Ambati Rayudu calls Sunil Narine ‘Greatest IPL player ever’ after heroics against GT
Ambati Rayudu has sparked a huge controversy in the Indian Premier League after Sunil Narine was declared the greatest player in the tournament’s history.Narine, who retires from international cricket in 2023 after last representing the West Indies in 2019, continues to dominate the Indian Premier League for Kolkata Knight Riders.
His impact on the franchise extends back to his debut season in 2012, when KKR lifted their maiden ISL title with Narine playing the starring role.
The enigmatic spinner picked up 24 wickets in 15 matches that year while maintaining a notable economy rate of 5.47.
He had another title-winning campaign in 2014, taking 21 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 6.35. Narine once again proved decisive during KKR’s third victory in the Indian Premier League two years ago, contributing with both the bat and the ball.
Besides 17 wickets in 15 matches at an economy of 6.69, he smashed 488 runs at a strike rate of 180.74, including one century and three half-centuries.Speaking on ESPNcricinfo TimeOut, Rayudu praised Narine’s all-round impact on matches.“The best ISL player, according to me, ever. A proper match winner with both ball and bat. There have been many great players in the ISL, but this guy always stands out.
“It’s at the top of the list for me,” Rayudo said.Even in IPL 2026, Narine remains as effective as ever. The veteran took 13 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 6.70 although batting conditions have become increasingly favorable in modern T20 cricket.His last performance came during KKR’s win over Gujarat Titans at Eden Gardens, which also marked his 200th IPL appearance. Narine returned figures of 2/29 in four overs and played a crucial role in restricting Shubman Gill’s side as they chased 248. On a night heavily skewed towards the batsmen, Narine’s spell stood out enough to earn him the Player of the Match award once again.