5 Indian players who were adopted by a culturally different city because of the IPL

We often relate to cricketers with the state or city they are born and go onto to represent before playing for the national side. However, in 2008, when the Indian Premier League started, a few Indian marquee players represented their cities (or states) of origin. But as the mega-tournament has grown, a lot of players started to play for teams different from their cities of origin.

However, there have been few players who have represented different teams right from the start or from some point of the 10-year IPL. Hence, here we look at 5 players who were adopted by a culturally different city due to the IPL.

#5 Gautam Gambhir – Kolkata

Even though Gautam Gambhir started with Delhi Daredevils and might end his career there, he will be remembered as Kolkata Knight Riders’ star. In 2011, when KKR bought the Delhi opener, they were clear that he would be their captain for the next few years.

And the Kolkata franchise reaped rewards for their clear-cut planning. Gambhir marshalled the KKR team brilliantly as he led the team to the playoffs in his first year with them. He then led KKR to two IPL titles (in 2012 and 2014). In 7 years, Gambhir led KKR to the playoffs five times and led them to the trophy twice. With the bat, Gambhir amassed 3035 runs in 108 games at an average of 31.61. He took the responsibility at the top of the order.

The connect Gambhir had with Kolkata was different. He was often referred to as a Knight Rider. Yes, Gambhir plays for Delhi in the domestic competitions and will now play for Delhi Daredevils (once again), but his contribution as a Knight Rider will always be special.