Brendon McCullum recalls the first-ever IPL game. McCullum scored an unbeaten 158 in the inaugural IPL match between KKR and RCB exactly 15 years ago.
Brendon McCullum recalled the first-ever IPL game. Which took place on this day in 2008 between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The former New Zealand captain smashed an unbeaten 158 off 73 deliveries with 13 sixes and 10 fours for KKR at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The franchise’s only century to date. McCullum’s blistering century propelled KKR to a massive total of 222, and they went on to win the game by 140 runs.
It was an innings that not only wowed the fans but also laid the groundwork for the years to come. The IPL was a huge success. McCullum went on to play for a variety of franchises, including the Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions, and Royal Challengers Bangalore, before retiring from the IPL in 2018. His approach was quite aggressive every time he took the field, and he is now instilling the same mindset through his coaching abilities as well.
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It took me eight balls to get going: Brendon McCullum
McCullum stated that the fans did not realize the intensity of the IPL tournament until the first game. He explained how the cricket fans in India have been passionate about taking the tournament further. “No one who supported the IPL, or cricket in general, realize how big this tournament is going to be, and I think we found out that night, as well as the people who follow cricket and here in India and all over the world,” McCullum told the IPL website.
When ask about the memory of the innings and the fact that it is still the only century by a KKR batter, the franchise’s current head coach respond, “Well, we need to work on that second hundred because I am their batting coach.” We’re hoping to see the second or third hundred throughout the season. To be honest, I don’t have a lot of memories. It’s a little hazy. It took me eight balls to get going. “I believe that with a little bit of fighting and luck on my side, I was able to come out on top.”
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