Since the Indian Premier League (IPL) began in 2008, many cricketers have moved between teams due to auctions, trades, and performance-based decisions. Some players became regulars with one franchise, while others played for multiple teams across their IPL careers.
1. Aaron Finch – 9 Teams
Australia’s former white-ball captain, Aaron Finch, holds the record for playing with the most IPL teams – 9 in total. Despite his talent, he never stayed long at one franchise. Finch was known for his explosive starts at the top of the order but could never fully settle at one team. His most recent IPL appearance was for KKR in the 2022 season.
Teams: Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils (currently Delhi Capitals), Pune Warriors India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
2. Jaydev Unadkat – 8 Teams
Indian left-arm fast bowler Jaydev Unadkat has played for eight different IPL teams, making him the most-traveled Indian in the tournament. Unadkat has been a popular pick in auctions due to his domestic performance, especially in the Ranji Trophy, even though his IPL stats have been inconsistent.
Teams: Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Rising Pune Supergiant, Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad.
3. Manish Pandey – 7 Teams
Manish Pandey holds the distinction of being the first Indian to score a century in the IPL. Over the years, he has represented seven franchises, showing his experience and ability to adapt. Pandey often played the role of a reliable middle-order batter, contributing key innings at crucial times.
Teams: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pune Warriors India, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals.
4. Dinesh Karthik – 6 Teams
Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik is one of the few players who started in the first IPL season and was active till 2024 season. He has played for six different teams. Karthik’s ability to finish games and his leadership skills made him a valuable asset, especially during his time as KKR captain.
Teams: Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals), Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Lions, Kolkata Knight Riders.
5. Robin Uthappa – 6 Teams
Robin Uthappa, recognized for his clean striking and composed nature, represented six different franchises during his IPL journey. He was a crucial part of KKR’s championship wins in 2012 and 2014 and also made important contributions to CSK’s success in the later stages of his career.
Teams: Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Pune Warriors India, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings.
6. Ajinkya Rahane – 6 Teams
Ajinkya Rahane, known for his stylish and composed batting, has represented six different IPL teams throughout his career. Though Rahane is often seen as a Test player, he has proved to be useful in the shorter format with his technique and calm approach.
Teams: Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings.
7. Yuvraj Singh – 6 Teams
Legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh was one of the most expensive players in IPL auctions. He represented six franchises, including some high-profile transfers. Though Yuvraj had mixed results in the IPL, his star power and six-hitting ability made him a top choice for many teams.
Teams: Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab), Pune Warriors India, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians.
Honorable Mentions (Also Played for 6 Teams):
- Parthiv Patel – CSK, Deccan Chargers, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, SRH, RCB, MI
- Ishant Sharma – KKR, DC, KXIP, Deccan Chargers, RPS, SRH
- Thisara Perera – CSK, MI, KXIP, SRH, RPS, Kochi Tuskers Kerala
Conclusion
In the fast-paced and competitive world of IPL, players often change teams due to various reasons like auctions, form, and team combinations. Cricketers like Aaron Finch and Jaydev Unadkat have shown how dynamic the league can be. These players not only traveled the most but also adjusted to different team cultures and roles across seasons.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
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