Sunil Narine Stats, Debut, Age, Jersey No, Career, IPL Team, Price
Trinidadian magician Sunil Narine is one of the most revolutionary players in modern-day T20 cricket. Known for his off-spin and fearless opening cameos with the bat, Narine has redefined the role of the all-rounder in the shorter formats. From confusing batsmen with his “mysterious spin” to setting the tone for the top order for KKR, Narine has been a match-winner for over a decade.
His international career for West Indies has had its ups and downs, but his legacy in franchise cricket has been unparalleled.
Early Life and Career Journey
Sunil Narine’s cricketing journey began in Trinidad, where he first made waves by taking all 10 wickets in a trial match for Trinidad and Tobago in 2009. Initially known for his batting as a young player, his ability to bowl with exceptional control soon became his calling card. His breakout moment came during the 2011 Champions League T20, where his performances caught the attention of scouts. Narine made his international debut for West Indies in 2011 and was signed by KKR for USD 700,000 in the IPL 2012 auction. It was a big jump from his base price of USD 50,000.
In the same season, Narine helped KKR win their first IPL title. There, he took 24 wickets at an economy of just 5.47, earning him the Player of the Tournament award. Since then, Narayan has become synonymous with KKR’s identity as mystery, energy and success.
Last Played Matches
| Format | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | vs Pakistan | October 5, 2016 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium |
| T20I | vs India | August 6, 2019 | Providence Stadium |
| Test | vs New Zealand | December 19, 2013 | Seddon Park |
| IPL | vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | May 25, 2025 | Arun Jaitley Stadium |
Batting
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Highest | Average | Strike Rate | 50s | 100s | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 6 | 7 | 40 | 22 | 8.00 | 43.48 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| ODI | 65 | 45 | 363 | 36 | 11.00 | 82.50 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 12 |
| T20I | 51 | 23 | 155 | 30 | 10.33 | 112.32 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 5 |
| IPL | 188 | 122 | 1780 | 109 | 17.62 | 166.52 | 7 | 1 | 189 | 116 |
Bowling
| Format | Matches | Innings | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Average | Economy | Strike Rate | 4w | 5w | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 6 | 11 | 1650 | 851 | 21 | 40.52 | 3.09 | 78.57 | 0 | 2 | 6/91 |
| ODI | 65 | 65 | 3540 | 2435 | 92 | 26.47 | 4.13 | 38.48 | 4 | 2 | 6/27 |
| T20I | 51 | 49 | 1102 | 1105 | 52 | 21.25 | 6.02 | 21.19 | 1 | 0 | 4/12 |
| IPL | 188 | 187 | 4345 | 4922 | 192 | 25.64 | 6.80 | 22.63 | 7 | 1 | 5/19 |
Sunil Narine’s IPL Career and Price
Sunil Narine’s association with KKR has become one of the most iconic player-franchise relationships in IPL history. Since joining the team in 2012, Narine has been at the heart of KKR’s success stories, including title wins in 2012, 2014 and 2024. What makes Narine unique is his ability to contribute in multiple roles. Such as opening the batting, anchoring in the Powerplay and delivering overs in difficult moments.
In the IPL 2025 season, Narine continued with KKR, who was valued at ₹6 crore. His consistency, versatility and leadership in the franchise make him one of the most valuable T20 players in the world.
Teams Represented
Sunil Narine has played for several teams across global T20 leagues, proving his universal appeal as a match-winner.
Teams:
- West Indies
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Trinbago Knight Riders
- Sydney Sixers, Lahore Qalandars
- Melbourne Renegades
- Comilla Victorians
- Dhaka Dynamites
- Abu Dhabi Knight Riders
- Oval Invincibles
- Durban Super Giants
- Guyana Amazon Warriors
- Montreal Tigers
- New York Strikers and more.
Career Highlights
- Player of the Tournament: IPL 2012 & 2024.
- T20 World Cup winner with West Indies (2012).
- Second player to score 450+ runs & take 15+ wickets in a single IPL season (2024).
- Over 500 wickets in T20 cricket globally.
- One of the most economical bowlers in IPL history (Economy < 7).
- Has opened the batting, bowled powerplays, and led franchise teams with success.
Playing Style and Strengths
Sunil Narine’s bowling is characterised by variety, precision and deception. His subtle changes in pace, angle and release point make him unpredictable. His bowling action has been tested over the years, yet despite his new technique he still delivers a high level of accuracy and control.
As a batsman, Narine has transformed into a powerplay hitter for KKR, often opening the innings and scoring at a strike rate above 170. His ability to hit the ball cleanly and his fearlessness make him a useful player, capable of turning the game around with bat or ball.
Read More: Andre Russell Stats, Debut, Age, Jersey No, Career, IPL Team, Price
Sunil Narine’s Legacy
Sunil Narine is a pioneer of the T20 era, truly a player who redefined the art of spin bowling and the role of the utility all-rounder. Despite setbacks due to bowling action controversies, he reinvented himself as an all-rounder. In short, he became a player who contributed to every aspect of the game.
For Kolkata Knight Riders fans, Narine is not just a player, he is an icon. His name has now become synonymous with loyalty, consistency and match-winning talent.
Conclusion
Sunil Narine’s cricketing journey is a story of innovation, adaptability and talent. From the narrow lanes of Trinidad to the grand arenas of the IPL, Narine has left an indelible mark on world cricket. His ability to excel as both a bowler and an attacking opener has made him a global T20 phenomenon.
Even at the age of 37, he is a vital player in the KKR lineup, proving that true champions do not fade but evolve. With over a decade of match-winning performances, Sunil is the heartbeat of KKR and one of the most decorated T20 players in history.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Q1. What is Sunil Narine’s highest score in IPL?
His highest IPL score is 109 runs, which shows his explosive batting ability as an opener.
Q2. How many wickets has Sunil Narine taken in IPL history?
As of 2025, Narine has taken 192 wickets in the IPL, one of the most wickets among foreign bowlers.
Q3. Why was Sunil Narine banned from bowling in international cricket?
Narine’s bowling action was reported several times for being illegal. He was temporarily suspended in 2015 but returned after improving his action.
Q4. Is Sunil Narine retired from international cricket?
Narine has not officially retired, but has not played for West Indies since 2019, focusing primarily on franchise cricket.
Q5. How many centuries and fifties has Sunil Narine scored in IPL?
Narine has scored 1 century and 7 half-centuries in his IPL career and has done most of them as a surprise pinch-hitter at the top.
