The Indian Premier League (IPL) saw the daylight back in 2008 and since then, the tournament has only increased in fandom. 12 seasons have been completed and the 2021 edition is currently mid-way with the second leg set to take place in September-October.

While the 2020 IPL was successfully held amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the officials had to pull the plug in the subsequent season. Over the years, a number of players have enthralled the audience around the globe with their class and calibre.

However, a few of them went on to change the entire outlook of a team. They started their careers with other teams, but once they shifted franchises, they played a significant role. During their sojourns, the players hardly went through a rough patch and showed why they are deemed as the best.

In the article, let’s take a look at five game-changing signings in IPL history

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-507160" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/AB-de-Villiers-3.jpg" alt="AB de Villiers" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-507160" class="wp-caption-text">AB de Villiers. (Photo SOurce: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-lost-all-respect-for-my-captain-childhood-hero-ab-de-villiers-after-he-blocked-my-selection-during-india-tour-in-2015-khaya-zondo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AB de Villiers</a> started his IPL journey for the Delhi Daredevils, now Capitals, and even notched a century for them. However, the Delhi-based franchise decided to let him go after three seasons. Thereafter, the Royal Challengers Bangalore roped him in for INR 5 crores.

The signing turned out to be a historic one as 10 years later at the age of 37, De Villiers is going great guns for the team. De Villiers is among the batters in the IPL who have more than 5000 runs in the tournament.

Having scored three centuries and 40 half-centuries, the veteran has given an account of his potential several times. The former South African cricketer knows the art of manoeuvring the field to his advantage. It’s not a surprise that he’s the highest capped player among the foreigners in the IPL.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506868" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-4.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506868" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Mumbai Indians didn’t win an IPL trophy for the first four seasons despite having the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya and Lasith Malinga in their ranks. However, in 2013, they made Rohit Sharma the captain, replacing <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/posts/4921734164523932" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ricky Ponting</a> and from there on, their form shifted.

Eight years later, MI are the most successful team in the history of the championship, having won as many as four titles. With Kieron Pollard as the vice-captain of the Mumbai-based team, Rohit has helped the team scale greater heights. The 34-year-old is also fourth in the list of leading run-scorers in the history of the IPL.

In 2018, Rohit also demoted himself to the middle-order to maintain the team balance. Interestingly, the Nagpur-born had picked up a hat-trick against MI itself while playing for the defunct Deccan chargers.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-146900" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gautam-Gambhir-2017-IPL-10.jpg" alt="Gautam Gambhir" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-146900" class="wp-caption-text">Gautam Gambhir of Kolkata Knight Riders. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Gautam Gambhir is arguably the most influential cricketer Kolkata Knight Riders have ever had. Though <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sourav-gangulys-brother-snehasish-hospitalized-post-complaints-of-uneasiness/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sourav Ganguly</a> started leading the Men in Gold and Purple, it was the Delhi-born cricketer, who turned their fortunes around.

In 2011, he joined the Knights and in the very next year, KKR won their maiden IPL, beating Chennai Super Kings in the final at the renowned MA Chidambaram Stadium. In 2014, the Knight Riders won their second IPL trophy as they defeated Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, in the final.

Gambhir made significant contributions with the bat as well, scoring 4217 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 123.88. In 2018, he moved back to the Delhi team but had to drop himself after his team’s poor show. Later that year, Gambhir retired from all forms of cricket.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-140406" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-IPL.jpg" alt="David Warner Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-140406" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-david-warner-confirms-his-availability-for-uae-leg-with-a-cryptic-ig-post/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Warner</a> isn’t the skipper of Sunrisers Hyderabad anymore after being removed midway through the 2021 season. However, the fact that the southpaw changed the fate of the Orange Army after joining them in 2014 can’t be denied by any stretch of the imagination.

Among the foreign players, the left-hander is the leading run-scorer, having notched nearly 5,500 runs with four tons. In 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019, Warner went on to bag the Orange Cap. Moreover, among the top run-getters in the IPL, his average of 42.22 is the highest.

