Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine is known as one of the best ‘mystery-spinner’ in the world. Made his debut for Trinidad and Tobago in 2009, he became a key role for West Indies team.

In this article, let’s explore Sunil Narine’s remarkable cricket career, through numerous records, stats, beyond his personal story and controversies.

Sunil Narine: The Mysterious Spinner for West Indies

Sunil Narine, born on May 26, 1988, in Trinidad and Tobago, is a renowned former international cricketer for the West Indies.

Known for his right-arm off-spin bowling and aggressive left-handed batting, Narine has made significant contributions in T20 leagues globally, including a pivotal role in the West Indies’ 2012 T20 World Cup victory.

Early Life and Career

Sunil Philip Narine, born on May 26, 1988, in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago, is a former Trinidadian cricketer who played internationally for the West Indies. He is a right-arm off-spin bowler and a left-handed batsman.

Narine first caught the eye in a trial match where he took all ten wickets, leading to his call-up to the Trinidad & Tobago squad in 2009.

Domestic Career

Narine made his debut in first-class cricket for Trinidad and Tobago in February 2009 during the Regional Four Day Competition.

He played his first Twenty20 (T20) match in January 2011 during the Caribbean Twenty20. Narine was the leading wicket-taker in the 2011 Regional Super50 with 15 scalps.

He has played for various teams in domestic T20 leagues around the world, including the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL, Sydney Sixers, Guyana Amazon Warriors, Cape Cobras, Comilla Victorians, Trinbago Knight Riders, Melbourne Renegades, Lahore Qalandars, Dhaka Dynamites, Oval Invincibles, and others.

International Career

Narine’s international career began when he was included in the West Indies squad for their tour of India in 2011.

He made his One Day International (ODI) debut in December 2011 against India. Narine played a key role in the West Indies team that won the 2012 T20 World Cup. His Test debut came in June 2012 against England.

IPL and Other Franchise Career

Narine has been a significant player for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL since 2012. He played a crucial role in KKR’s IPL victories in 2012 and 2014.

Narine was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 2018 IPL season. He has also been a part of various other T20 leagues globally, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), and The Hundred in England.

Career Across Formats

In Tests, Narine played 6 matches, taking 21 wickets with a best of 6/91. In ODIs, he played 65 matches, taking 92 wickets with a best of 6/27.

In T20Is, he featured in 51 matches, taking 52 wickets with a best of 4/12. His bowling action came under scrutiny several times, leading to suspensions and modifications.

Retirement

In November 2023, Narine announced his retirement from international cricket. He last played for the West Indies in a T20I in August 2019.

Narine expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career and stated that he would continue to play in T20 leagues around the world.

Sunil Narine: A Chronicle of Cricketing Records

Sunil Narine, a prominent figure in international cricket from the West Indies, has established a remarkable record in his career spanning from 2011 to 2019.

As a bowling all-rounder, Narine’s achievements in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is reflect his exceptional skills and versatility. Here’s a detailed look at some of his significant records:

Top Records

One-Day Internationals (ODIs):

• Best figures in an innings: Ranked 48th with impressive figures of 6/27.
• Most five-wickets-in-an-innings in a career: Holds the 50th position with 2 instances.
• Fastest to 50 wickets: Achieved this milestone in just 29 matches, placing him 38th fastest.

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):

• Most runs in an innings by batting position: Scored 23 runs, ranking 21st.
• Best career economy rate: Stands 24th with an economy rate of 6.01.
• Bowler/fielder combinations: Ranked 16th with 10 combinations.
• Most wickets taken stumped: 5th position with 12 wickets.
• Most wickets taken stumped: Narine has taken 12 wickets through stumpings, a record that places him 5th in this category.

Sunil Narine: A Glimpse into His Family Background

Sunil Narine, a celebrated cricketer from Trinidad and Tobago, has not only made a name for himself on the cricket field but also holds a rich family heritage. Here’s a detailed look into his family background:

Parents and Early Life

• Father: Late Shadeed Narine
• Mother: Christina Narine

Sunil Narine was born into a Hindu family in Arima, Trinidad & Tobago. His parents, Shadeed and Christina Narine, were devout Hindus.

