Ex-India Star Credits IPL For Rohit Sharma And Co's Two Successive ICC Title Wins
Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, former Indian cricketer Lakshmipathy Balaji said that the league and "its franchise owners, leadership groups and ecosystem" had a key role in India's two successive white-ball title wins, the T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 2025 season of the league will kickstart with a clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Balaji, a one-time IPL winner who took 76 wickets in 73 matches at an average of 26.68 and represented franchises like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), KKR (one title) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in his career, spoke on impact of the cash-rich league.
Balaji said that it has nurtured talent, boosted the economy and elevated the standards of international talent.
"Within just six months, India has won two major trophies, and a lot of credit goes to TATA IPL--its franchise owners, leadership groups, and the ecosystem they have built. Their collective efforts have shaped the league into what it is today. IPL is no longer just an Indian tournament; it has become a global brand--watched, followed, and admired by people across the world. Much like Formula 1 and the English Premier League, IPL has positioned itself as one of the most significant sporting spectacles. As a former player, coach, and now commentator, I have had the privilege of witnessing IPL's journey firsthand. From its early days of bilateral series and ICC events to becoming a global sporting phenomenon, the IPL's rise has been truly remarkable," he added.
Also, the Indian middle-order veteran Hanuma Vihari, has represented Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC) in the league, said that the competition has stayed true