The left-hander has also scored the most number of half-centuries, 50, in the mega event. In 2016, under his captaincy, the Sunrisers won the IPL for the first time, beating the RCB in the final at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-512529" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shikhar-Dhawan.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512529" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Delhi Capitals have been the perennial underachievers of the IPL since the tournament began back in 2008. From 2013 to 2018, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs even a single time. In fact, they had finished at the bottom of the points table as many as four times.

However, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/harsha-bhogle-picks-indias-squad-for-2021-t20-world-cup-leaves-out-shikhar-dhawan-and-kuldeep-yadav/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shikhar Dhawan’s</a> inclusion has strengthened their setup to some extent. He has lent solidity to their top order without a doubt. In 2019, Dhawan scored 521 runs with five fifties and helped the Capitals to Qualifier 2 where they lost to CSK.

In 2020, the southpaw had his most successful IPL season ever as he amassed 618 runs at a strike rate of 144.73. The Capitals played their maiden IPL final last season, though MI defeated them in Dubai. In 2021, Dhawan has averaged 54.28, the highest he has had thus far.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) saw the daylight back in 2008 and since then, the tournament has only increased in fandom. 12 seasons have been completed and the 2021 edition is currently mid-way with the second leg set to take place in September-October.
While the 2020 IPL was successfully held amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the officials had to pull the plug in the subsequent season. Over the years, a number of players have enthralled the audience around the globe with their class and calibre.
However, a few of them went on to change the entire outlook of a team. They started their careers with other teams, but once they shifted franchises, they played a significant role. During their sojourns, the players hardly went through a rough patch and showed why they are deemed as the best.
<h3>In the article, let’s take a look at five game-changing signings in IPL history</h3>
<h3>1. AB de Villiers- RCB</h3>
<figure id="attachment_507160" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-507160" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-507160" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/AB-de-Villiers-3.jpg" alt="AB de Villiers" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-507160" class="wp-caption-text">AB de Villiers. (Photo SOurce: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-lost-all-respect-for-my-captain-childhood-hero-ab-de-villiers-after-he-blocked-my-selection-during-india-tour-in-2015-khaya-zondo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AB de Villiers</a> started his IPL journey for the Delhi Daredevils, now Capitals, and even notched a century for them. However, the Delhi-based franchise decided to let him go after three seasons. Thereafter, the Royal Challengers Bangalore roped him in for INR 5 crores.
The signing turned out to be a historic one as 10 years later at the age of 37, De Villiers is going great guns for the team. De Villiers is among the batters in the IPL who have more than 5000 runs in the tournament.
Having scored three centuries and 40 half-centuries, the veteran has given an account of his potential several times. The former South African cricketer knows the art of manoeuvring the field to his advantage. It’s not a surprise that he’s the highest capped player among the foreigners in the IPL.

<h3>2. Rohit Sharma- MI</h3>
<figure id="attachment_506868" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-506868" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-506868" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-4.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506868" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Mumbai Indians didn’t win an IPL trophy for the first four seasons despite having the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya and Lasith Malinga in their ranks. However, in 2013, they made Rohit Sharma the captain, replacing <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/posts/4921734164523932" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ricky Ponting</a> and from there on, their form shifted.
Eight years later, MI are the most successful team in the history of the championship, having won as many as four titles. With Kieron Pollard as the vice-captain of the Mumbai-based team, Rohit has helped the team scale greater heights. The 34-year-old is also fourth in the list of leading run-scorers in the history of the IPL.
In 2018, Rohit also demoted himself to the middle-order to maintain the team balance. Interestingly, the Nagpur-born had picked up a hat-trick against MI itself while playing for the defunct Deccan chargers.

<h3>3. Gautam Gambhir- KKR</h3>
<figure id="attachment_146900" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-146900" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-146900" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gautam-Gambhir-2017-IPL-10.jpg" alt="Gautam Gambhir" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-146900" class="wp-caption-text">Gautam Gambhir of Kolkata Knight Riders. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Gautam Gambhir is arguably the most influential cricketer Kolkata Knight Riders have ever had. Though <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sourav-gangulys-brother-snehasish-hospitalized-post-complaints-of-uneasiness/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sourav Ganguly</a> started leading the Men in Gold and Purple, it was the Delhi-born cricketer, who turned their fortunes around.
In 2011, he joined the Knights and in the very next year, KKR won their maiden IPL, beating Chennai Super Kings in the final at the renowned MA Chidambaram Stadium. In 2014, the Knight Riders won their second IPL trophy as they defeated Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, in the final.
Gambhir made significant contributions with the bat as well, scoring 4217 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 123.88. In 2018, he moved back to the Delhi team but had to drop himself after his team’s poor show. Later that year, Gambhir retired from all forms of cricket.

