'No one realised how big this tournament was going to become' - Brendon McCullum relives memories of the first ever IPL game

Brendon McCullum recalled memories from the first-ever IPL game in 2008 on this day between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The former New Zealand captain smashed an unbeaten 158 of just 73 deliveries with 13 sixes and 10 fours for KKR at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and it has turned out to be the only century from the franchise until now. McCullum’s blistering century took KKR to a big total of 222 and they ended up winning the game by 140 runs in the end.

It was an innings that did not just take the fans by storm but also set up the platform for the years to come, and the IPL has been a grand success. McCullum went on to play for different franchises including the Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions and Royal Challengers Bangalore until he played his last IPL game in 2018. His mode of approach was quite aggressive every time he went on to the field and currently, he is imparting the same mindset through his coaching skills as well.

It took me eight balls to start: Brendon McCullum

McCullum mentioned that the fans did now know the intensity of the IPL tournament until the first game took place and explained how the cricket fans have been passionate in India to take the tournament further. “No one who supported the IPL, cricket in general, realised how big this tournament was going to become and I think we found out that night and also the people who followed cricket and here in India also all around the world,” McCullum told the IPL website.

On being questioned about the memory of the innings and the fact that it remains the only century from a KKR batter the current head coach of the franchise said,  “Well we need to work on that second hundred because I am their batting coach. Hopefully, we will see the second or third hundred throughout the season. Look I don’t have too many memories, to be honest. it’s a bit blurry. It took me eight balls to start. I think with a little bit of fighting and luck on my way thankfully it came off good.”