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When the Indian Premier League (IPL) started in the year 2008, the focus was on stars but the rules ensured that franchises would have to rely on local talents to excel. Over the years, a large number of players have made their way to Team India on the basis of IPL performances. Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah are prime examples of this. In the inaugural edition, MS Dhoni backed Punjab-born Manpreet Gony as his new ball bowler and it paid dividends.
Manpreet’s dream IPL debut seasons
He was picked in the mega auction for his base price. Manpreet made his IPL debut in CSK’s first game of the season against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings). He picked up one wicket and conceded 42 runs in a high-scoring encounter.
He turned out to be CSK's highest wicket-taker in the tournament. The pacer bagged 17 wickets from 16 games. His economy rate was impressive at 7.38 runs per over. He played a pivotal role in CSK's journey to IPL 2008 final.
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ODI debut on the back of IPL performances
A 24-year-old Gony got his maiden ODI call-up in June. He made his ODI debut against Hong Kong in Asia Cup 2008. On his debut, he remained wicketless but conceded just 11 runs from five overs. He faced a litmus test against Bangladesh. He was the most expensive bowler for India in the match conceding 65 runs from eight overs. However, he managed to get the wickets of Mohammad Ashraful and Alok Kapali. He never played international cricket again.
Deccan Chargers rope in Gony for big bucks
Manpreet was a part of CSK for two more seasons He featured in 10 games during two seasons and picked up just six wickets. However, the Deccan Chargers picked him for $2,90,000. He got limited chances in the 2011 season and picked up four wickets. In the next season, he managed to take just three wins from six games. He was signed by the Punjab-based franchise in 2013 where he got to play eight games and bagged seven wickets.
Manpreet’s short-lived return to IPL
After three seasons, he was roped in by now-defunct Gujarat Lions for Rs 60 lakh. But he got to make just one appearance. He conceded 32 runs from two overs against a rampant Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) opening pair. It was his last IPL game.
Life after retirement
Gony announced his retirement from international cricket in 2019. He has 37 wickets from 44 games in IPL. After international retirement, he played in Global T20 Canada and Legends League Cricket (LLC).
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