Kochi Tuskers Kerala (KTK) are the only franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League to have played exactly one season. Teams like Pune Warriors, Deccan Chargers, Gujarat Lions and Rising Pune Supergiant played a minimum of two seasons, while the other eight teams have played at least eight seasons each.
Speaking of KTK, many fans would remember that legends like Mahela Jayawardene, VVS Laxman and Muttiah Muralitharan played for the Orange and Purple franchise. In this listicle though, we will look at the five players who played for KTK in 2011 and can play IPL in 2022.
1. Ravindra Jadeja – Only KTK player retained for IPL 2022
Ravindra Jadeja is the only member from the Kochi Tuskers Kerala squad who has been retained ahead of the IPL 2022 Mega Auction. The star Indian all-rounder will represent the Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2022.
2. Kedar Jadhav
Former Chennai Super Kings batter Kedar Jadhav was released by his IPL 2021 franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of the mega auction. Jadhav had played for the Kochi Tuskers Kerala in the 2011 edition of the IPL.
3. Sreesanth – Former KTK player could return in IPL 2022
2011 World Cup winner Sreesanth was the star fast bowler of the Kochi Tuskers Kerala franchise in 2011. Sreesanth has not played in the IPL since long, but he could make a comeback in the year 2022.
4. Thisara Perera
Former Sri Lanka captain Thisara Perera is another player who turned up for the Kochi Tuskers Kerala in 2011 but has been away from the IPL for quite some time. Perera is one of the top T20 all-rounders in the world, but the IPL franchises have not shown much interest in him of late.
5. Steve Smith
Australian star Steve Smith was not retained by the Delhi Capitals for the 2022 season. Not many members of the cricket universe would have an idea that Smith was in the KTK squad for the 2011 season. It will be interesting to see which team signs Smith for the 2022 season.
