We are ready for the Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (CSK vs RCB) match, which is the eighth match of the IPL 2025 and will be played on Friday evening (March 28) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai. Here, we are going through the top favourite names for the captain and vice-captain of Dream11 for the match. 

IPL 2025, Match 8: CSK vs RCB Probable XIs

Chennai Super Kings Predicted Playing 11: Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad (Captain), Rahul Tripathi/Khaleel Ahmed (Impact Player Sub), Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Nathan Ellis, Noor Ahmad

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Predicted Playing 11: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar (Captain), Devdutt Padikkal/Suyash Sharma (Impact Player Sub), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Salam/Swapnil Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal 

See Also: RCB’s Last Win vs CSK in Chepauk: World was Different in 2008

IPL 2025, Match 8: CSK vs RCB Dream11 Top Captains And Vice-captains

Top 3 Captain's choices

Rachin Ravindra: New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra is in great form with the bat. While CSK had a tricky chase of 156 runs against Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2025 opener, Ravindra scored 65 not out off 45 balls with two fours and four sixes, as CSK managed to chase the target despite losing wickets at regular intervals. His spin bowling is also an asset for his team.  

Krunal Pandya: While RCB managed a solid start in the IPL 2025 with a seven-wicket thrashing win against the hosts and defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Krunal Pandya was the main character why RCB return to the game and never lost the plot since then. The left-arm spinner maintained tight lines in the IPL 2025 opener as he dismissed set captain Ajinkya Rahane (56), Venkatesh Iyer (6), and Rinku Singh (12). He had the bowling figures of 4-0-29-3 as he won the Player of the Match award. In Chennai, he can play another crucial role for his team with the ball. 

Virat Kohli: Former RCB captain Virat Kohli is now in great form with the bat in white-ball cricket. The leading run-scorer in IPL history started the IPL 2025 in familiar style as his powerful 59 not out off 36 balls (four fours and three sixes) had an important role in the successful 175-run chase. 

Top 3 Vice-captain's choices

Noor Ahmad: The Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad was the hero for CSK in their first game of the IPL 2025, where they beat Mumbai Indians by four wickets with five balls to spare. While they restricted MI to 155/9 in 20 overs, Noor had the bowling figures of 4-0-18-4, as he dismissed Suryakumar Yadav (29), Robin Minz (3), Tilak Varma (31), and Naman Dhit (17). 

Khaleel Ahmed: While Noor Ahmed was the Player of the Match for CSK in their IPL 2025 opener, the left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed set the tone for that with his two wickets in the powerplay. In his first two overs, Khaleel dismissed Rohit Sharma (0) and Ryan Rickelton (0). Later, in the slog overs, he dismissed Trent Boult (1) and finished with the bowling figures of 4-0-29-3. 

Ravindra Jadeja: Chennai Super Kings all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is always a key name in any format of cricket as he is a rare asset for any team. In Chennai, his left-arm spin bowling is key, while the left-handed batter can also play crucial cameos. In their first IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians, while Jadeja controlled with the bowling figures of 3-0-21-0, he came at a crucial time in the batting and set up the match-saver 36-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Rachin Ravindra before the Indian cricketer was run out for 17 runs. 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a stage for explosive batting, and the 20th over often decides the fate of matches with its high-stakes drama. Here’s a look at the top players with the most sixes in the 20th over, based on balls faced.

Leading the pack is the legendary MS Dhoni, reigns at the top of the chart with 69 sixes out off 330 balls. The nickname, "Captain Cool," that he has earned is due to his strength of the capability to end games with those big strikes which has made him the most favored player and the most fearful of bowlers in the death overs.

Following him is Kieron Pollard, who has succeeded in hitting 33 sixes off 189 balls. This West Indian at many times has been the individual who gets the advantage of the match to the side of Mumbai Indians by his extraordinary magnitude.