<h3>4. David Warner- SRH</h3>
<figure id="attachment_140406" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-140406" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-140406" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-IPL.jpg" alt="David Warner Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-140406" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-david-warner-confirms-his-availability-for-uae-leg-with-a-cryptic-ig-post/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Warner</a> isn’t the skipper of Sunrisers Hyderabad anymore after being removed midway through the 2021 season. However, the fact that the southpaw changed the fate of the Orange Army after joining them in 2014 can’t be denied by any stretch of the imagination.
Among the foreign players, the left-hander is the leading run-scorer, having notched nearly 5,500 runs with four tons. In 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019, Warner went on to bag the Orange Cap. Moreover, among the top run-getters in the IPL, his average of 42.22 is the highest.
The left-hander has also scored the most number of half-centuries, 50, in the mega event. In 2016, under his captaincy, the Sunrisers won the IPL for the first time, beating the RCB in the final at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

<h3>5. Shikhar Dhawan- DC</h3>
<figure id="attachment_512529" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-512529" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-512529" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shikhar-Dhawan.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512529" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Delhi Capitals have been the perennial underachievers of the IPL since the tournament began back in 2008. From 2013 to 2018, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs even a single time. In fact, they had finished at the bottom of the points table as many as four times.
However, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/harsha-bhogle-picks-indias-squad-for-2021-t20-world-cup-leaves-out-shikhar-dhawan-and-kuldeep-yadav/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shikhar Dhawan’s</a> inclusion has strengthened their setup to some extent. He has lent solidity to their top order without a doubt. In 2019, Dhawan scored 521 runs with five fifties and helped the Capitals to Qualifier 2 where they lost to CSK.
In 2020, the southpaw had his most successful IPL season ever as he amassed 618 runs at a strike rate of 144.73. The Capitals played their maiden IPL final last season, though MI defeated them in Dubai. In 2021, Dhawan has averaged 54.28, the highest he has had thus far.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) saw the daylight back in 2008 and since then, the tournament has only increased in fandom. 12 seasons have been completed and the 2021 edition is currently mid-way with the second leg set to take place in September-October.
While the 2020 IPL was successfully held amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the officials had to pull the plug in the subsequent season. Over the years, a number of players have enthralled the audience around the globe with their class and calibre.
However, a few of them went on to change the entire outlook of a team. They started their careers with other teams, but once they shifted franchises, they played a significant role. During their sojourns, the players hardly went through a rough patch and showed why they are deemed as the best.
<h3>In the article, let’s take a look at five game-changing signings in IPL history</h3>
<h3>1. AB de Villiers- RCB</h3>
<figure id="attachment_507160" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-507160" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-507160" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/AB-de-Villiers-3.jpg" alt="AB de Villiers" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-507160" class="wp-caption-text">AB de Villiers. (Photo SOurce: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-lost-all-respect-for-my-captain-childhood-hero-ab-de-villiers-after-he-blocked-my-selection-during-india-tour-in-2015-khaya-zondo/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AB de Villiers</a> started his IPL journey for the Delhi Daredevils, now Capitals, and even notched a century for them. However, the Delhi-based franchise decided to let him go after three seasons. Thereafter, the Royal Challengers Bangalore roped him in for INR 5 crores.
The signing turned out to be a historic one as 10 years later at the age of 37, De Villiers is going great guns for the team. De Villiers is among the batters in the IPL who have more than 5000 runs in the tournament.
Having scored three centuries and 40 half-centuries, the veteran has given an account of his potential several times. The former South African cricketer knows the art of manoeuvring the field to his advantage. It’s not a surprise that he’s the highest capped player among the foreigners in the IPL.

