Chennai, April 12: Gurjapneet Singh, a fast bowler for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), has made history by becoming the 17th player to take a wicket on his very first ball in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The 6-foot-3-inch bowler achieved this feat during the 18th match of IPL 2026 against Delhi Capitals (DC), where he dismissed captain Axar Patel.
The 27-year-old was handed the ball by CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad in the seventh over of DC's innings. Gurjapneet's debut delivery resulted in a catch by Sarfaraz Khan, who made a spectacular leap at backward point. This moment sparked a joyous celebration among the CSK players.
Before Gurjapneet, notable players who took wickets on their first IPL ball include Ishant Sharma (2008), Wilkin Mota (2008), S. Vidyut (2008), Ravi Teja (2008), Shane Harwood (2009), Amit Singh (2009), Charl Langeveldt (2009), Kevin Pietersen (2009), Ali Murtaza (2010), T.P. Sudhindra (2012), Adam Gilchrist (2013), Hanuma Vihari (2013), Alzarri Joseph (2019), Dewald Brevis (2022), Matheesa Pathirana (2022), and Ashwini Kumar (2025).
CSK had invested ₹2.2 crores in Gurjapneet Singh for IPL 2025, but he could not play that season due to injury. However, he was retained for IPL 2026 and made his comeback after playing for India-A.
In his first-class career, Gurjapneet has played 9 matches, taking 33 wickets at an average of 22.06. In List-A cricket, he has claimed 17 wickets at an average of 20.41 over 9 matches, and in 16 T20 matches, he has secured 22 wickets at an average of 24.38.
In the match on Saturday, CSK batted first, scoring 212 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. Sanju Samson played a remarkable innings, scoring an unbeaten 115 runs off 56 balls, while Ayush Mhatre contributed 59 runs before retiring out. Axar Patel was the only wicket-taker for Delhi Capitals.
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Gurjapneet Singh Becomes 17th Bowler to Take Wicket on First IPL Ball