Josh Little scripts history, becomes first Ireland cricketer to play IPL

Little, who was a net bowler for CSK last year, was bought for ₹4.4 crore by GT in the mini-auction.

Joshua Little created history by becoming the first Ireland cricketer to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The left-arm pacer was picked in the Gujarat Titans XI in the IPL 2023 opener against Chennai Super Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday. Little, who was a net bowler for CSK last year, was bought for ₹4.4 crore by GT in the mini-auction ahead of the 16th edition of the league. He was also the first Ireland cricketer to get picked in the IPL auction.

Josh Little made his IPL debut for Gujarat Titans (IPL)

For the record, Eoin Morgan is the first Irishman to play IPL but when he made his debut, he was an England international.

Little's IPL debut did not start on the perfect note as he was taken apart by CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad and all-rounder Moeen Ali. He leaked 15 runs in the powerplay in his first over in the IPL. Little made a good comeback in his second spell after the powerplay. Although Gaikwad hit him for a six in the last ball of his second over but the young left-armer gave away only seven runs.

GT vs CSK Live Score

The real moment of glory for Little came in his third over when cleaned up Ambati Rayudu. The experienced right-hander charged down the track to hit Little out of the park but ended up missing the length delivery altogether and the ball crashed onto his stumps.

"We'll bowl first. It's always good to play here. New start, new season, quite exciting. Almost everyone in the country has got motivation from him (Dhoni). Been a fan and admirer of him. Want boys to enjoy it. Result will take care of itself. It's different - I've left it in the coach. Ashu pa (Ashish Nehra) works all night on what needs to be done. I don't know (combination for today)."

MS Dhoni CSK skipper said it appears to be a good wicket.

"We were also looking to bowl. Looks like a good wicket and I don't think it will change. Don't know if there will be dew because it rained last night. You want to play in front of people. This stadium is twice the capacity of other stadiums. Fantastic atmosphere. The preparation was good. We assembled quite early. It's a luxury to have (impact player). It becomes slightly easy to take the decision because you can use it at any time. The influence of allrounder has become slightly less because of the rule," he said.