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Sunil Narine added another major achievement to his legendary Indian Premier League (IPL) career on Saturday (May 16). The mystery spinner became the first overseas player to complete 200 matches in IPL history during Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)’s thrilling win over Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Eden Gardens.
This special night got even better for Narine as he helped Kolkata Knight Riders win the crucial IPL 2026 match against Gujarat Titans at the Eden Gardens on Saturday.
Sunil Narine is the best IPL player of all time: Ambati Rayudu
The former West Indies all-rounder took 2 wickets for 29 runs and played a key role in Kolkata’s 29-run win over Gujarat Titans. He was also named Player of the Match in his historic 200th IPL match.
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After KKR managed to keep their IPL 2026 playoff dream alive, former India batsman Ambati Rayudu made a big statement on Sunil Narine. He described Narine as the greatest IPL player ever. Rayudu praised him for regularly winning matches for KKR with both bat and ball over the years.
“Sunil Narine is the best IPL player ever. A proper match-winner with the ball,” Ambati Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo’s Timeout Show. [and] With the bat. There have been so many great players in the IPL, but this guy has always been different. He is at the top of the list for me.”
Sanjay Bangar calls Sunil Narine a true IPL legend
Meanwhile, former Indian coach Sanjay Bangar also praised Narine and called him one of the true legends of the IPL due to his long success and ability to continue improving every season. The cricket pundit has pointed out that even after so many years, Narine is still winning matches for KKR and proving why he remains one of the most valuable players in IPL history.
Sanjay Bangar said during the same discussion: “Some great names have plied their trade in this league, but yes, longevity is a factor. He also had to overcome a number of other problems, such as his action being questioned on several occasions, but he seems to have found another way to bowl with the same overspin that you would normally associate with his skill set, while retaining the ability to turn the ball both ways. And that has made big difference in the mind of the batsman. I think some of those qualities make him a legend of the league.”
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Sunil Narine has become KKR’s biggest stalwart with incredible consistency
Narine has been a part of Kolkata Knight Riders since 2012 and became one of the biggest reasons behind the team’s success in the IPL. The mystery spinner played a key role in all three of their IPL title-winning campaigns in 2012, 2014 and 2024.
With 205 wickets to his name in the IPL, Narine is currently the third-highest wicket-taker in the history of the tournament, only behind Yuzvendra Chahal with 230 wickets and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with 220 wickets.
One of the most surprising things about Narine’s IPL career is his consistency. Even in this batting-friendly era, he has never conceded more than eight runs per over in any IPL season.