The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been about more than just cricket. Millions of people tune in to watch the game, and each one has an emotional connection to the franchise or a particular Indian or foreign cricketers.
Cricket has always been recognized as a gentleman’s game, as evidenced by players from all over the world. Despite intense rivalry and significant game moments, some foreign cricket players remain upbeat. Their attitude on and off the field has helped them win the hearts of millions of people worldwide in the IPL.
When a player demonstrates humility in front of his younger teammates, coaches, and international cricketers, he earns respect and admiration. One will never see a particular group of players become upset or engage in a heated debate on the field. Let us take a moment to remember all of those gentlemen by taking a look at-
Who is the most loved overseas cricketer in India?
1. AB de Villiers is the most loved Foreign Cricketers in India
Without a doubt, ABD is one of the most popular cricketers in the world. Mr. 360 has established his image as the best in the business in the field, and he is equally sweet and cool off the field.
His batting and fielding masterclass is an art form that fans can become addicted to. However, the emotional bond he has formed with fans and players from other countries can not be expressed in words. Indians adore him, which explains why he has bonded so well with his IPL franchise, RCB.
AB de Villiers began his Indian Premier League (IPL) career in 2008 with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He played for the Delhi Daredevils in the first three IPL seasons, scoring 671 runs in total, including a century in the second season. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) purchased him in 2011 for INR 5 Cr and has not released him since. He has single-handedly won several matches for his team, the most famous of which was an 18-run innings in a Dale Steyn over.
When he burst into tears during the 2015 World Cup semi-finals, the entire world watched in despair. Recently, Aakash Chopra stated that he witnessed AB receiving a grand standing ovation in India, which had previously only been given to players such as Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, or Rohit Sharma.
2. Chris Gayle.
Chris Gayle is the 2nd most loved foreign cricketers in India. In the 2009 season, he made his IPL debut for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He single-handedly won many matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore in later editions (RCB). He hit 733 home runs at a strike rate of 160 during the 2012 season. The following year, he took the T20 world by storm with a 175-run knock against Pune Warriors India. He has 4950 runs at an average of 40.2 and a strike rate of 149.4 in 140 matches, with six centuries and 31 fifties. His career-high is 175 runs not out, which he achieved in the 2013 season. He was purchased by Kings XI Punjab in the IPL 2018 player auction for a base price of INR 2 Cr.
3. Kane Williamson.
Sunrisers Hyderabad purchased him for Rs 60 lakh in the IPL 2015 player auction, and he helped his team win the championship. SRH has signed him to a new contract for the coming season. Sunrisers Hyderabad paid INR 3 crore for him in the IPL 2018 player auction. He has scored a 1747 run at an average of 41.6 with a strike rate of 134.2, including 16 fifties, in 57 matches.
We can’t think of a better candidate than Kiwi star Kane Williamson. Unless and until he appears on a regular basis, no one will know he is on the field. He prefers to lead quietly, wrapped in the best of a calm and cool demeanor.
Fans and players have never seen him get into heated arguments or start sledding on the field. He is only quiet and keeps a smile on his face even in the most trying of circumstances. Because of his completely humble demeanor, he is universally adored.
The New Zealand cricket team had a lot of bad luck, but he kept his pain hidden behind his soft smile. While he walked down the stairs following New Zealand’s heartbreaking loss in the 2019 World Cup final, fans all over the world shared his sadness.
4. Lasith Malinga.
Malinga is one of the world’s most celebrated pacers, having faced all adversity with a loving smile on his face. During his prime, he ruled the bowling charts while displaying class, and he continued his form in the IPL as well.
He gained a lot of fans in India while playing for the five-time champion Mumbai Indians. He is still their all-time leading wicket-taker. When he announced his retirement from franchise cricket, he received overwhelming support from all Indian fans and players.
People wrote him several heartfelt notes to tell him what a legend he was and how much he had done for Mumbai. In every way, the classy Sri Lankan rounds out this illustrious list.
Malinga was a member of the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He took 5 wickets against the Delhi Daredevils in his first match for the Mumbai Indians in the fourth season.
He won the Purple Cap award (Most wickets) in the fourth season of the Indian Premier League while playing for the Mumbai Indians, with 28 scalps in 16 matches.
The Mumbai Indians did not purchase him during the 2018 IPL Auctions, but he was named as the team’s bowling coach.
He has played 122 games for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL and Champions League T20 and is the franchise’s leading wicket-taker with 170 scalps at an economic rate of 6.88. In 2019, he was acquired by the Mumbai Indians once more.
Malinga has played 122 matches in the IPL, taking 170 wickets at an average of 19.80 and the best bowling figure of 5 for 13.
Conclusion:-
In the IPL, players such as Maxwell, David Warner, Quinton de Kock, Jonny Bairstow, and Eoin Morgan are all dangerous. The most popular Foreign Cricketers in India, on the other hand, are listed above in terms of fanbase, and they are still improving in one format or another. We hope you found the most loved Foreign Cricketers list in India. Also, don’t forget to share your valuable thoughts on this list in the comments section below.
Source:-Stats from Cricbuzz & ESPNcricinfo.
