Ambati Rayudu declared Sunil Narine the best IPL player of all time after Narine starred in KKR's win over Gujarat Titans.
Ambati Rayudu has no doubt that Sunil Narine stands above all others in the IPL’s history. He called Narine the best player of all time following the spinner’s match-winning performance against Gujarat Titans. Narine returned figures of 2 for 29 in four overs to help Kolkata Knight Riders secure a 29-run victory in IPL 2026. Rayudu’s comments came after Narine was named Player of the Match in his 200th IPL appearance.
Sanjay Bangar agreed that Narine belongs in the conversation about the greatest IPL players but stopped short of placing him at the top. He still included Narine in his top five performers in the league and labeled him a legend. Bangar acknowledged that while many great players have featured in the IPL, Narine’s longevity sets him apart. He also praised Narine for overcoming doubts about his bowling action while maintaining his signature off-spin skill.
Narine ranks third on the all-time IPL wicket-takers list with 205 scalps, trailing only Yuzvendra Chahal (230) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (220). He holds the record as the most-capped overseas player in the tournament, having appeared in every season for Kolkata Knight Riders since 2012. In his debut season, Narine claimed 24 wickets at an economy rate of 5.47 as KKR won their first title. He repeated the feat in 2014 with 21 wickets at 6.35 and again in 2024 with 17 wickets at 6.69.
Despite playing for over a decade, Narine has never conceded more than eight runs per over in any season. His economy rate this season stands at 6.79, while his career mark remains under eight throughout. Bangar noted that Saturday’s figures of 7.25 were merely typical for Narine, describing them as routine for the spinner. This consistency has made him a dependable force for KKR year after year.
Bangar shared an off-air conversation where he asked Rayudu about facing Narine, who has played 175 matches across 12 seasons for Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Rayudu revealed he preferred to bat defensively against Narine, focusing on quick singles and twos. Many batters have tried aggressive approaches like slog-sweeping or playing off the back foot, yet none have consistently dominated Narine. His mastery has remained unchallenged for 12 to 13 years in the IPL.
Rayudu explained why Narine often outperforms others like Rashid Khan, who finished with figures of none for 57 against Gujarat Titans. He pointed out that Rashid’s topspinners tend to skid quickly on certain surfaces, making them easier to attack. Narine’s deliveries, however, grip the surface, forcing batters to lose their shape and timing. This ability to hold the ball up has made Narine a constant threat in every match.
Kolkata Knight Riders remained alive in the IPL 2026 race after a dominant batting display led by Philip Berrigan’s six-hitting and Narine’s bowling heroics against Gujarat Titans. The win kept KKR in contention for a playoff spot. Narine’s performance in his 200th game was pivotal in securing the 29-run victory. Earlier reports highlighted Allen’s explosive batting alongside Narine’s milestone achievement.
KKR’s youngster Raghuvanshi earned praise for proving his place in the team’s lineup. His performance against Gujarat Titans showcased his potential, reinforcing his role in the squad. Analysts noted that Raghuvanshi’s contributions added depth to KKR’s campaign in IPL 2026. The victory over GT was a team effort with key performances from multiple players.