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IPL 2022: Aaron Finch Finds Record Ninth Team, Set to Play for Kolkata Knight Riders

Aaron Finch has gone to a record ninth team in the Indian Premier League, replacing Alex Hales in the Kolkata Knight Riders side in IPL 2022.

By Siddharth vishwanathan | Mar 12, 2022 | 4 Min Read

In the IPL, there are many players who have played for just one franchise in their entire history. Virat Kohli, Kieron Pollard, and Lasith Malinga are classic examples. Kohli has played his entire life with Royal Challengers Bangalore. Pollard and Malinga have played for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. There are players, on the other hand, who have played for many franchises in their careers. R Ashwin, Parthiv Patel are some of the notable names who have played for five or more franchises. But, Australia T20I skipper Aaron Finch takes the cake when it comes to playing for other IPL teams.

Recently, Aaron Finch was picked as a replacement for Alex Hales in IPL 2022 for Kolkata Knight Riders. Remarkably, this is the ninth franchise that Aaron Finch will be part of in the tournament. Finch has been part of Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, Sahara Pune Warriors, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions, Kings XI Punjab, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Thus, Finch has not been part of the Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants in the entire team roster of IPL.

Finch is like the new-age employer who goes to a new franchise in search of better opportunities on a regular basis. The right-handed batsman might not win many accolades for team loyalty when his career winds down. Here is a look at Aaron Finch’s tenure in the IPL for each of the eight teams prior to his appointment in the Kolkata Knight Riders side.

2010, Rajasthan Royals, Matches Played – 1, Runs – 21, Average – 21

Aaron Finch made his IPL debut while playing for Rajasthan Royals in 2010. His first match was against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens. Finch came into bat at number four and smashed one six in his knock of 21 off 21 balls. However, he bottom-edged a pull back onto the stumps as his knock came to an end. That was the only time he played for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL

2011 and 2012, Delhi Daredevils, Matches Played – 8, Runs – 102, Average – 12.75

Finch then made the move to Delhi Daredevils for the next two seasons. But, it was not a good time for him. He played eight matches in two seasons and did not cross 50 in any of the games. The year 2011 was torrid for Finch as he managed an average of 7.83. His returns in 2012 did not improve as he struggled in Indian conditions. After two unsuccessful stints in Delhi Daredevils that saw the franchise touch rock bottom, Finch was released.

2013, Sahara Pune Warriors, Matches Played – 14, Runs – 456, Average – 32.57

Finch was selected for the new Sahara Pune Warriors franchise. Although the franchise was hammered by all franchisees, notably Chris Gayle who smashed 175 in one match, Finch had a good outing. He smashed four fifties, which included a high of 67 against Chennai Super Kings which helped Sahara Pune Warriors shock the two-time IPL champions.

2014, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Matches Played – 13, Runs – 309, Average – 28.09

Finch became part of the new Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise and he formed a formidable opening pair with either Shikhar Dhawan or David Warner. Finch gave Dhawan solid support at the top and smashed his highest individual score of 88* against Kings XI Punjab. However, he was plagued by inconsistency in that edition of the tournament. Sunrisers Hyderabad, though, made a decent impression.

2015, Mumbai Indians, Matches Played – 3, Runs – 23, Average – 11.5

The batting line-up of the Mumbai Indians was solid thanks to Rohit Sharma and Sachin Tendulkar. When Tendulkar was rested, Finch got an opportunity. However, he struggled in all three games that he played.

2016 and 2017, Gujarat Lions, Matches Played – 26, Runs – 692, Average – 31.45

It was at the new franchise of Gujarat Lions that Aaron Finch found his mojo. Acting as the leader as well as opening the batting, Finch had a glorious run in 2016. It was his best year in the IPL as he smashed five fifties at an average of 39.3. It was Finch’s glorious run that saw Gujarat Lions reach the second qualifier in IPL 2016. Although they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad, it was a stellar performance. Finch could not repeat his heroics in the 2017 election, although he improved his strike-rate.

2018, Kings XI Punjab, Matches Played – 10, Runs – 134, Average – 16.75

Finch was taken by one more franchise after the Gujarat Lions disbanded. Kings XI Punjab took on his services but he struggled yet again. His highest score was 46 and he could not achieve the kind of impact that he got with the Gujarat Lions.

2020, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Matches Played -12, Runs – 268, Average – 22.33

Finch did not participate in the 2019 IPL as he wanted to focus on the ICC World Cup which was held at that time. But, in IPL 2020, he was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore and he partnered with Devdutt Paddikal. Finch struggled for impact and was overshadowed by the youngster who became the leading run-getter for RCB in his maiden year. Finch went unsold in IPL 2021. However, in IPL 2022, one hopes that his leadership and batting give Kolkata Knight Riders a brilliant impact.