The Lanka Premier League (LPL) is Sri Lanka's top Twenty20 competition and has developed rapidly since it began in 2020. It provides opportunities for young Sri Lankans to play with seasoned international cricketers, making it a thrilling and competitive atmosphere. Its short and rapid nature makes it with an audience in Sri Lanka and worldwide.

In a major boost for the LPL, Indian cricketers are going to feature in the tournament for the first time ever in its history in the 2025 season. However, some Indian players had already featured in the first season of the LPL in 2020 after retiring from international cricket. Their participation back then added experience and star value to the tournament. Now, more retired Indian stars are expected to bring excitement and guidance to young Sri Lankan players.

The LPL 2025 edition will take place from December 1 to December 23, 2025. There will be 24 matches played in three Sri Lankan venues: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, and Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla. The addition of Indian players is expected to draw more spectators, enhance the level of competition, and provide an opportunity for young players to learn from veteran cricketers.

Indian Players of Previous LPL Seasons

Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan represented the Kandy Tuskers during the inaugural season of the LPL in 2020. The ex-India all-rounder, who had the capability to bat as well as bowl at pace from the left arm, contributed much experience to the team. He led junior players and supported the team with both bat and ball. Pathan featured in three matches, made 54 runs, and did not make any wickets.

Munaf Patel

Munaf Patel also played for the Kandy Tuskers in 2020. The fast bowler last played international cricket in 2018 but came back to the team to share experience and control with the bowling. He played four games and taken three wickets. Despite limited games, he assisted in guiding the young bowlers and provided stability to the team.

Manpreet Gony

Manpreet Gony, a medium-fast bowler with the right arm, represented the Colombo Stars in 2020. He had retired from Indian cricket in 2019 and contributed experience from domestic leagues to the team. Gony represented the team once, took one wicket, and conceded 42 runs. His contribution helped stabilize the bowling attack and assist the less experienced players in the team.

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Sudeep Tyagi

Sudeep Tyagi joined the Dambulla Viiking team in 2020 after retiring from Indian cricket. The former fast bowler for India added to the team's bowling options and continued mentoring core group young players. Tyagi played three matches, but did not take any wickets.

Manvinder Bisla

Manvinder Bisla, a former keeper-batsman, was drafted by the Colombo Kings for the 2020 season but dropped out before playing a single game. Moreover, Manvinder Bisla played 7 games in the 2012 IPL season for KKR, scoring 213 runs with a strike rate of 133.12 and an average of 30.42. Yet, his most significant performance came in the final match against Chennai Super Kings, in which he scored 89 runs from 48 balls to seal a match-winning score for Kolkata Knight Riders. This key knock contributed towards Kolkata Knight Riders' first IPL championship. He was given the Man of the Match for his great performance during the final.

A former India cricketer has made some stunning remarks about former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar. 'Banda Dimag Se Pagal Hay', this is said by Munaf Patel. But why did he say that? 

During a recent conversation, Munaf Patel expressed his observation about Shoaib Akhtar. Actually Patel piled a lot of praise for the former Pakistan international. He believes that Akhtar was the only one who could bowl over 150 kmph deliveries for more than a decade. Patel also claimed that in the upcoming years, there will be no pacers from Asian countries like Akhtar. 

Patel is still mesmerized by the dedication of Shoaib for his bowling. He said during the conversation that from 1997 to 2011-12, for 14-15 years, Akhter bowled with 150 KMPH pace, that too in Asian conditions. His knees were not enough good for even walking, but still managed to carry the long run up and deliveres with luxury pace. Patel guaranteed that they we'll not able to witness another bowler like Shoaib Akhtar from an Asian country during their lifetime. 

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Munaf Patel praised Shoaib Akhtar 

"From '97 to 2011-12, he (Shoaib Akhtar) bowled relentlessly with 150 KMPH speed. His knees were not fit for walking, but somehow he carried his long runup, which started beyond the 30 yard circle. If you advice him for betterment of maintaining strength, he would push himself for any limit. We will never see any other bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar, because he was absolutely crazy", Munaf Patel said. 

Munaf Patel: In Asian conditions, 135 feels heavy ,Shoaib Akhtar bowled 150+ consistently for 14 years. That’s madness 🥵.#PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/8jBk2DpQ7W

— 𝑨𝙗𝒅𝙪𝒍𝙡𝒂𝙝 𝙎𝒖𝙡𝒕𝙖𝒏⁵⁶ (@Abdullahs_56) October 5, 2025

Shoaib Akhtar, known as the 'Rawalpindi Express', played for Pakistan from 1997 to 2011. During this time, he played 46 Test matches, taking 178 wickets at an average of 25.69, including 12 five-wicket hauls. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he featured in 163 matches and claimed 247 wickets at an average of 24.97. 

Delhi Capitals (DC) have announced a strategic shake-up in their coaching lineup for IPL 2025, appointing former Indian pacer and 2011 ODI World Cup winner Munaf Patel as their new bowling coach. Munaf joins a revamped DC backroom team featuring head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao, replacing Australian James Hopes. This high-profile addition raises questions on how Delhi’s upgraded lineup could impact Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), DC’s key competitor, especially as both franchises gear up for the mega auction on November 24 and 25 with new ambitions.

Delhi Capitals secure bowling coach with Munaf Patel's experience

Munaf Patel, a renowned Indian pacer, takes on his first major coaching role since retiring from competitive cricket in 2018. Known for his skillful reverse swing and his ability to bowl precise yorkers, Munaf’s international career spanned across formats between 2006 and 2011. In IPL, he represented teams such as Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Gujarat Lions, clinching an IPL title with Mumbai in 2013. His transition to coaching comes as DC seeks a fresh approach for IPL 2025, with Munaf’s expertise set to guide the team’s pace attack through the rigors of the season.

DC’s new backroom shift follows an overhaul in July 2024, parting ways with head coach Ricky Ponting and bowling coach James Hopes. This strategic move aligns with DC’s goal to build a coaching unit primarily comprising Indian talent, aiming for renewed success after three unsuccessful seasons of missing out on the playoffs. With Munaf on board, DC hopes to leverage his experience to bring a disciplined edge to their bowling lineup, a change that could create ripples in their competition with other IPL teams, particularly KKR.

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What Munaf Patel’s appointment means for KKR’s IPL 2025 plans

Munaf Patel’s appointment could pose unique challenges for KKR, as they also seek to bolster their bowling attack for IPL 2025. KKR will have to anticipate changes in Delhi’s bowling strategies as Munaf works with DC’s roster of bowlers, aiming to boost their wicket-taking potential. Munaf's expertise in handling key moments on the field will likely enhance Delhi’s bowling strategy in tight matches—something KKR will need to prepare for. With DC’s upgraded purse of INR 73 crore for the upcoming auction, KKR faces increased competition for top talent that can strengthen their pace attack.

DC's decision to retain key players like spin-bowling allrounder Axar Patel, wristspinner Kuldeep Yadav, and new faces like South African batter Tristan Stubbs places KKR in a tight spot. With Munaf’s focus on refining DC's bowling unit, KKR’s strategy may need to adapt accordingly to counter DC's new strengths.

The Delhi Capitals' makeover signals a competitive IPL season as teams, including KKR, will need to up their game in response to DC’s fresh strategies.