IPL has given us some of the most unforgettable moments in cricket history. From last-ball thrillers to jaw-dropping sixes, there’s never a dull moment in the Indian Premier League. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, these iconic IPL moments are sure to give you goosebumps.
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and relive the greatest IPL moments ever!
1. Brendon McCullum’s 158 in the First-Ever IPL Match (2008)*
Talk about setting the stage on fire! Brendon McCullum’s unbeaten 158 off just 73 balls in the inaugural IPL match for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore was nothing short of magical.
Not only did he smash 13 sixes, but he also made sure IPL started with a bang—literally. That night, IPL proved it was here to stay, and McCullum became an instant legend.
2. MI’s Last-Ball Title Win Over CSK (2019)
This match had everything—tension, drama, and a last-ball finish that left fans on the edge of their seats. Mumbai Indians were up against their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings, and it all came down to the final delivery.
With 2 runs needed off the last ball, Lasith Malinga pulled off an incredible slower yorker to dismiss Shardul Thakur, handing MI their fourth IPL trophy. Talk about a nerve-wracking finish!
3. Chris Gayle’s 175 – The Knock That Broke Records (2013)*
If cricket had a “beast mode,” Chris Gayle turned it on during his insane 175-run knock for RCB against Pune Warriors India.
- Fastest century in IPL history (30 balls)
- Highest individual score in IPL
- 17 sixes in one innings (yes, 17!)
Pune’s bowlers looked helpless as Gayle sent balls flying out of the stadium. It was pure destruction at its finest.
4. MS Dhoni’s 84 Against RCB (2019) – Vintage Thala*
MS Dhoni and last-over finishes? Name a better duo, I’ll wait.
Chasing 162, CSK needed 26 off the last over. What did Dhoni do? Smashed 3 sixes and a four! Unfortunately, CSK lost by just 1 run, but Dhoni’s innings reminded everyone why he’s called Captain Cool.
5. Rajasthan Royals’ Fairytale Title Win (2008)
Led by Shane Warne, the underdog Rajasthan Royals shocked everyone by winning the first-ever IPL season.
Nobody expected them to even make it to the playoffs, but with a mix of young talents and Warne’s brilliant captaincy, they pulled off one of the greatest upsets in cricket history. The final against Chennai Super Kings was a thriller, and RR emerged as the ultimate dark horse of IPL.
6. The Double Super Over Madness (2020)
We’ve seen Super Overs before, but two in one match? That’s next-level drama!
In IPL 2020, Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Mumbai Indians went head-to-head in a match that ended in a tie—not once, but twice. The second Super Over saw Punjab chase down 12 runs in 4 balls, making it one of the most insane finishes ever.
7. Rinku Singh’s 5 Sixes in 5 Balls (2023)
Chasing 29 runs off the last over? Impossible, right? Well, not if you’re Rinku Singh.
Playing for KKR against Gujarat Titans, Rinku smashed 5 consecutive sixes to pull off a miraculous heist. It was one of the most unbelievable finishes in IPL history, proving that anything is possible in T20 cricket.
8. Virat Kohli’s 973-Run Season (2016)
No player has dominated a single IPL season like Virat Kohli did in 2016.
- 973 runs in 16 matches (most in a single IPL season)
- 4 centuries in one season
- Single-handedly carried RCB to the final
Kohli was in god mode, and every innings felt like a masterclass in batting. Though RCB didn’t win the trophy, Kohli’s season remains unmatched.
9. AB de Villiers’ 360-Degree Masterclass (2018)
If you need proof that AB de Villiers is a freak of nature, just watch his knock against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018.
He played shots that defied logic—scoops, flicks, reverse sweeps, and straight sixes, all in one innings. At one point, even Virat Kohli looked shocked, shaking his head in disbelief at ABD’s genius.
10. The Most Iconic IPL Catch – Pollard’s One-Handed Stunner (2014)
Fielding in IPL is next level, but Kieron Pollard’s one-handed catch against Rajasthan Royals in 2014 might be the best ever.
Jumping full stretch with one hand, Pollard plucked the ball out of thin air like Spider-Man. If you haven’t seen this catch yet, do yourself a favor and watch it now!
FAQs: Your IPL Moment Queries Answered
1. What is the most-watched IPL match of all time?
The IPL 2023 Final between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans holds the record for the highest TV and digital viewership.
2. Who has hit the most sixes in IPL history?
As of now, Chris Gayle leads the six-hitting charts, followed by Rohit Sharma and AB de Villiers.
3. Which IPL match had the most thrilling finish?
The 2019 IPL Final between MI and CSK, which was decided on the last ball, is widely regarded as one of the most nail-biting finishes ever.
4. What’s the highest team total in IPL history?
RCB holds the record with 263/5 against Pune Warriors India in 2013, thanks to Gayle’s 175*.
5. Which is the best Super Over match in IPL?
The double Super Over game between MI and KXIP in IPL 2020 remains the craziest Super Over match ever.
Final Thoughts: Reliving IPL’s Greatest Hits
These moments are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to IPL’s legendary history. Every season brings new drama, new heroes, and new records waiting to be broken.
Which IPL moment is your all-time favorite? Drop a comment and let’s chat about it! 🏏🔥