The Indian Premier League (IPL) has never been just a cricket tournament. It’s a platform where talent meets opportunity, where domestic dreams collide with international expectations, and where raw potential often transforms into cricketing gold. Over the years, IPL has done more than revolutionise T20 cricket; it has served as a global showcase of Indian talent, watched closely not only by fans and selectors but by scouts and franchises around the world.
Among the overseas suitors, England’s county clubs have started paying increasing attention to Indian players who shine in the IPL. While it was once rare to see Indians in the County Championship primarily due to the BCCI’s cautious policies, the jam-packed Indian calendar, and the red-ball-centric nature of county cricket, times are changing.
This list celebrates five Indian players whose IPL performances played a pivotal role in landing them contracts with English county teams. From emerging finishers to seasoned Test warriors, each of these cricketers used the IPL not only to build a brand but also to earn the rare opportunity to play and grow in English conditions.
5. Arshdeep Singh – Kent (2023)
IPL Influence: Punjab Kings
Arshdeep Singh’s journey from a net bowler to one of the IPL’s most dependable death overs specialists is nothing short of inspiring. His performances for Punjab Kings, especially his economy under pressure, made heads turn globally. Kent snapped him up in 2023, seeing him as a left-arm option who could swing the new ball and bowl tight spells in the middle overs.
Impact:
Arshdeep’s pace and variations added teeth to Kent’s bowling attack. His stint also gave him experience in adapting to swinging English conditions, aiding his growth as a complete bowler.
4. Jaydev Unadkat – Sussex (2023)
IPL Influence: Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians
Jaydev Unadkat’s IPL career has been a rollercoaster. After a sensational season with the Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, he fetched multi-crore bids in consecutive auctions. His ability to bowl cutters, back-of-the-hand slower balls, and handle pressure at the death made him a T20 specialist. In 2023, Unadkat was signed by Sussex for a short stint, primarily to bolster their bowling in red-ball formats.
Impact:
The move gave Unadkat a platform to work on his craft in seam-friendly English conditions, helping extend his domestic relevance and push for a Test comeback.
3. Washington Sundar – Lancashire (2022)
IPL Influence: Rising Pune Supergiant, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad
Washington Sundar’s breakthrough in the 2017 IPL final, where he dismantled Mumbai Indians’ top order, established him as a mature T20 bowler despite his young age. His calmness under pressure, coupled with his improved batting in IPL 2021-22, impressed global scouts. Lancashire signed him in 2022 for both white and red-ball formats, seeing his potential as a versatile spin-bowling all-rounder.
Impact:
Sundar’s stint in county cricket sharpened his skills and gave him invaluable experience in English conditions, a factor that helped him remain relevant in India’s crowded spin department.
2. Rinku Singh – Kent (2024)
IPL Influence: Kolkata Knight Riders
Rinku Singh became a household name after his jaw-dropping 5 sixes in an over feat in IPL 2023. The left-handed middle-order batter had long been a domestic warrior, but it was the IPL that showcased his flair and temperament on a global stage. In 2024, buoyed by his T20 exploits and a national call-up, Kent County Cricket Club signed Rinku for their One-Day Cup campaign. His ability to finish games under pressure made him a prized signing for white-ball formats.
Impact:
Rinku’s short but impactful stint showed how IPL can be a global audition, turning a once-underrated player into a sought-after asset overseas.
1. Cheteshwar Pujara – Sussex (2022)
IPL Influence: Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings
Cheteshwar Pujara may be best known for his gritty Test performances, but his IPL stints, though sporadic, played a subtle yet crucial role in broadening his cricketing horizons. After finding himself out of India’s limited-overs plans, Pujara turned to county cricket to keep his red-ball form alive. His calm demeanour and classical technique, seen occasionally in the IPL, caught the eye of Sussex, who signed him in 2022.
Impact:
Pujara was a revelation for Sussex, scoring truckloads of runs and becoming a mainstay in their batting lineup. His ability to anchor innings made him a crowd favourite in England, and he even captained the side in key games.
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