The influence of his father, Shadeed, was particularly significant in shaping Sunil’s early interest in cricket.

Sunil’s father, Shadeed Narine, played a crucial role in his cricketing journey. Named after the legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, Narine was inspired and supported by his father from a young age.

Sadly, Shadeed Narine passed away in 2016, but his influence remains a significant part of Sunil’s life and career.

Marriage and Personal Life

• Wife: Nandita Kumar

Sunil Narine tied the knot with Nandita Kumar in 2013. The couple, hailing from Trinidad, share a strong bond and have been together since their marriage.

Nandita and Sunil both practice Hinduism, reflecting the religious background Sunil was born into.

Cultural Roots

Sunil Narine is of Indian descent, which is evident in his family’s religious beliefs and practices. His connection to his roots is a vital aspect of his identity, both personally and professionally.

Ethnicity and Religion

As a Trinidadian of Indian descent, Sunil Narine’s ethnicity reflects the diverse cultural landscape of Trinidad and Tobago. His adherence to Hinduism plays a central role in his life, shaping his values and worldview.

Sunil Narine: The Financial Journey of a Cricketing Star

Sunil Narine, the Trinidadian cricket sensation, has not only made a name for himself on the cricket field but also amassed a significant net worth through his successful career. Here’s a detailed look into his financial achievements:

Net Worth and Earnings

• Total Net Worth: Sunil Narine’s net worth is estimated at around $16 Million, which is approximately 120 Crore Indian Rupees (INR).
• Annual Income: His yearly income is reported to be around 12 Crore INR, with a monthly income exceeding 1 Crore INR.

IPL Salary and Contracts

• IPL Earnings: Narine’s IPL journey began in 2012 with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a bid of Rs. 35.19 million. Over the years, his salary has seen a significant increase, with the 2020 IPL auction securing him for Rs. 125 million.
• IPL Salary Growth: From 2012 to 2020, Narine’s IPL salary has shown a remarkable growth, contributing significantly to his net worth.

Assets and Lifestyle

Narine owns a luxurious house in Arima, Trinidad & Tobago, along with various real estate properties in different countries. His collection includes some of the world’s best luxury cars, including a Range Rover.

4 Controversy in Sunil Narine’s Cricket Career

Sunil Narine, a prominent figure in international cricket, has been embroiled in several controversies throughout his career.

These incidents have not only created headlines but also raised questions about various aspects of the game. Here’s a comprehensive look at the controversies involving Sunil Narine:

1. Slow Over-Rate Red Card (2023)

In a Caribbean Premier League (CPL) match, Narine became the first cricketer to receive a red card for slow over-rates.

The CPL introduced a red card system to combat slow over-rates. Narine, playing for Trinbago Knight Riders, was penalized and asked to leave the field, leaving his team with 10 players for the final over.

Kieron Pollard, the TKR skipper, expressed his unhappiness, calling the penalty “absolutely ridiculous“.

2. Illegal Delivery Against Virat Kohli (2023)

Fans raised concerns about Narine’s delivery that dismissed Virat Kohli in the prestigious IPL match.

Playing for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Narine’s delivery that got Kohli out was scrutinized for being potentially illegal.

Narine has previously faced issues with his bowling action, leading to temporary bans and reworking of his action.

3. Cleared from IPL Illegal Bowling Action Warning List (2020)

Narine was reported for a suspected illegal bowling action during an IPL 2020 match but was later cleared.

The IPL’s Suspect Bowling Action Committee reviewed Narine’s action and concluded that his elbow-bend was within permissible limits. Later, Narine was removed from the IPL Suspect Action Warning List.

4. Ban from Super50 Series

Narine was banned from participating in the NAGICO Super50 series. The West Indies Cricket Board rejected a request to allow Narine to participate, following his ban from bowling due to an illegal action.

Narine had failed a test on his bowling action at Loughborough University and had been previously banned during the Champions League in India.