3 Iconic players who returned to their first IPL franchise before retirement

The Indian Premier League has always been more than just cricket. It’s a marketplace of talent, a stage for reinvention, and sometimes, a theatre of poetic coincidences. Unlike international cricket, where careers are tied to national colours, the IPL allows players to move freely between franchises, often chasing opportunity.

And yet, amid the constant churn, the league has a knack for producing full‑circle stories. Players often find themselves back where it all began, closing their IPL journeys with the same franchise that gave them their first break. Let’s look at three striking examples.

#1 Gautam Gambhir: From Delhi to Kolkata, back to Delhi

Gautam Gambhir started his IPL career in 2008 with Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils). After three seasons, he moved to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2011, where he became a franchise icon, leading them to titles and playing seven seasons. In 2018, Gambhir returned to Delhi for his final IPL season, bringing his journey full circle. Across his Delhi stint, Gambhir aggregated 1182 runs in the IPL, in 46 matches, averaging 29.55 at a strike rate of 122.86, including nine fifties, laced with 140 fours and 13 sixes.

#2 David Warner: From Delhi to SRH, back to Delhi

David Warner burst onto the IPL scene with Delhi in 2009. After four seasons, he shifted to Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he became a talisman, leading them to glory and piling up runs for fun. In 2022, Warner returned to Delhi for three more seasons (2022–2024). For DC, he amassed 2551 runs in 89 games, averaging 31.49 with two centuries and 22 fifties, cementing his place as one of their most successful overseas players.

#3 Dale Steyn: The Phalaborwa Express’ RCB homecoming

South Africa’s fearsome quick, Dale Steyn, began his IPL journey with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2008 under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy. After stints with Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Lions, Steyn returned to RCB in 2019 for what would be his final two seasons. Across his RCB career, he played 33 matches and took 32 wickets, averaging 28.81 with an economy of 7.33, a fitting close to his IPL chapter at the team where it all began.