In the IPL finals over the years, exceptional bowling displays have often proved decisive in shaping the outcomes of matches. From remarkable spells of pace and spin to nerve-wracking last-over heroics, bowlers have left an indelible mark on the grandest stage of the tournament. Let’s embark on a journey through the years, uncovering the standout bowling performances that have defined the IPL finals from 2008 to 2023.
1. Yusuf Pathan (2008) – Yusuf Pathan had a great final with the ball as well, taking three big wickets of Parthiv Patel, Vidyut and Albie Morkel. He played a big role in the IPL 2008 finals as the Rajasthan Royals defeated the Chennai Super Kings by three wickets while chasing the score of 164 runs.
2. Anil Kumble (IPL 2009) – Anil Kumble was the leading wicket-taker in the finals. He took 4 wickets for the RCB, playing a significant role in their bowling attack during the final match. Despite his efforts, RCB ultimately ended up losing the final to the Deccan Chargers, defeating the Royal Challengers Bangalore by 6 runs. Deccan Chargers posted a total of 143/6 in 20 overs, defending it successfully with a superb bowling effort.
3. Dilhara Fernando (IPL 2010) – Dilhara Fernando took 2 wickets while representing the Mumbai Indians. His bowling performance contributed to the team’s efforts in the final match of the tournament, although his performance went in vain as CSK defeated Mumbai Indians by 22 runs.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin (IPL 2011) – Ashwin took 3 wickets for the Chennai Super Kings, playing a crucial role in their bowling attack defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 58 runs. Chennai Super Kings posted a daunting score of 205/5 in their allotted 20 overs, with Ashwin playing a key role in bowling.
5. Ben Hilfenhaus (IPL 2012) – Ben Hilfenhaus, playing for CSK, grabbed two key wickets of Gambhir and Kallis in the final. Despite his performance, CSK lost to KKR by five wickets. Kolkata Knight Riders successfully chased down a target of 191 runs.
6. Dwayne Bravo (IPL 2013) – Dwayne Bravo was the highest wicket-taker. He grabbed four wickets for the Chennai Super Kings, contributing significantly to their bowling assault. In the finals, Mumbai Indians emerged champions defeating CSK by 23 runs.
7. Karanveer Singh (IPL 2014) – Karanveer Singh stood out with a remarkable bowling performance, taking 4 crucial wickets for Kings XI Punjab against Kolkata Knight Riders. In the IPL 2014 finals, the Kolkata Knight Riders defeated Kings XI Punjab by 3 wickets. Kings XI Punjab posted a total of 199/4 in 20 overs, but Kolkata Knight Riders chased down the target with three balls to spare, scoring 200/7.
8. Mitchell McClenaghan (IPL 2015) – In the IPL 2015 final, Mitchell McClenaghan stood out, claiming 3 crucial wickets for Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings, contributing significantly to their victory. They defeated the Chennai Super Kings by 41 runs and Lasith Malinga also contributed with 2 big wickets including MS Dhoni.
9. Chris Jordan (IPL 2016) – Chris Jordan grabbed three wickets for the Royal Challengers Bangalore, making a vital contribution to their bowling performance in the final against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sunrisers Hyderabad won the IPL 2016 final by 8 runs over Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 208/7 in 20 overs before restricting Royal Challengers Bangalore to 200/7.
10. Mitchell Johnson (IPL 2017) – Mitchell Johnson stood out as the top wicket-taker for the Mumbai Indians, claiming 3 crucial wickets against the Rising Pune Supergiant, significantly impacting the match’s outcome. In an exciting game, the Mumbai Indians defeated the Rising Pune Supergiant by a close margin of one run thanks to Krunal Pandya’s superb knock of 47 runs.
11. Lungi Ngidi (IPL 2018) – Lungi Ngidi of CSK claimed only one wicket, although he controlled the run rate and produced a maiden over, that helped the Chennai Super Kings win by eight wickets over the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Chennai Super Kings successfully chased down a 179-run mark, scoring 181/2 in 18.3 overs and winning their third title.
12. Deepak Chahar (IPL 2019) – Deepak Chahar distinguished himself as a pivotal wicket-taker for the Chennai Super Kings, claiming three crucial dismissals, bolstering their bowling performance against the Mumbai Indians. However, the Mumbai Indians upset the Chennai Super Kings by one run in a nail-biting ending. Mumbai Indians scored 149/8 in 20 overs before restricting the Chennai Super Kings to 148/7, securing their fourth IPL title.
13. Trent Boult (IPL 2020) – Trent Boult was the leading wicket-taker. He played an important role for the Mumbai Indians, gathering three wickets for 30 runs in four overs. The Mumbai Indians won the IPL 2020 finals, defeating the Delhi Capitals by five wickets. Mumbai Indians chased down a 157-run target, scoring 157/5 in 18.4 overs to win their fifth IPL title overall and second in a row.
14. Shardul Thakur (IPL 2021) – Shardul Thakur emerged as a crucial wicket-taker for the Chennai Super Kings, securing three vital dismissals against the Kolkata Knight Riders. The Chennai Super Kings defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs. The Chennai Super Kings posted a strong total of 192/3 in 20 overs and then held the Kolkata Knight Riders to 165/9, winning their fourth IPL title.
15. Hardik Pandya (IPL 2022) – Hardik Pandya demonstrated his skill in the IPL 2020 finals by bowling a brilliant spell that included three key wickets and kept the run rate under control from one end. His performances helped reduce the Rajasthan Royals to 130 runs in the final, resulting in a 7-wicket victory of Gujarat Titans.
16. Mohit Sharma (IPL 2023) – In the rain-affected IPL 2023 finals, Mohit Sharma of the Gujarat Titans displayed his ability by claiming three crucial wickets. However, despite his efforts, the Titans succumbed to defeat against CSK, who chased down the target of 171 runs in just 15 overs.
