IPL: 5 Players you might not know were once Rohit Sharma’s teammates

Well, the current new captain of the Indian Men’s team is an iconic IPL figure. In the league’s enriching history, he’s the only cricketer with six IPL titles. Even with regards to his appearances, Rohit Sharma has played the third-highest number of IPL games (213).

In his initial years, he used to represent the now-defunct Deccan Chargers. Over there, he was under the wings of greats like Adam Gilchrist and Chaminda Vaas. Perhaps then from 2011 onwards, he unflinchingly wrote history books for both Mumbai Indians and himself.

Hence by revising Rohit Sharma’s eminent IPL days, let’s check out 5 players that you might not know were once his teammates.

1. Sanjay Bangar (IPL 2008)

Recently till 2019, Sanjay Bangar was actually coaching both Rohit Sharma and team India. In between, the former Indian all-rounder had also served as the interim head coach. However, initially when IPL had begun, both these individuals used to represent the Deccan franchise.

With regards to Bangar’s selection, the cricketer was bagged for INR 1.2 million in IPL 2008. During that time, Bangar was in the twilight of his career and had aged beyond 35. In total, the former Indian batting coach shared a dressing room with young Rohit for the first two IPL seasons.

Overall, in his brief IPL stint, Bangar played a total of 12 matches. Unfortunately, because of his ordinary performances, Bangar then switched to coaching the Kochi franchise in IPL 2010.

2. Kemar Roach (IPL 2010)

This West Indian great was actually a rookie when he had first played with Rohit Sharma. Particularly because of his express pace, Roach was signed by DCG in IPL 2010.

However, in terms of his performances, the pacer had a disappointing time in IPL 2010. From his mere two appearances, Roach picked a single wicket and was smashed for an economy of 10. In total, the spearhead conceded a tally of 80 runs from his 8 overs.

Overall, barring his first IPL stint, the WI cricketer was then later part of the SRH setup. Sadly, the 33-year old has never further played a single IPL game after the 2010 season.

3. Robin Peterson (IPL 2012)

Robin Peterson had made massive headlines when he had emerged as South Africa’s highest wicket-taker in the 2011 World Cup. As an all-rounder, Peterson had also played a match-winning cameo against India at the mega event. Eventually, his heroics had then yielded him a contract with MI in IPL 2012.

By getting picked at a modest amount of INR 50 Lakh, Peterson played 5 IPL games along with Rohit Sharma. However performance-wise, the cricketer had ordinary outings.

Comprehensively after his debut in IPL 2012, the South African then barely got picked in the cash-rich league. Even for the Proteas, Peterson played his final international game in November 2014.

4. Martin Guptill (IPL 2016)

The second-highest run-scorer in T20I history has also played with Rohit Sharma. In fact, it was under Rohit’s captaincy that Guptill made his IPL debut. Though the New Zealand cricketer has never been a big name in the competition, in 2016 he had replaced the injured Lendl Simmons.

By signing the Kiwi for INR 50 Lakh, MI just played him for three IPL matches. In his very short appearances, Guptill had a very decent outing. In total by batting at an average of 19, Guptill just scored 57 runs.

Overall, post his debut IPL season, the 35-year old has then played mere 10 games. His reasonable performances in the cash-rich league have been a surprise for many.

5. Clint McKay (IPL 2012)

In the year 2012, Clint McKay had incredibly emerged as a reliable white-ball bowler. Because of his height and subtle variations, McKay also peaked at number four in the ICC ODI rankings. In early 2013, the pacer was also then awarded as Australia’s ODI cricketer of the year.

Perhaps amidst all this, the tall lad was also then picked by MI in IPL 2012. Just like his first contract in 2011, McKay was bagged for around INR 50 Lakh. But sadly with regards to playing alongside Rohit, the Aussie just played 2 games.

In general, his performances were quite average and more importantly was a backup pacer for the franchise. Overall, after his debut stint with MI, the Aussie was then picked by SRH in 2013.