The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a platform where cricket legends are made and celebrated. While many players have transitioned into coaching roles after their playing careers, only a select few have tasted IPL success both as players and as coaches. These individuals not only dominated the field but also excelled from the sidelines, contributing to their teams’ triumphs in dual capacities. Here, we celebrate five such cricketing legends who have achieved IPL glory as both players and coaches.
Gautam Gambhir‘s IPL journey showcases his leadership and excellence. He began his IPL career with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) before moving to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2011. This move proved pivotal, as Gambhir led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014. His tactical acumen and aggressive captaincy transformed KKR into a formidable team.
Post-retirement, Gambhir became a mentor. In 2022, he joined Lucknow Super Giants, guiding them to the playoffs in their debut season. In 2024, he returned to KKR as a mentor, leading them to their third IPL title, marking a successful comeback to the franchise.
Lakshmipathy Balaji
Lakshmipathy Balaji, a former Indian pacer, had a notable IPL career. Starting with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he was part of their 2010 winning team. In the inaugural season, he made history with the first-ever IPL hat-trick. Later, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he contributed to their 2012 and 2014 championship wins.
After retiring, Balaji returned to CSK as a bowling coach in 2018. His expertise was key to CSK’s victories in 2018 and 2021, helping to develop young bowlers and maintain CSK’s success as a top IPL franchise.
Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, started his IPL career with KKR in 2008 but found success with Mumbai Indians (MI) in 2013. Although his playing stint with MI was brief, he led them to their first IPL title that year.
After retiring, Ponting became MI’s head coach in 2015, guiding them to an IPL title. Currently, he is the head coach of Delhi Capitals, where he continues to share his vast knowledge and experience with the team.
Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra had a varied IPL career, playing for Mumbai Indians, Delhi Daredevils, Pune Warriors, and CSK. His standout achievement was with SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2016, playing a key role in their first IPL title win.
After retiring, Nehra became the head coach of Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2022. Under his leadership, GT won the IPL title in their debut season, making Nehra the first Indian head coach to win an IPL title, showcasing his tactical brilliance and talent development skills.
Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo, the dynamic West Indies all-rounder, has been a key part of the IPL since its inception. With CSK, he won titles in 2011, 2018, and 2021, excelling in death bowling and explosive batting.
After retiring in 2022, Bravo became CSK’s bowling coach. In his first season as coach in 2023, CSK won their fifth IPL title. Bravo’s game knowledge and vibrant presence off the field contributed to CSK’s ongoing success.
Want to stay ahead in the world of cricket? Explore our comprehensive Blog Post, insightful analysis, and the latest updates on all your favorite fixtures and more at JeetBuzz News. Don’t miss out and dive into the action now!
The UP T20 League 2024 is set to be an exciting spectacle, featuring exceptional cricketing talent from Uttar Pradesh. Among the participants, five bowlers are
As England and Sri Lanka prepare to face off in the second Test at Lord’s, the series is finely poised. England secured a convincing win
The West Indies have once again proven their mettle in the T20 format, clinching yet another series victory against South Africa, making it their third