Indian Premier League (IPL), world's richest cricket league, is known for its record-breaking feats. As we gear up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, let's revisit a unique achievement in IPL history - bowlers who took a wicket with their very first ball in IPL tournament.
Ishant Sharma: Back in 2008, Ishant Sharma became the first ever bowler to achieve the milestone of taking a wicket with his very first ball in IPL. Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Ishant made an unforgettable debut by dismissing the legendary Rahul Dravid, then captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), with his first ball.
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Wilkin Mota: The second bowler to join this elite list was Wilkin Mota. Representing Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in 2008, Mota grabbed the spotlight when he dismissed Chennai Super Kings' star Suresh Raina with his very first delivery. Although his IPL career was short-lived, this moment secured his place in Indian Premier League (IPL) history.
Matheesha Pathirana: The most recent addition to this elite club is Matheesha Pathirana. Making his debut for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in 2022, Pathirana dismissed Gujarat Titans' Shubman Gill with his first ball. Unlike the other two, Pathirana remains active in the IPL and has quickly established himself as a formidable death-over specialist.
Complete list of bowlers who have taken a wicket on the first ball of their debut match in IPL history:
Ishant Sharma - Dismissed Rahul Dravid in 2008
Wilkin Mota - Dismissed Suresh Raina in 2008
Shane Harwood - Dismissed Azhar Bilakhia in 2009
Amit Singh - Dismissed Sunny Sohal in 2009
Charl Langeveldt - Dismissed Rob Quiney in 2009
Ali Murtaza - Dismissed Naman Ojha in 2010
TP Sudhindra - Dismissed Faf du Plessis in 2012
Alzarri Joseph - Dismissed David Warner in 2019
Matheesha Pathirana - Dismissed Shubman Gill in 2022