Former India player Ambati Rayudu said Sunil Narine is the best IPL player of all time following a victory over the Gujarat Titans.
The praise highlights Narine's enduring impact on the league as he continues to deliver match-winning performances for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2026 season.
Narine recorded figures of two wickets for 29 runs [1] during the match on Saturday. His bowling performance contributed to KKR posting a total of 247 runs [3] and securing a win by 29 runs [2]. Narine was named the Player of the Match [4].
Rayudu praised the spinner's career and current form, saying, "He is the best IPL player of all time."
Sanjay Bangar, also a former India player, said Narine is a "legend of the league" [2]. Bangar said that Narine's skill set is so versatile that he could even open the batting for KKR [3].
Despite the high praise, Bangar said that the recent performance was expected for a player of Narine's caliber. "These are regulation figures for him, he has not done anything extraordinary," Bangar said [2].
The match marked a significant milestone for the spinner, as it was Narine's 200th IPL match [4]. His ability to maintain consistency over such a long tenure has made him a focal point of discussion among analysts and former professionals — a rarity in the fast-paced environment of T20 cricket.
“"He is the best IPL player of all time."”
Narine's 200th match milestone and continued dominance underscore his role as one of the most successful imports in the league's history. By maintaining a high standard of performance into the 2026 season, he provides KKR with a tactical advantage that few other franchises possess in the spin department.
