It has been fifteen years since the inception of IPL. Apart from revolutionizing the game itself, IPL has been responsible for the terrific rise of Indian cricket. Especially in the batting department, IPL has helped India develop some fine batting talents. Some of these players who were newbies to cricket when IPL started are superstars at the moment. Hence, it would be interesting to see a few facts related to these stars when they started their IPL career. On that note, in this article, we take a look at five popular Indian batters and the bowler who dismissed them for the first time in IPL history.
1) Virat Kohli (RCB) – Ashok Dinda (KKR) in IPL 2008
Virat Kohli is the highest run-getter in IPL so far. Although he started slow, once he found his groove, it was difficult to stop him. He holds multiple records and some of them might be hard for others to overtake.
The Indian 2008 U19 World Cup-winning captain was part of the first-ever IPL game. RCB was chasing a tough target of 223 and Virat came in to bat at No.3. However, experienced pacer Ashok Dinda was quick to pick his wicket. The West Bengal cricketer clean bowled Virat when his score was just 1(5). Hence, it was not a memorable day for the former India skipper.
2) MS Dhoni (CSK) – James Hopes (KXIP) in IPL 2008
The most expensive player in the first auctions, MS Dhoni was the talk of the town around the time when the IPL started. He had skippered India to a World Cup win and hence, there were too many expectations from the Ranchi-born cricketer.
In the first game, MSD could not do very well. He came out to bat at No.4 but ended with a score of 2(3). Australian all-rounder James Hopes had him LBW in this game.
3) Rohit Sharma (DC) – Murali Kartik (KKR) in IPL 2008
When it comes to Rohit Sharma regarding Indian batters and the bowler who dismissed them for the first time in IPL, Murali Kartik is the name in highlight. At that time, Rohit was part of Deccan Chargers while Kartik was operating at KKR.
Rohit had just started his career then. He had won the T20 World Cup for India in 2007. Many were aware of the talent he possessed and hence, whenever he walked out to bat, there was good attention. In his first IPL game, Rohit was out on a duck and it was Murali Kartik who got him out with the help of Wriddhiman Saha’s catch behind the stumps.
4) KL Rahul (RCB) – Ashish Nehra (DD) in IPL 2013
Compared to the other batters, KL Rahul is fairly new to the league. Nevertheless, thanks to his consistent performances, KL has already entered the elite bracket in IPL. It would not be a surprise if in a year or two, he starts breaking records set by the veterans.
KL started his IPL career in 2013 for RCB. He played his first game against KKR but did not get a chance to bat. In the next game, though, he opened the batting but could make only 12 runs off 12 deliveries. Ashish Nehra accounted for his wicket and Mahela Jayawardene was the catcher in this case.
5) Suresh Raina (CSK) – Wilkin Mota (KXIP) in IPL 2008
Known as Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina was the owner of most of the IPL batting records for a decade or so. He is now not part of the competition.
In the first IPL encounter, Raina got a brilliant score of 32 from just 13 deliveries. He was looking to go for more shots and hence, lost his wicket to Wilkin Mota. Irfan Pathan was the catcher to help Mota get his wicket.
