Indian Premier League (IPL) is surrounded by excitement, drama, and surprises. Fans have seen a lot of exciting games over the years, yet some of the most memorable moments involved teams that had performed unbelievable comebacks. These are the moments when teams were written off, but they turned the match around in the most surprising way. So, without further ado, let us take a glance at some of the unlikeliest come-backs in the history of IPL.
1. Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians (2023)
It was a game which kept everyone at the edge of the seat. Mumbai Indians were playing to win a mammoth target of 213 and it appeared that Rajasthan Royals were holding the game in their hands. Even fans on IPL online betting sites were likely bracing for a Royals victory. However, something special occurred within the final five overs.
Tim David, the big-hitter, hit three sixes in a row in the last over. Prior to that, Suryakumar Yadav scored a magnificent knock under pressure. Mumbai scaled the target off the last few balls to spare and create a drama out of an almost lost match. How they managed the pressure was an epitome of never giving up.
2. Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2012)
In 2012, RCB posted a mountain of 205 runs in total. CSK seemed to have no chance to pursue it. The needed run rate was continuously increasing, and it appeared that CSK was out of the game.
Albie Morkel however, had different plans. He hammered 28 runs off an over by Virat Kohli. That over was all. Ravindra Jadeja struck the winning runs in the final over to help CSK win the match when no one gave them a chance. This game is recalled as one of the most unthinkable comebacks in IPL.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore (2009)
KKR was not a good team in the initial years of IPL. In this game, they were already struggling to protect a low score of 139 against an formidable RCB batting line up.
RCB was sailing in victory with only 50 runs required off 42 balls with 7 wickets in hand. However, the bowlers of KKR, notably Ishant Sharma and Mendis, produced fine overs.
They took wickets at frequent intervals and never gave RCB any chance to settle down. RCB choked under the pressure and threw away a match which they were expected to win comfortably. That was a typical case of a low score which can be defended by clever bowling.
4. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals (2013)
In 2013, Sunrisers Hyderabad were new entrants in IPL. During this game, they managed to score just 144 runs. It appeared that Rajasthan Royals would pursue it easily. But SRH possessed a strong bowling attack.
Dale Steyn was bowling fast and accurately and Amit Mishra was squeezing mid-overs. RR just kept losing wickets and eventually lost by 23 runs. None would have thought that SRH would defend such a low total, and the bowlers created a magnificent turnaround.
5. Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2014 Final League Match)
It was a game which KKR had to win in order to better their Net Run Rate and finish in the second place. Punjab Kings put up 156 runs. KKR had to score it off only 15.2 overs to gain a lead on the table.
All was not going fine and it appeared that KKR will not make their target on time. However Yusuf Pathan had other ideas. He made 72 runs off only 22 balls, with the quickest 50 in IPL by that point (15 balls). KKR scored in 14.2 overs and moved to the second position, just due to Yusufs unimaginable smashing.
6. Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans (2022)
In the 2022 season, Gujarat Titans were a new team. In this game, they were pursuing a total of 172 posted by Delhi Capitals. Requiring 56 runs off the final four overs, it appeared that DC would cruise to the finish line.
However, Rahul Tewatia and David Miller put on a performance. Tewatia struck two sixes off the final over to help GT win. This returning demonstrated the strength of belief in oneself and being composed in a demanding situation.
7. Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings (2020)
This game consisted of two Super Overs! That was the first match in the IPL history which needed a second Super Over to be determined.
Both teams put up a struggle. Mumbai was better placed in the early stages but Punjab refused to go away. Mohammed Shami bowled a fantastic Super Over and only gave 5 runs. Then Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal pursued the target in the second Super Over without any trouble. A nail-biter of a game this was as both sides staged comebacks but it was Punjab that had the last surprise.
Final Thoughts
There are innumerable memories that IPL has provided to the fans, the most thrilling however are the comeback stories. They are a reminder that cricket is unpredictable and no match is won until the very last ball has been bowled.
As a hardcore fan or a regular watcher, these impossible comebacks make you stick to the TV. The IPL is not only about high scoring- it is about the team spirit, tactical moves and magical moments that make the game go upside down.
