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The Indian Premier League (IPL) and the T20 World Cup are two of the most admired cricket competitions in the world. Winning either tournament is a significant achievement for any cricketer, and both trophies are highly coveted.
The IPL, known for its glamorous and competitive nature, brings together the best talent from around the world. The T20 World Cup, on the other hand, is a global competition where national pride is on the line. Both tournaments have a profound impact on a player’s career and are dream milestones for any modern-era cricketer.
Handful of players to bag both trophies
Despite the dreams and aspirations of many cricketers, only a select few have managed to win both the IPL and the T20 World Cup. Achieving this rare double is a testament to a player’s skill, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure. While many great players have won both trophies, most of them required multiple attempts.
For instance, Rohit Sharma won the T20 World Cup in his first attempt but needed one season to secure an IPL title (2009). Similarly, MS Dhoni lifted the T20 World Cup in his debut attempt but took three IPL seasons to taste victory (2011).
Only a few achieved the feat in their debut seasons
Among the handful of players who have won both trophies, an even more exclusive club consists of those who achieved this feat in their debut seasons. This remarkable accomplishment has only been achieved by three players, showcasing their extraordinary talent and impact on the game. These players include two Indian stars and one from the West Indies, who have etched their names in cricketing history.
Sanju Samson (India)
Sanju Samson‘s achievement is nothing short of extraordinary. He won the IPL in his first season with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2012. However, Samson didn’t get single match. Similarly, Samson was part of the Indian team that recently won the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados. Remarkably, this was also Samson’s first T20 World Cup tournament, and like the IPL, he did not play any matches. His unique journey highlights his luck and the strength of the teams he was part of.
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Sunil Narine (West Indies)
Sunil Narine, the former West Indies all-rounder, is another player who achieved this incredible feat. Narine made his T20I debut in 2012 and won the T20 World Cup with the West Indies team later that year. His debut IPL season in 2012 was equally impressive, where he played a pivotal role for KKR by taking 24 wickets and helping them secure the championship. Narine’s contributions with both bat and ball have made him a standout performer in T20 cricket.
Yusuf Pathan (India)
Yusuf Pathan, the former Indian all-rounder, made his T20I debut in the inaugural T20 World Cup final against Pakistan in 2007 and won the championship with the Indian team. The following year, Pathan was part of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the inaugural IPL season.
Under Shane Warne’s inspirational captaincy, RR won the title, with Pathan playing a crucial role. He scored 435 runs from 16 games at a brilliant strike rate of 179.01, including four half-centuries. Pathan’s explosive batting and key performances were instrumental in his team’s success.