Most 6s in 20th Over in IPL

69 - MS Dhoni (330b)
33 - Kieron Pollard (189b)
30 - Ravindra Jadeja (181b)
28 - Hardik Pandya (117b)
23 - Rohit Sharma (91b)
21 - 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗱 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿 (106b)*
20 - Dinesh Karthik (136b)
19 - AB Devilliers (88b)#DCvsLSG

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) March 24, 2025

Also Read: Krunal Pandya’s birthday celebrated in RCB camp amid IPL 2025

Next Ravindra Jadeja who has hit 30 sixes in 181 balls, & he is an epitome of versatility among cricketers. And Hardik Pandya’s 28 sixes in 117 balls prove how he always drives the onlookers to the edge of their seats. Rohit Sharma (23 sixes off 91 balls) and David Miller (21 sixes off 106 balls) contribute their part, with Miller still playing and setting his sights on the list’s ascension. Also on the list are Dinesh Karthik (20 sixes off 136 balls) and AB de Villiers (19 sixes off 88 balls) to complete the picture, the accolade of a game changer being appropriate for them.

Also Read: Nicholas Pooran's smashing over: 28 runs in just six balls!

Their ability to maintain their cool is what sets apart in these high octane encounters. Classic moments from IPL history such as Dhoni’s helicopter shot and Pollard’s majestic lofts coupled with de Villiers’ 360 degree innovation will always remain in our memories. While Jadeja and Pandya have took the baton and established themselves as the new age phenomenal finishers with unmatched accuracy and power.

We might see new people on this list with the evolution of T20 cricket, but thoes names will always be remembered.

The IPL comes with glamour, edge-of-the-seat cricket, and multi-crore rupee deals. But amidst all the glamour, there have been dark incidents also that shook the cricketing community. Here are some of the most noted IPL scandals:

1. 2013 Spot-Fixing Scandal

This was among the darkest times of IPL history. Three Rajasthan Royals players, Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan, were arrested for spot-fixing. The image of the league left everyone shocked.

2. CSK and RR Banned (2015)

Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two years when their promoters got involved in illegal gambling. It was a devastating blow, as CSK was one of the most successful teams in the IPL's history.

ALSO SEE: Highest-Paid IPL Players Who Never Played a Single Match!

3. Lalit Modi Controversy

Lalit Modi, the creator of IPL, was charged with irregularities and suspended by the BCCI in 2010. His abrupt departure from the league raised a number of questions regarding cricket administration corruption.

4. Suspension of Ravindra Jadeja (2010)

Jadeja, the superstar of today, was suspended for the 2010 season when he attempted to negotiate with another team while he was already contracted to Rajasthan Royals. It was an unusual instance of a player being punished for breach of contract.

5. Harbhajan Singh Slaps Sreesanth (2008)

In a shock during the inaugural season of IPL, Indian player Sreesanth was slapped by Harbhajan Singh following a match between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians. It resulted in Harbhajan's suspension for the remainder of the season.

But despite all the scandals, the IPL is one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world. Even though scandals rocked the tournament, popularity of the tournament is growing year by year.

Which of the IPL controversy do you remember most?

India has won numerous ICC trophies in the past, with some players giving excellent performances at the right time.

The players who received the most Man of the Match awards during each winning campaign:

1983: Mohinder Amarnath

Mohinder Amarnath was a crucial member of India's historic World Cup victory. He received two Man of the Match awards, one for the semi-final against England and another for the final against West Indies. His all-round play, providing important wickets and solid batting, assisted India in capturing the trophy.

2002: Virender Sehwag

India co-shared the Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka in 2002, and Virender Sehwag was one of the stars of the tournament. He received two Man of the Match awards for his explosive batting and effective bowing contributions.

ALSO SEE: Players With Most Sixes In Champions Trophy 2025

2007: Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh played a major role in India's success in the first T20 World Cup. He received two Man of the Match awards, both for one against England when he hit six sixes in an over and the second for his aggressive knock against Australia in the semi-final.

2011:Yuvraj Singh

The 2011 World Cup was ruled by Yuvraj Singh, who collected four Man of the Match awards. He scored important innings with the bat and also chipped in with the ball, thus becoming the pillar of India's campaign. His all-round excellence guided India to lift the trophy after 28 years.

2013:Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja was one of the star performers in India's 2013 Champions Trophy victory. He secured two Man of the Match awards for his all-round performances, including match-winning bowling efforts and aggressive lower-order hitting.

2024: Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah was the match-winner for India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He secured two Man of the Match awards for his superb bowling performances, contributing significantly to India's victory.

2025:Virat Kohli

One of the all-time great batsmen, Virat Kohli once again rose to the occasion in the 2025 Champions Trophy. He earned two Man of the Match awards to establish himself as a player who can perform under pressure and took India to another ICC title.

