creates history: First to claim 200 wickets for single IPL franchise

When Narine etched his name in the record books as the first player ever to claim 200 wickets (including Champions League) for a single IPL franchise (KKR), it hardly came as a surprise to those familiar with his journey — a career marked by remarkable stats and stints with over 19 teams across the globe in the shortest format of the game.

Hyderabad: Sunil Narine is the quintessential legend of Kolkata Knight Riders in the high-profile IPL and a constant factor in the team’s success story over the years!

At 36 in a format which often demands fitness levels, this West Indian represents a different breed of ageing cricketers who take the art of showcasing their skills to the next level. And, so when Narine set a record by becoming the first player in the world to take 200 wickets (including Champions League) for an IPL franchise (KKR), it may not have surprised those who have been following his career. One which is dotted with the extraordinary statistics of him representing more than 19 teams across the world in a shorter format of the game.

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What makes Narine so special even now? His unorthodox action, no doubt he has been reported six times in all including in the 2020 IPL, of hiding the ball behind back, amazing variations with his traditional off-spin, doosra, carrom ball, deception in pace and flight and most importantly the way he reads the minds of the batters.

It is not that batters just cannot afford to have a go at Narine. But the success rate is quite low and that is what makes him one of the important elements in KKR’s success story.

Interestingly, with no-holds barred approach with the willow at the top, this West Indian is quite a head-ache on his day though his average is 17.04 but it is the strike rate of 165.10 that holds back many when they take him on. He once held the record partnership of 105 with Chris Lynn in the power-play in an IPL game!

That the KKR frontline spinner always played a key role in the successful campaigns of the team in 2012, 2014 and 2024 is proof, if needed, that he continues to be a force to reckon with.

Interestingly, Narine played only six Tests between 2012 June and December 2013 for West Indies (picked six for 91 in a lost cause in his last Test against New Zealand in Hamilton) picking 21 wickets.

And, in 65 ODIs with 92 wickets and 51 T20Is with 52 wickets has a pretty decent record too.

But, it is IPL which unmistakably pitchforked the mild-mannered Narine into stardom in the world of cricket because and justifiably earn him a place among legends of the T-20 format.

And if KKR were to retain the title, there is no doubting that a lot depends on Narine’s consistency in this long championship.