IPL 2026: Former India cricketer declares Sunil Narine ‘best IPL player ever’

Ambati Rayudu calls Sunila Narine “best IPL player ever” after heroics against GT.

Ambati Rayudu sparked a major IPL debate after declaring Sunil Narine as the best player in the history of the tournament.Narine, who retired from international cricket in 2023 after last representing West Indies in 2019, continues to dominate the IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders. His influence on the franchise dates back to his debut season in 2012 when KKR won their first IPL title with Narine in the lead. The enigmatic spinner picked up 24 wickets in 15 matches that year while maintaining a remarkable economy of 5.47.He had another winning campaign in 2014, taking 21 wickets in 16 matches at an economy of 6.35. Narine again proved decisive in KKR’s third IPL triumph two years ago, contributing with both bat and ball. Apart from 17 wickets in 15 matches at an economy of 6.69, he smashed 488 runs at a rate of 180.74, including one century and three half-centuries.In an interview on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut, Rayudu praised Narine’s all-round influence on matches.“The best IPL player of all time in my opinion. A proper match winner with the ball and the bat. There have been many great players in the IPL but this guy always stands out. For me he is at the top of the list,” said Rayudu.Even in IPL 2026, Narine remains as effective as ever. The veteran spinner has taken 13 wickets in 11 matches at an economy rate of 6.70 despite batting conditions becoming more favorable in modern T20 cricket.His last appearance came during KKR’s win over Gujarat Titans at the Eden Gardens, which also marked his 200th IPL appearance. Narine returned figures of 2/29 in four overs and was instrumental in restricting Shubman Gill’s side during their chase of 248. On a night heavily tilted towards the batters, Narine’s spell stood out enough to earn him the Man of the Match award once again.