<h3>2. Rohit Sharma- MI</h3>
<figure id="attachment_506868" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-506868" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506868" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rohit-Sharma-4.jpg" alt="Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506868" class="wp-caption-text">Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Mumbai Indians didn’t win an IPL trophy for the first four seasons despite having the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya and Lasith Malinga in their ranks. However, in 2013, they made Rohit Sharma the captain, replacing <a href="https://www.facebook.com/crictracker/posts/4921734164523932" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ricky Ponting</a> and from there on, their form shifted.
Eight years later, MI are the most successful team in the history of the championship, having won as many as four titles. With Kieron Pollard as the vice-captain of the Mumbai-based team, Rohit has helped the team scale greater heights. The 34-year-old is also fourth in the list of leading run-scorers in the history of the IPL.
In 2018, Rohit also demoted himself to the middle-order to maintain the team balance. Interestingly, the Nagpur-born had picked up a hat-trick against MI itself while playing for the defunct Deccan chargers.

<h3>3. Gautam Gambhir- KKR</h3>
<figure id="attachment_146900" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-146900" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-146900" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Gautam-Gambhir-2017-IPL-10.jpg" alt="Gautam Gambhir" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-146900" class="wp-caption-text">Gautam Gambhir of Kolkata Knight Riders. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Gautam Gambhir is arguably the most influential cricketer Kolkata Knight Riders have ever had. Though <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sourav-gangulys-brother-snehasish-hospitalized-post-complaints-of-uneasiness/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sourav Ganguly</a> started leading the Men in Gold and Purple, it was the Delhi-born cricketer, who turned their fortunes around.
In 2011, he joined the Knights and in the very next year, KKR won their maiden IPL, beating Chennai Super Kings in the final at the renowned MA Chidambaram Stadium. In 2014, the Knight Riders won their second IPL trophy as they defeated Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, in the final.
Gambhir made significant contributions with the bat as well, scoring 4217 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 123.88. In 2018, he moved back to the Delhi team but had to drop himself after his team’s poor show. Later that year, Gambhir retired from all forms of cricket.

<h3>4. David Warner- SRH</h3>
<figure id="attachment_140406" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-140406" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-140406" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Warner-IPL.jpg" alt="David Warner Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-140406" class="wp-caption-text">Sunrisers Hyderabad captain David Warner. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-david-warner-confirms-his-availability-for-uae-leg-with-a-cryptic-ig-post/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Warner</a> isn’t the skipper of Sunrisers Hyderabad anymore after being removed midway through the 2021 season. However, the fact that the southpaw changed the fate of the Orange Army after joining them in 2014 can’t be denied by any stretch of the imagination.
Among the foreign players, the left-hander is the leading run-scorer, having notched nearly 5,500 runs with four tons. In 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019, Warner went on to bag the Orange Cap. Moreover, among the top run-getters in the IPL, his average of 42.22 is the highest.
The left-hander has also scored the most number of half-centuries, 50, in the mega event. In 2016, under his captaincy, the Sunrisers won the IPL for the first time, beating the RCB in the final at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

<h3>5. Shikhar Dhawan- DC</h3>
<figure id="attachment_512529" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-512529" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-512529" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shikhar-Dhawan.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-512529" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Delhi Capitals have been the perennial underachievers of the IPL since the tournament began back in 2008. From 2013 to 2018, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs even a single time. In fact, they had finished at the bottom of the points table as many as four times.
However, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/harsha-bhogle-picks-indias-squad-for-2021-t20-world-cup-leaves-out-shikhar-dhawan-and-kuldeep-yadav/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shikhar Dhawan’s</a> inclusion has strengthened their setup to some extent. He has lent solidity to their top order without a doubt. In 2019, Dhawan scored 521 runs with five fifties and helped the Capitals to Qualifier 2 where they lost to CSK.
In 2020, the southpaw had his most successful IPL season ever as he amassed 618 runs at a strike rate of 144.73. The Capitals played their maiden IPL final last season, though MI defeated them in Dubai. In 2021, Dhawan has averaged 54.28, the highest he has had thus far.

These players changed the fortunes of their franchises with their fearless brand of cricket.

5 game changing player signings in IPL history

The Indian Premier League (IPL) saw the daylight back in 2008 and since then, the tournament has only increased in fandom. 12