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The IPL is a whirlwind of big sixes, breathtaking catches, and heart-stopping finishes. But spare a thought for the partnerships that emerge from the unlikeliest of situations – the 10th wicket! When all seems lost and just one dismissal separates defeat from victory, these pairs rise to the occasion, etching their names in IPL folklore. Let’s look at the top five highest 10th wicket partnerships in IPL history, moments where the underdogs roared!
- Shikhar Dhawan & Mohit Rathee (55 runs, Punjab Kings vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2024): This recent IPL season threw up a gem in April 2024. Chasing a modest target of 144, the Punjab Kings were in tatters at 88/9. Enter Shikhar Dhawan, the experienced opener, and Mohit Rathee, the young pacer. What followed was a masterclass in grit and determination. Dhawan, known for his elegant strokeplay, anchored the innings with an unbeaten 99, while Rathee provided crucial support with clever shot selection. The duo added an incredible 55 runs, the highest 10th wicket partnership ever in the IPL, and took their team agonizingly close to victory before falling short by just 4 runs.
- Tom Curran & Ankit Rajpoot (31 runs, Rajasthan Royals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders, 2020): Back in 2020, a nail-biting encounter between Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders saw another unlikely duo steal the show. Chasing a target of 179, the Royals were reeling at 148/9, with only Tom Curran, the English all-rounder, and Ankit Rajpoot, the young Indian pacer, remaining. Refusing to give up, they stitched together a brilliant 31-run partnership. Curran’s clean hitting and Rajpoot’s sensible batting kept the Royals in the hunt until the very last ball. Although they fell short by 7 runs, their fighting spirit left the crowd applauding.
- Andre Russell & Harry Gurney (29 runs, Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Chennai Super Kings, 2019): The IPL is known for its explosive batsmen, and this entry features one of the best – Andre Russell! In a high-scoring encounter in 2019, the Kolkata Knight Riders needed 38 runs off the last 3 overs to chase down a mammoth target of 203 set by the Chennai Super Kings. With 9 wickets down, all hope seemed lost. But then came the ‘Muscle Man’ Russell. Partnering with the young English seamer Harry Gurney, Russell unleashed his trademark power-hitting, smashing boundaries with ease. The duo added a quickfire 29 runs off just 12 balls, raising hopes of a miraculous comeback. However, they were dismissed in the final over, leaving CSK victors by a narrow margin.
- Arshdeep Singh & RD Chahar (27 runs, PBKS vs Gujarat Titans, 2022): In a nail-biting finish against the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022, young guns Arshdeep Singh and Rahul Chahar showed nerves of steel with a crucial 27-run stand for the 10th wicket. Chasing a challenging total, their team, were staring down defeat at 163/9. However, Arshdeep, known for his fiery pace, and Chahar, the wily leg-spinner, refused to give up. They displayed remarkable composure, taking calculated risks and finding the boundary rope on a few occasions. This vital partnership kept their team in the hunt until the very last over, showcasing the fighting spirit and unpredictability that make the IPL such a thrilling spectacle.
- MS Dhoni & Mohit Sharma (26 runs, Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings, 2013): In a dramatic turn of events during the 2013 IPL encounter between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, MS Dhoni and Mohit Sharma conjured up a last-ditch fightback with a crucial 26-run partnership for the 10th wicket. Chasing a target of 149, CSK found themselves staring down defeat at 122/9. However, the cool-headed Dhoni, known for his finishing prowess, and the lesser-known Sharma refused to give up. Dhoni’s characteristic calmness and Sharma’s sensible hitting kept Mumbai Indians in check. While their partnership ultimately fell short of taking CSK over the line, it provided a glimmer of hope and showcased the never-say-die spirit that CSK is known for.
These five incredible 10th wicket partnerships remind us that in the IPL, anything is possible. They are a testament to the never-say-die attitude of the players and the sheer unpredictability of the game. So next time you witness a team on the brink of defeat, remember these stories. Because in the IPL, even a single wicket remaining can spark a fightback for the ages.
