Indian Premier League is a titan when it comes to T20 cricket. More than any other competition, it is the Indian T20 League that has done the most in helping the shortest format go global. Of course, the infinity, too, is radiant for the tournament.
Hence, it might not be a surprise if teams begin keeping history books of their own in the future. If that is done, a lot of focus would befall on the first edition of the tournament.
In this article, we offer you a short throwback concerning the same. We take each franchise and tell you the cricketer who bowled the first-ever over for them.
Chennai Super Kings – Jacob Oram
It is very clear as to why MS Dhoni went in with the Kiwi for the first-ever over of the franchise. Despite Jacob Oram being an all-rounder, it was a surprise that MSD gave the ball to him. However, considering the options that he had, MSD picked the best one. There were a couple of inexperienced pacers in the squad, and there could have been a problem of nerves. With Oram, this issue would be much lesser. Hence, MSD handed the responsibility to the Kiwi all-rounder.
Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals) – Glenn McGrath
Glenn McGrath is one of the best new-ball bowlers that the game has seen. The Aussie swings the ball better than any other cricketer, and his wickets usually came through this attribute. Hence, it was no wonder that Virender Sehwag chose the Aussie legend to take up the first-over duties. That said, in the particular game, it was another overseas pacer who made a better impression. Sri Lankan player Farveez Maharoof bowled an economical spell and also took a couple of wickets. He was also the man-of-the-match in that game.
Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings) – Brett Lee
Now, with a guy like Brett Lee at your disposal, who else would you give your first over to? Yuvraj Singh was well aware of this, and therefore, he made the natural decision. Although he did this job well for his country, Lee was slightly off the mark in the first-ever over for KXIP. Later on in the tournament, Lee compensated with some brilliant showings.
Kolkata Knight Riders – Ashoke Dinda
One of the rising bowlers then, Ashoke Dinda bowled the first over for KKR. Dinda had it in him to make it big, but unfortunately, inconsistent performances led to his downfall. That said, although he did not have a great career in the blue jersey, Dinda delivered the goods to earn the tag of a domestic legend. For Bengal, he was on-point whenever he played for them and was one of their main match-winners.
Mumbai Indians – Ashish Nehra
Ashish Nehra had already established himself as a decent pacer. Hence, him being selected to deliver the first over was a decent choice. Although he fell out of the scene in IPL later on, Nehra came back roaring in his second stint. He had some good seasons with SRH and CSK and even played for India after the impressive IPL performances.
Rajasthan Royals – Munaf Patel
Munaf Patel bowled the first-ever over in the history of IPL for the Rajasthan Royals. The Royals have always relied on unknown names but on this occasion, they went with a proven customer. Munaf was an India player then, and he had already had bundles of experience then. Hence, Warne picking Munaf to bowl the first over was not a surprise.
Royal Challengers Bangalore – Praveen Kumar
Praveen Kumar bowled the first-ever delivery in the history of the competition. The Uttar Pradesh-born cricketer had just arrived on the scene after a successful stint at the Commonwealth Series in Australia. He had made a name for being a wonderful swing bowler, and hence, Rahul Dravid gave him the chance to bowl the first over. Actually, Praveen did do a good job with the task. No runs came off the bat in that over as Praveen ended the over after conceding a few extras. However, after this over, it was mayhem as KKR scored runs quickly to give IPL an explosive start.
Deccan Chargers (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – Chaminda Vaas
When Chaminda Vaas takes the ball, you knew something was going to happen. A legend of Sri Lankan cricket, Vaas is one of the best left-arm pacers that the game has produced. With a clean action, Vaas’ strongest weapon was his accuracy, and the ability to swing the ball. Although Deccan Chargers had a similar bowler like him in the form of RP Singh, they went in with Vaas for the first over.
