![Sunil Narine with the KKR team [Source: AFP and Screengrabs]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1777810824773_SunilNarinewiththeKKRteam.jpg?type=hq)
Sunil Narine with the KKR team [Source: AFP and Screengrabs]
When it comes to franchise loyalty, Sunil Narine and the Kolkata Knight Riders go hand in hand. While the Caribbean T20 megastar has inspired youngsters to pursue franchise cricket, it is also true that Narine’s 14-year service to the franchise is among the rarest in the game.
Franchise cricket is all about money. Wherever there is money, players are drawn to it. Loyalty is now a thing of the past, but Sunil Narine managed to keep things old-school as he became the first player to scalp 200 wickets while playing for the same franchise.
Sunil Narine, The Epitome Of Loyalty For KKR
As of now, Narine boasts 219 wickets for KKR, followed by retired fellow Caribbean Andre Russell’s 124-wicket grab for the franchise. He now also holds the record for the most wickets by an overseas player in the IPL and is continuing to build his legacy from there.
First bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2012 auction for 6.6 crore, Narine has been one of the most loyal players of the franchise, through its thick and thin.
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Fans Praise Narine's Loyalty
In the May 3 KKR vs SRH match at Uppal, Narine managed to take 2 wickets from his 4 overs while giving away 31 runs. His scalp was the important Ishan Kishan and an aggravated Salil Arora.
With the two scalps, he broke multiple milestones by crossing the 200-wicket mark. The internet praised the Caribbean all-rounder's loyalty and showered him with praise for his milestone.
Let’s take a look at how the fans reacted to Sunil Narine’s achievement:
Sunil Narine For KKR In IPL 2026
Besides being a crafty mystery spinner for his team, Narine has also been a talented batting firepower for the team who managed to fire in all positions- from the opening slot to the lower order blitz. While he hasn't been at his very best with the bat this season, his bowling mysteries continue.
Sunil Narine has scalped 9 wickets in 8 matches and, most importantly, restricted run flow with a very low economy rate of 6.81. The strike rate too is impressive at 20.00.
His only disappointing bowling performance came against Sunrisers Hyderabad, when KKR faced them on April 2. He gave away 39 runs without bagging a wicket.
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Narine Continues To Slay In Purple And Gold
If taken a deep dive, Narine's 2025 form wasn’t super impressive either, yet he manages to be one of the most vital cvogs for the team. In IPL 2025, Narine managed to bag only 12 wickets from 12 appearances, with an economy rate of 7.80.
Nevertheless, this adds to his consistency. As Narine continues to be part of the Knight army at 37 years old, although he has drawn curtains on his international career, the Men in Purple would like him to see many more years in the same jersey, as he still stands out as the epitome of loyalty in franchise cricket.
For the unaware, Sunil Narine has also been a vital part of the Trinbago Knight Riders, LA Knight Riders, and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the CPL, MLC, and ILT20, further strengthening his bond with the franchise.
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