Five Indian superstars who have never played for their home IPL team

It is always obnoxious to watch our favourite home-based cricketers playing against our very own home team in the IPL. The feeling gets more repulsive especially when we see them clobbering our home teams vigorously. But such has been the nature of India’s biggest cricketing carnival. While a player like Rohit Sharma plays for his home team (MI) and has created a realm of success for them, In contrast, there comes the tales of MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli who have not only ever represented their home franchise (regardless of its availability) but have also become the most popular locals of their franchise. All in all, there are many such Indian cricketers so let’s check out the five very popular ones.

5. Ambati Rayudu

It’s a no brainer that this stalwart born in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh is always seen either donning a blue or a yellow jersey in the IPL. Since 2010, when he got infused into the IPL, the cricketer was first seen playing for Mumbai Indians for eight consecutive years and then later got picked by CSK in the 2018 mega IPL auction. Although fingering out his home team can be a tad difficult as Rayudu has played for Hyderabad, Andhra and Baroda. But being an Andhra born cricketer one can say that he is due to play for his home team in IPL.

4. Dinesh Karthik

Regardless of making his domestic side (Tamil Nadu) the recent champions of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Karthik is yet to represent his home side in the IPL. His IPL career just like his international one has been full of eventful endeavours as the wicket-keeper batsman has always been one of the best formidable prospects available. All in all, Dinesh Karthik has played for Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders.

3. Harbhajan Singh

One of IPL’s most successful spinners, Harbhajan Singh has only donned a blue and a yellow jersey. Since 2008, the man from Punjab was a senior figure in MI camp and was the captain when Mumbai Indians won their first breakthrough event  (CLT20 in 2011). Since then, the off-spinner has been a vital cog in MI’s flurry of IPL titles. In 2018, Harbhajan did begin his stint with CSK but is now available for selection in the upcoming IPL auctions. Till date because of his invaluable proposition, Harbhajan hasn’t much tasted the events of an auction trading hence one might see him getting picked by his home team (KXIP).

2. Shreyas Iyer

Regardless of emerging from the Bombay school of batting, Shreyas has always been a Delhiite during the time of IPL since 2015. It was Delhi Daredevils’  assistant coach Pravin Amre who had infused him into the DD camp by making him the most expensive uncapped player in 2015 auctions (2.6 crores). Since then not only the man from Mumbai has transitioned into a vital cog of the Delhi Capitals’ side but he is also their formidable skipper. His leadership has been highly successful hence it will be highly elusive to watch him play for his home team.

1. Virat Kohli

Since his U-19 days, Virat Kohli’s association with the RCB has remained as ardent as one could imagine. Since 2013, Virat has been in charge of the team’s reigns and has done reasonably well. With 2016 being his breakthrough year, the skipper had smashed all records whether it was the most runs being scored in a single season or most centuries. Both Virat and AB de Villiers are the two vital jewels of the Bangalore side and it will be highly elusive to see him play for his home team.