From Mohinder Amarnath in 1983 to Virat Kohli in 2025, each ICC victory has been crafted by the players who played when it counted. With additional tournaments in store, people can't help but wait for the next big star who will lead India to victory.

30 to win off 30 and South Africa were cruising in the T20 World Cup Finals last year. The game was slipping away until Jasprit Bumrah came with a magical spell to bring the trophy home. He was center stage again during the Border Gavaskar Trophy finishing with 30+ wickets, dominating and single-handedly keeping India through the series. Ruled out though, the Champions Trophy was always going to be a challenge for India. Their strike bowler was gone and India were going in without a trump card seemingly. Dubai though, with its spin allowed India to trust their vintage spin.

Most teams go in with two spinners and maybe a part-timer on conditions that offer a good amount of turn. India, though, started with three to challenge Pakistan and Bangladesh. They then decided that they could do with one more, bringing their final Trump card, Varun Chakravarthy, in to play four spinners. Dubai was helping them with a lot of spin and slowness on tired tracks that have recently hosted the ILT20. From the norm of two spinners and a part timer, India went with not three but four spinners of differing variety. Two of them are left-arm spinners who bat as good as anyone in the top five thus extending the batting line-up to number eight while giving six genuine bowling options. They also went with two wrist-spinners using both hands with a lot of mystery behind them.

In Axar Patel, India had a left-arm spinner who could bowl in the powerplay while also batting at number five gave India a leftie in the middle-order. The other left-arm spinner, Ravindra Jadeja, is among the greatest all-rounders in the game and is a proven master of the middle-overs. In each game he was as quick as ever into his overs, finishing them in less than two minutes giving batters little time to breath. His fielding is an added bonus with the arm as good as ever. Kuldeep Yadav the third one comes with a lot of mystery and woke up as a death bowler in the tournament bowling a fair chunk of his overs in the last ten of the innings. The fourth one, Varun Chakravarthy comes in with mystery of his own. He is relatively new as well in the international circuit and can bowl equally well through the innings.

With the quartet, India were quick in spinning webs around the batters. Solid starts quickly became slow paced with batters struggling to find the boundary or even get the ball past the square for a single. The final was clear evidence of the spinners doing their magic. At 57 for no loss in the 9th over, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra were running away with the game. Varun Chakravarthy though opened the game up with a beauty to get Will Young and Kuldeep Yadav bowled what could be the ball of the Final to get Rachin Ravindra. He picked the wicket of Williamson as well and that set New Zealand into snooze mode. The intent was gone and India had the best men to make the most of it. Axar Patel started but it was Ravindra Jadeja, introduced in the 19th over who got into his rhythm. It was his day as he bowled over after over, hitting the same line and length that made him dangerous for so many years. There wasn't much spin but he was getting it to grip, and being the fastest of the four he was tough to get under. Jadeja rushed through his overs bowling nine unchanged and getting Tom Latham out sweeping. He followed with some energetic chases and rocket throws while finishing the innings at number eight highlighting his value once more in the side.

The middle-overs shift though was not his alone. With Jadeja holding one end, the attacking bowlers took the other ends with Kuldeep, Axar and Chakravarthy rotating. Kuldeep and Chakravarthy had already laid the groundwork with three wickets between them and Rohit Sharma used the three of them beautifully in bursts. It was Chakravarthy who got Glenn Phillips again at the right time with Phillips just getting into his groove heading into the slog overs. The other left-arm spinner, Axar Patel, comes in slightly differently. Taller than Jadeja, he brings in the extra bounce and he was just as good, if not better than Jadeja at applying the squeeze, picking up wickets as well at key points. For Axar though, bowling was not the only aspect. His batting in the top five was equally crucial. He played a key knock in the Final, as the leftie in the middle-order.

With Kuldeep Yadav, India did not miss Bumrah as Yadav took the death overs and bowled them really well. The true trump card though was Varun Chakravarthy who was tough to pick. Teams could not read him as he took nine wickets in the three matches he played. Had he started the Player of the Tournament medal could have well been his. The tournament had a lot of dominance with the batters making marks at different times. The engine room though was clearly the spin quartet, which is something that is very rare to see and something Cricket might not see as often.

