IPL: 3 instances when players scored a century against their former franchise
Over the years, the IPL has witnessed several scintillating centuries scored by both the domestic as well as the overseas stars. It is the performance of these players, that has taken the league to a whole new level. It all began on April 18, 2008, with Brendon McCullum's thunderous knock of 158(73) against the Royal Challengers at the Chinnaswamy stadium.
In the next season, Manish Pandey playing for the RCB became the first ever Indian to score an IPL hundred. Apart from these knocks, three other players have done something unique in the IPL history. Yes, they have scored a century against the franchises for which they played for several seasons in the past. Let us now look at those players who have scored a century against their former franchise.
#3 Shane Watson (Chennai Super Kings) vs Rajasthan Royals at Pune
April 20, 2018: Shane Watson played eight seasons for the Rajasthan Royals form 2008-2015. He won the inaugural IPL with them under the legendary Shane Warne and was also the Player of the tournament in the 2008 edition of the IPL. After a successful eight-year stint with the Jaipur franchise, he moved to the Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016 after the Royals were suspended for two seasons (2016 and 2017).
He was bought by the Royal Challengers for a whopping INR 9.5 crore, making him the costliest buy of that season. He had a poor stint with the RCB, representing them for two seasons (2016 and 2017). In the 2018 auctions, he was bought by the two-time champions, Chennai Super Kings for INR 4 crore.
In the game against his former franchise, Watson scored a superb century 106(57), which included nine fours and six sixes. He brought up his century in just 51 deliveries, much to the delight of the fans of the Yellow Army.
Watson, who was in fine touch in the previous games continued his good run against the Royals and took Chennai's total to 204-5 in 20 overs after the Royals elected to field first. In reply, the Royals were bowled out for 140 in 18.3 overs and lost the match by a margin of 64 runs. Watson was the Man of the match for his wonderful century which set up Chennai's win.