IPL has attracted top-drawer talent from every nook and corner of the world, and South Africa is no exception. Several South African legends have participated in the marquee tournament over the years and elevated its standard.
Here’s a look at three South African cricketers who had the fans hooked on the live scores every time they turned out for their respective IPL franchises and left a lasting impression on the cash-rich league:
#1 AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers is arguably the most influential South African cricketer to have plied his trade in the IPL. Fondly known as Mr 360, de Villiers began his IPL career in 2008 after Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) roped him in for USD 300,000. In 28 IPL matches for Delhi, the right-hander aggregated 671, averaging 31.95 at a strike rate of 117.3. He also registered a century and three fifties.
While de Villiers proved his mettle playing for Delhi, he unlocked his true potential at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He amassed 4491 runs at an average of 41.2 at a strike rate of 158.63, including two hundreds and 37 fifties. Though de Villiers couldn’t clinch an IPL title as a player, his impact transcended the league.
#2 Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn brought naked aggression to the IPL. In a format where batters take the bowlers to the task, Steyn was an outlier, dictating terms to the batters. Steyn’s outswingers were stuff of nightmares for opening batters. While other new-ball bowlers struggled to stifle the batters in the powerplay, Steyn made them dance to his tune.
Steyn represented four teams (RCB, Deccan Chargers, SRH and Gujarat Lions) in the IPL and played 95 matches. He claimed 97 wickets at an average of 25.85 and an economy rate of 6.91.
#3 Jacques Kallis
After dominating Tests and ODIs, Jacques Kallis was presented with the challenge to ace the IPL, and the legendary allrounder embraced it wholeheartedly. Kallis played a monumental role in guiding Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their maiden IPL title in 2012. He shouldered the major workload in both the batting and bowling departments.
Kallis racked up 409 runs, averaging 25.56 at a strike rate of 106.51 and claimed 15 wickets at an economy rate of 7.46.
The allrounder played for RCB and KKR and accumulated 2427 runs in 98 matches at an average of 28.55 and a strike rate of 109.22. He finished his IPL career with 65 wickets at an economy rate of 7.89.