Success in international cricket is measured by titles, performances under pressure and match winning performances. One major metric to gauge a player’s impact is the number of wins he has been part of in ICC white ball events (ODIs and T20Is). A recent list has the top cricketers with the most wins in ICC events and it’s no surprise that modern day greats like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma top the list.

With 72 wins in 90 matches, Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli has been part of the most number of wins in ICC white ball tournaments. His ability to perform on the biggest stage, whether in World Cups, Champions Trophy or T20 World Cups, makes him one of the most important cricketers of his era. Kohli’s match winning performances, especially in high pressure games have been the reason for India’s success over the years.

India’s current captain Rohit Sharma is just behind Kohli with 70 wins in 90 matches. He is known for his effortless stroke play and ability to rise in big tournaments, Rohit has been a key player in India’s wins in ICC events.He has centuries in World Cups and has led, so he’s one of the all time greats.

The list also features some of the most decorated cricketers in history.

• Mahela Jayawardene (Sri lanka) - 57 wins in 93 matches
• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) - 56 wins in 90 matches
• Ravindra Jadeja (India) - 52 wins in 70 matches
• Ricky Ponting (Australia) - 52 wins 70 matches
• MS Dhoni (India) - 52 wins in 78 matches                                                                                                                                                                                         

Sri Lankan greats Jayawardene and Sangakkara were the main men in their team’s success in the 2000s and early 2010s, taking Sri Lanka to multiple ICC finals, including a T20 World Cup win in 2014.

Part of Most wins in ICC Events (White Ball)

72 - Virat Kohli (90 Matches)
70 - Rohit Sharma (90 Matches)
57 - Mahela Jayawardene (93 Matches)
56 - Kumar Sangakkara (90 Matches)
52 - Ravindra Jadeja (66 Matches)
52 - Ricky Ponting (70 Matches)
52 - MS Dhoni (78 Matches)… pic.twitter.com/Ewz1f7K7s2

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 10, 2025

Also Read: Cricketers Who Made Stunning Comebacks Thanks to IPL

MS Dhoni, the Indian captain, is also on this list with 52 wins in 78 matches. He led India to win the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, so he’s one of the most successful captains in ICC history.

It is a mark of the players' consistent performances and their ability to perform in the clutch in ICC white ball events that the list is as it stands today. This has written a new chapter in the history of cricket with Kohli and Rohit leading India as captain, while legends of the game like Dhoni, Ponting and Jayawardene have come to the crease and left their mark. As the next ICC tournaments approach, fans will be waiting to see who rises to the top and adds to their legacy.

Over the years, cricket supporters have noticed an interesting pattern. Whenever Virat Kohli has an emotional embrace with an elder player, retirement news is close behind. This has created a fun but thought-provoking debate—is the Kohli Hug a secret farewell sign?

1. MS Dhoni (2020) – The First Clue

The Kohli Hug was first popularized in 2019, during the Cricket World Cup. Kohli was observed having an emotional moment with MS Dhoni, even compelling fans to support him.

Even a year after that, on August 15, 2020, Dhoni had officially retired from international cricket. That was the first time that fans associated a Kohli hug with the retirement of a senior player.

Also See : Rohit Sharma: The Captain Who Redefined Indian Cricket’s Success in ICC Tournaments

2. AB de Villiers (2021) – A Farewell at RCB

Kohli and AB de Villiers had a strong connection at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). During IPL 2021, their friendship was clear, with Kohli openly showing admiration for ABD.

Before the season had even finished, de Villiers retired from all cricket. Once again, the Kohli Hug appeared to come before a big retirement.

3. Rohit Sharma (June 2024) – The End of an Era

T20 World Cup 2024 final was a moment of history for Indian cricket. Kohli and Rohit Sharma hugged tightly, both visibly emotional, after India's win.

Soon after, Kohli and Rohit retired from T20 internationals, an end of era in itself. Fans couldn't fail to see the Kohli Hug leaving its indelible mark once more.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin (December 2024) – A Sudden Goodbye

At the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024, Kohli was spotted hugging Ravichandran Ashwin following a pivotal game.

Weeks after, Ashwin hinted at his international retirement. With another experienced player leaving shortly after being hugged by Kohli, people could not help but wonder if this was a mere coincidence.

