IPL: 3 active players to play for both KKR and RR in league history

Rajasthan Royals. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Match 31 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) will feature a clash between the table toppers. Rajasthan Royals (RR), who top the chart with five wins from six games, will take on second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in what will be an exciting encounter. The match will be played on Tuesday, April 16, at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens stadium. 

Both teams have been a part of the league since its inception in 2008 and have managed to win the coveted title in their 16-year journey. Royals emerged as the inaugural champions under the leadership of Shane Warne but have not enjoyed success in the tournament since then.

KKR’s story has been slightly different. The franchise won the cash-rich league twice in 2012 and 2014, respectively, but failed to be crowned as champions after that. The two teams have faced each other 27 times in the history of IPL, with KKR leading the way with 14 wins. Having said that, it is also worth noting that several players have represented both KKR and RR over the years. However, let’s take a look at three active players who have played for both sides.

Here are three active players who have played for both KKR and RR –

3. Sanju Samson

Samson ( Photo source: RR )

Sanju Samson is currently the captain of Rajasthan Royals and their wicketkeeper batter. The Kerala-based ravishing player joined Royals in 2013 and represented them for three years before joining Delhi Capitals (DC). He left DC in 2017 and returned to RR in the following season for an unbeaten seven-year run. 

To everyone’s surprise, the South Indian cricketer entered the IPL scene in association with Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR acquired Samson in the 2012 season but did not play a single match for the franchise in their triumphant outing. Having played 130 matches for Royals, Samson has amassed 3475 runs at a strike rate of 140.57, including 20 fifties and two tons.

Also Check: Sanju Samson pulls off exceptional wicket-keeping dismissal during PBKS versus RR IPL 2024 clash

 2. Chetan Sakariya

Chetan Sakariya. (Photo Source: IPL)

Chetan Sakariya made his IPL debut in 2021 when RR acquired the left-arm pacer’s services for a sum of INR 1.2 crore. Sakariya had a decent campaign with them but was released ahead of the 2022 mega auction, marking his two-year stint with Delhi. 

The uncapped Indian is currently associated with KKR but has yet to make his maiden appearance for the two-time champions in the ongoing IPL 2024. Sakariya has played 14 matches for RR and took as many wickets at an average of 30.42 and an economy of 8.19.

1. Trent Boult

Trent Boult. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)

Left-arm pacer Trent Boult made his IPL debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2015 and went on to play for multiple franchises in this 10-year period. He has been a regular feature for whichever franchise he has represented. The Kiwi fast bowler was part of KKR in the 2017 season, where he took five wickets in six matches for them.

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He was later linked with Mumbai Indians (MI) where he enjoyed successful seasons in 2020 and 2021. MI made a huge mistake by letting Boult go ahead of the 2022 mega auction and Royals grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Known for his powerplay wicket-taking prowess, Boult has hunted 35 wickets for RR in 32 matches at an economy rate of 7.91.