Godfather of IPL: Who is Considered the Godfather of IPL?

| Posted on January 13, 2025

The IPL is more than a cricket tournament; it’s a phenomenon that brought millions of hearts to the cricket stadiums. Over the years, several players have impressed us with their exceptional performances and left us wondering about who deserved the tag of “Godfather of IPL.” 

In this story, we will find out who are some of the top contenders for that honorary crown as king of the IPL. We will also highlight their contributions to the IPL and why they stand out from the rest. 

What Does ‘Godfather of IPL’ Mean?

The term “Godfather of IPL,” commonly referred to as “Baap of IPL” refers to the most impactful and influential players in the history of the league. 

The parameters of selection are not just about the runs and wickets, it’s about leaving a legacy that defines the spirit of the game in the league. The players who compete for this title have shown unprecedented consistency and match-winning ability in the past. Also, these players have a deep connection with fans as well. 

The Batting Baap of IPL: Virat “King” Kohli

Virat Kohli playing in IPL

Virat “King” Kohli is undoubtedly the best and most dangerous batsman to have played in the last decade. With unparalleled consistency and hunger for more, he set multiple records in the league. 

He is one of the only few players who has played for the same franchise from the beginning. This has also earned him respect from the fans as Royal Challengers Bengaluru has never won a title. 

Achievements of Virat Kohli in IPL:

  • He has scored the most runs in IPL history – 8004 runs in 252 matches. 
  • He also holds the record for most runs in a single season (973 runs in IPL 2016)
  • He holds the record for most hundreds (8) in IPL. 

Despite his franchise not being on the IPL winning list, his sheer dominance with the bat in the league earned him a special place among fans. His ability to anchor an innings and his passion for the game make him a superstar in the league. Thus, the title of “Baap of IPL” is well deserved. 

The Bowling Baap of IPL: Yuzvendra “Yuzi” Chahal

Yuzvendra Chahal playing in IPL

In the IPL, Yuzvendra Chahal has made his name through some exceptional bowling in the Bengaluru stadium, which is known for batting friendly ground. The Haryana boy Wonder spins his web around the batters to trap them. 

In the 2022 season of IPL, Yuzi Chahal achieved the extraordinary feat of taking 22 wickets in 17 matches. He showcased his natural talent to adapt to different match situations.

Achievements of Yuzvendra Chahal in IPL:

  • He became the first bowler in the IPL to take 200 wickets in the 2024 season. 
  • He is the leading wicket-taker in IPL with 205 wickets. 
  • He was also the highest wicket-taker for RCB before the franchise decided not to retain him in 2022. 

Chahal started as a leg-spinner for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and then made his way to the Indian national team on the back of IPL performances. He is considered one of the best T20 bowlers in the world. These are some of the reasons why he is considered the “Bowling Baap of IPL.”

The Baap Captain of IPL: MS “Captain Cool” Dhoni 

MS Dhoni playing in IPL

The kind of things MS Dhoni does on a cricket field warrants the name “Captain Cool.” Throughout his career in IPL, MS has always played for taking his team over the line. His IPL journey began with Chennai Super Kings in 2008, and he led them to five IPL titles to date. 

Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, Chennai Super Kings became the team with most fans, and created many records. He has created an unmatched legacy in franchise cricket. His cool and calm demeanor has made him achieve consistent success in the league. You can always see MS unfazed about the situation on the field. 

Achievements of MS Dhoni in IPL:

  • He led the Chennai Super Kings to five IPL trophies in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. 
  • Chennai also reached the 10 IPL finals in their 14 IPL seasons. 
  • He is also known as the best finisher in IPL as well. 

His leadership has been instrumental in making Chennai Super Kings one of the most successful teams in IPL history. He is definitely a contender for “Godfather of IPL” due to his ability of batting and strategic acumen. 

The Baap of IPL: Rohit “Hitman” Sharma 

Rohit Sharma playing in IPL

Another father of IPL is Rohit “Hitman” Sharma. He is revered as a batsman and a fearless leader for his success in the IPL. Mumbai Indians have also clinched the IPL trophy five times under his leadership. His brilliance as a captain has made Mumbai one of the most successful and dangerous franchises in IPL

Achievements of Rohit Sharma in IPL:

  • He has led Mumbai Indians to five IPL trophies in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. 
  • He has scored more than 6600 runs and is third on the list of most runs in IPL history. 
  • He is known for his calm leadership and tactical brilliance. 

Rohit took over the captaincy of Mumbai Indians in 2013 for a couple of games and led the team to their first-ever IPL title. After that there was no looking back, he transformed the Mumbai Indians into the powerhouse that they are today. His ability to stand up and deliver when the going gets tough makes him the Baap of the IPL team. 

The Sixer King of IPL: Chris “Universe Boss” Gayle

Chris Gayle playing in IPL

Well, the Universe Boss does not need an introduction. Chris Gayle has created a legacy for generations in his career in IPL. He is known to stand and deliver while being unfazed by the bowlers. 

He is known to hit colossal sixes and that makes him the sixer king of IPL. In the truest sense, he is the “Godfather of IPL”. He has scored 357 sixes in his IPL career, around 80 more than the second player on the list. 

Achievements of Chris Gayle in IPL:

  • His 175 off just 66 balls against Pune Warriors India is the highest individual score in IPL history. It was also the fastest 30-ball century in IPL as well. 
  • He was the first and only batsman in IPL history to hit more than 300 sixes. 
  • He was also the fastest batsman to score 4000 runs in IPL until KL Rahul took over in IPL 2024. 

The explosive batting of Chris Gayle has redefined the T20 cricket that we see today. He had the ability to win the T20 matches single-handedly and entertain fans as well. 

The Fielding King of IPL: Suresh “Mr. IPL” Raina

Suresh Raina playing in IPL

Suresh Raina was one of the most successful cricketers in the IPL and earned the nickname of “Mr. IPL.” When it comes to fielding as a disciple in cricket, Suresh Raina emerges as the King of IPL. He was livewire on the field and more often than not delivered with his fielding efforts. 

His contributions in the field often account for game-changing moments. Thus, we can say that he is the Baap of IPL in the fielding department. 

Achievements of Suresh Raina in IPL:

  • He has scored more than 5500 runs in IPL.
  • He was the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in the league. 
  • He has taken 109 catches in 205 matches in IPL. 
  • He is also the only player to score over 400 runs in seven consecutive IPL seasons from 2008 to 2014. 

Conclusion

The “Baap of IPL” and “Godfather of IPL” are not just titles but a testament to the legacy a player leaves behind when they finish. 

Though MS Dhoni stands apart as an iconic all-around contributor, the charm of the IPL resides in the diverse heroes it has. There is no one shining star in the league, but each contender has a unique role in making this league one of the most celebrated tournaments in cricket. 

As the IPL continues to grow, new stars will emerge, and we will debate over the “Baap of IPL” title again. 

Hope this article provides some clarification on who is the Father of IPL. 

Do check out our article about the fastest balls in IPL history. 

FAQs

Ans: We can debate about this but Virat Kohli is considered as the Baap of IPL for his exploits in the league.

Ans: There is no one better than MS Dhoni to deserve this title of “Bapp of IPL Captains.”

Ans: Yuzvendra Chahal is considered the “Godfather of IPL” in the bowling department. He has taken the most wickets in the IPL history.

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