Over the years, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a cornerstone of cricket, marking nearly two decades of thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. Amidst the ever-changing landscape of teams and players, there are some remarkable individuals who have remained loyal to their franchises since the inaugural season in 2008, continuing to don the same colors even in IPL 2024.

Let’s know about the names of three such players who have stood the test of time and remained synonymous with their respective teams.

MS Dhoni

In the inaugural IPL auction back in 2008, MS Dhoni emerged as the most sought-after player, fetching the highest bid. His journey with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) began with great expectations, and he quickly established himself as the face of the franchise. However, fate dealt a blow to CSK when they faced a two-year ban from the competition due to off-field controversies.

During this hiatus, MS Dhoni found himself donning the jersey of the Rising Pune Supergiants, where he continued to showcase his leadership prowess and cricketing brilliance. Despite the temporary separation, Dhoni’s heart remained with CSK, and when the team returned to the IPL fold, he rejoined them with renewed vigor.

Since then, Dhoni has been instrumental in guiding CSK to numerous victories, earning them multiple trophies along the way. As IPL 2024 approaches, speculation mounts that this could potentially be Dhoni’s swan song in the league, marking the end of an era for one of cricket’s most iconic figures.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s bond with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) stands as one of the longest and most fruitful associations in IPL history. From his teenage years to becoming the league’s highest run-scorer, Kohli’s journey with RCB has been nothing short of remarkable. It’s a partnership that has grown mutually beneficial over the years. RCB played a pivotal role in shaping Kohli’s cricketing prowess, nurturing him into the superstar he is today.

In return, Kohli’s exceptional skills and off-field brand value have immensely contributed to RCB’s success and stature in the league. It’s a symbiotic relationship that has stood the test of time, defining an era in IPL cricket.

Rishi Dhawan

Hailing from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Rishi Dhawan is a renowned figure in Indian domestic cricket. Born in February 1990, Dhawan has carved a niche for himself as a prolific all-rounder, particularly representing Punjab. Although his IPL journey began in 2008 with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), where he was picked for INR 80 thousand but didn’t get a chance to play and was subsequently released.

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However, in 2013, he made a comeback to the league when Mumbai Indians acquired him in the auction. Dhawan then returned to Punjab Kings for three seasons from 2014 to 2016. His third stint with the franchise commenced in 2022 after being bought at the IPL 2022 mega auction. Since then, he has remained a key member of the team, continuing his association with Punjab Kings into IPL 2024.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches its two-decade mark, the enduring loyalty and exceptional performances. Their contributions have not only shaped the league’s history but also exemplified the spirit of dedication and resilience in cricket. Fans are waiting for their favourite player to show fire on the field this season.