The Indian Premier Competition (IPL) is the most famous T20 cricket competition in the world, drawing top international players and big viewership every year. From its debut in 2008, IPL has witnessed numerous memorable performances from players who are now famous in India and throughout the globe. In this article, we will assess the main candidates for the title of “King of IPL” based on the way they performed and their effect in the tournament.
The Candidates for the Title of King of IPL
Virat Kohli – The Record-Breaker
Virat Kohli is one of the finest batters in international cricket today, and he is a regular performer in IPL as well. Kohli holds the mark of most runs in IPL history, with 6,618 runs in 198 matches, at an amazing avg of 38.16 and a rate of the strike of 130.41. He has also hit five hundred and 39 fifties in IPL, making him the most frequent run-scorer in the event.
King of IPL Rohit Sharma – The Captain Marvel
Rohit Sharma has been one of the most accomplished captains in IPL history, having guided the Mumbai Indians to five victories in the previous eight years.
Sharma is also a top-class batsman, with 5,268 runs in 207 matches, at a score of 31.31 and a rate of the strike of 130.61. He has also struck a hundred and 39 fifties in IPL, making him a significant player for Mumbai Indians.
King of IPL Chris Gayle – The Universe Boss
Chris Gayle is one of the most fearsome batters in T20 cricket, and his performances in IPL have been exceeding or phenomenal.
Gayle has scored 4,484 runs in 149 matches, with an average of 41.14 and a strike rate of 150.11. He has also struck six centuries and 31 fifties in IPL, making him one of the more prolific batters in the game.
King of IPL MS Dhoni – The Captain Cool
MS Dhoni is one of the finest captains in Indian cricket history, and his leadership qualities have been vital in Chennai Super Kings’ success in IPL.
Dhoni is both a top-class batsman and a fantastic wicketkeeper, with 4,876 runs in 211 matches, at an average of 38.09, and a strike rate of 136.75. He has also scored 23 fifties in IPL, making him a significant player.
Chennai Super Kings. : AB de Villiers – The Superman
AB de Villiers is one of the most flexible batters in international cricket, and his ability to execute unorthodox strokes has earned him a popular favorite in IPL.
De Villiers has scored 4,951 runs in 169 matches, at an average of 40.23 and a strike rate of 151.91. He has also struck three centuries and 40 fifties in IPL, giving him a significant player for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
How much is an IPL worth?
One of the most profitable sporting events in the world is the Indian Premier League (IPL), which Duff & Phelps estimates to have a total brand value of $6.8 billion.
Each team in the franchise-based IPL is controlled by a group of businessmen that competed for the privilege to control and run the club. Franchise costs have dramatically grown since the debut IPL season in 2008 when they were set at $67 million.
The Mumbai Indians, a franchise of Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, are reportedly the most expensive IPL team, with a value of $116.7 million.
The other most expensive teams in the IPL are Chennai Super Kings ($75.2 million), Sunrisers Hyderabad ($76.3 million), Kolkata Knight Riders ($99.3 million), and Royal Challengers Bangalore ($96.5 million).
The IPL makes a sizable profit via sponsorships, media rights, and ticket sales in addition to franchise payments.
Major companies including Vivo, Dream11, and Coca-Cola sponsor the league, while Star India has the broadcasting rights, which it purchased for $2.55 billion to air the IPL from 2018 to 2022.
The IPL has shown a consistent rise in ticket sales, with an average of more than 30,000 spectators per match in the inaugural season of 2019. Over $100 million in income is expected to be made per season from ticket sales alone.
In all, the IPL is a multi-billion dollar business, and because of its success, not only has Indian cricket changed, but sports leagues all over the globe have been held to a higher standard.