5. Steve Smith (March 2025) – A Rivalry Bites the Dust with Respect

India and Australia's Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final match featured a hard-fought battle. Following Australia's defeat, Kohli hugged Steve Smith with respect..

Soon after, Smith himself revealed his retirement from ODI cricket. Whether it was a genuine friendly hug or more, the trend followed, and fans couldn't help but speculate.

6. Ravindra Jadeja (March 2025) – The Next in Line?

During the final of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand, Kohli was photographed exchanging a warm hug with Ravindra Jadeja after bowling. The action became an instant sensation, raising eyebrows—is Jadeja next?

Although Jadeja has yet to confirm any retirement plans, fans are eagerly observing whether history will repeat itself.

While the Kohli Hug may just be an emotional moment between teammates, it has certainly given rise to a fascinating fan theory. As more legends retire after receiving Kohli’s heartfelt embrace, the big question remains—who’s next?

Also See : Rohit Sharma: The Captain Who Redefined Indian Cricket’s Success in ICC Tournaments

Dubai International Cricket Stadium is hosting the India vs New Zealand match in the Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. While Indian spinners completely dominated, the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's retirement speculation has suddenly risen after completing his 10-over quota. 

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner had no hesitation to choose bat first after winning the toss in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final. Although the Blackcaps had a strong start, mainly thanks to the opener Rachin Ravindra, Indian spinners controlled the first innings as the Kiwis struggled to bring any solid answers.

New Zealand openers Will Young and Rachin Ravindra had a 57-run partnership for the first wicket, where Rachin was smashing the Indian bowlers. Indian cricketers were more frustrated after giving two lives to the left-handed opening batter, who was completely looking dangerous. 

Then the Indian spinners came to dominate. Once the first wicket fell in the eighth over, as Young was dismissed by Varun Chakravarthy, Indian spinners completely suffocated Kiwi batters with their impressive line and length deliveries consistently, especially when the turning was lower than the other Champions Trophy 2025 matches in Dubai. 

See Also: Kuldeep Yadav Double Wickets Blow Breaks The Jinks Of Not Taking Wickets In ICC Knockouts Game

Ravindra Jadeja was superb with the ball in the Final

Ravindra Jadeja was once again excellent with the ball in hand as he had the bowling figures of 10-0-30-1. The left-arm spinner conceded only one four and recorded 35 dot balls, while taking the wicket of Tom Latham.  Once Jadeja completed his over, former Indian captain Virat Kohli hugged the Indian all-rounder. It may be an appreciation for impressive bowling performance, but it can be a sign of retirement as Kohli has the natural gesture similarly to appreciate a player for the last time. While the Indian fans are hoping for the false retirement speculation about Jadeja, only time will tell the story. 

Virat Kohli hugged Ravindra Jadeja after he completed his last over. . Appreciation or Sign of Retirement? Jadeja playing his last ODI today ? #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/1FDYq9pjgS

— Shubhankar Mishra (@shubhankrmishra) March 9, 2025

#INDvsNZ #Jadeja pic.twitter.com/DDefg0wrvd

— MSD Fan (@KelieBro) March 9, 2025

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Bowler Ravindra Jadeja was outstanding 

In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Jadeja picked up five wickets, but his economy rate was 4.35 after delivering 42 overs. In the entire tournament, the left-arm spinner delivered 127 dot balls and conceded only 10 fours and two sixes. 

Latham, know for his solid technique against spin, found himself trapped as Jadeja delivered as well-flighted delivery that pitched in the line and straightened towards the stump. In an attempt to play across the line, Latham completely misjudged the trajectory of that delivery and was struck on the pads. The umpire immediately raised his finger, giving him out LBW.

Latham reviewed the decision, but DRS confirmed both that the point of impact was in line and that the ball was going on to hit the stump, so the DRS appeal was unsuccessful.

TRAPPED IN FRONT! 😍💪🏻

Indian spinners are all over the Kiwis and this time it's #RavindraJadeja who gets an important wicket of #TomLatham! 🙌🏻#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar FINAL 👉 #INDvNZ | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2 & Sports18-1!

📺📱 Start… pic.twitter.com/nKmHu5zPCw

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025

Also Read: "Rohit Sharma Should Play 2027 World Cup Before Retiring," Says Coach Dinesh Lad

His fourth breakthrough in the match gives much credit to Jadeja's performance for putting pressure on New Zealand. Due to his tight bowling, sharp turn, the Kiwi batters are allowed no comfort in building partnerships. 

New Zealand, at 108/4, had reached a tricky situation where they needed a solid recovery to stay in the match. With India spinners taking the toll in control, that leaves an uphill task for the middle order against the dominance of spin in play.

Jadeja's great session of bowling that included the key wicket of Tom Latham has put India ahead in this very important Champions Trophy clash. With the spin strangle now very much in action, fans are waiting eagerly to see if New Zealand can fight back or if India will continue with their dominance.

The Indian Premier League has transformed the lives of many cricketers from any financial backgrounds to financially secure lives. Some of the biggest IPL stars had to face financial hardships before making it big. Here are a few inspiring stories of cricketers who turned from rags to riches through the IPL..

1. Ravindra Jadeja - From RS.10 a Day to International Cricket stardom

Ravindra Jadeja's growing years were in a family below the poverty line in Gujarat, where his father was a security guard. Sometimes, during Jadeja's early cricketing days, he managed to survive on just Rs. 10 per day. It was in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup that this talent shone, and he got to represent the Rajasthan Royals in the first season of the IPL. His all-round talents bagged him a whopping Rs. 16 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings in 2023, moving him from a boy of little means to an IPL and international cricket star.

2. Hardik Pandya - Struggles to Stardom

He and his family lived in a small house in Baroda, and they faced vicious financial struggles. His father did odd jobs in order to support his cricket training. At one time, Hardik Pandya and his brother Krunal survived on Maggi noodles because there was no money. The spark he showed in domestic cricket made the Mumbai Indians notice him, and he was bought for a mere ₹10 lakh in 2015. Soon, however, he became a millionaire through his performances on the pitch, and in 2022, Gujarat Titans signed him for a whopping ₹15 crore, making him one of the highest-paid IPL players.

3. T. Natarajan - From a Village Boy to IPL Hero 

Hailing From Chinnappampatti, a small village in Tamil Nadu, his journey to the IPL is filled with hardship. His father had been a daily wager, and his mother managed a roadside food stall. The family financial situation almost made him quit cricket, but determined, T. Natarajan kept going. His big break came in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, which won him an IPL contract with Kings XI Punjab in 2017. Later, in 2020, Sunrisers Hyderabad chose him for ₹40 lakhs, making him a yorker specialist and earning a call to India.

4. Mohammed Siraj - From auto driver's son to IPL millionaire

Mohammed Siraj, the son of an auto rickshaw driver in Hyderabad, grew up in abject poverty. His father toiled tirelessly to make sure that cricket did not remain just a dream for his son. His real life began in 2017 when he was bought for ₹2.6 crore by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Later, he was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore. His earnings reached ₹7 crore in every season by 2022. Today, Siraj is a key player for India and a role model for aspiring cricketers from underprivileged backgrounds.

Also Read: India vs New Zealand Final, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Live Streaming & Where to Watch?

5. Rinku Singh - From Struggling Laborer to IPL Sensation

Rinku Singh’s life, too, is an inspiring tale of grit and determination. His father was a delivery man for an LPG company, and he lived in a small home with his family. After years of hardship and scuffle, he was finally chosen in IPL by Kolkata Knight Riders. In IPL 2023, he gave his life a great boost when, in the last over, he cracked five sixes to win the match. From there, his fortune and fame skyrocketed, and he has credited that for securing his family's future.

6. Yashasvi Jaiswal - From Selling Pani Puri to IPL Stardom

This journey of Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of the most touching in cricket. He came to Mumbai as a child to realize his dreams of becoming a cricketer, but the prospect of living there was daunting. He lived in a tent near Azad Maidan, selling pani puris to make ends meet. He kept on playing despite all the hardships and eventually impressed in domestic cricket. Rajasthan Royals picked him for ₹2.4 crore in 2020, and in 2023, he emerged as one among the IPL's top young stars.

IPL is more than just a cricket tournament; it is a platform that changes lives. These cricketers have shown that talent, perseverance, and hard work can help in getting through any obstacle. Their stories, moving from poverty to riches, inspire millions of aspiring cricketers worldwide.