IPL Top 10 Game-Turning Moments

 

IPL 2026 has already produced some exciting matches, although many have been one-sided. One of the notable aspects of the 19th edition of the league has been the increasing influence of bowlers, who have played a significant role in determining the outcome of matches. There have been many times when teams, even when they seemed to be completely out of the competition, have made a dramatic comeback and snatched victory from the face of certain defeat.

These unforgettable moments are etched in the memories of the fans, making the tournament even more exciting to watch. Such incidents not only entertained the spectators, but also helped the teams to achieve remarkable victories from seemingly impossible situations. Some of these turnarounds came courtesy of outstanding bowling performances, others came through breathtaking batting displays and some unique and game-changing moments.

10. Josh Hazlewood’s 19th over against RR

Rajasthan Royals needed 18 runs in the last two overs to beat RCB at the crease, with Dhruv Jurel well-placed at the crease. Josh Hazlewood bowled brilliantly in the 19th over, conceding just one run and taking the wickets of Jurel and Jofra Archer. As a result, RCB won their first match of the season at their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

9. Vipraj Nigam-Ashutosh Sharma partnership vs LSG

Vipraj Nigam and Ashutosh Sharma pulled off an unexpected win for DC against LSG to start their campaign in IPL 2025. Chasing a target of 210, DC were reduced to 113/6 after 12.3 overs. Nigam and Sharma put on a 55-run stand off just 22 balls. Ashutosh's 66* (31) gave DC the win, while Nigam's 39 (15) was very helpful for the 2020 finalists.

8. Angkrish Raghuvanshi's dismissal against PBKS

Chasing a target of just 112 runs, KKR were 72 for 3 at the end of 9 overs and needed just 40 runs to win in 11 overs. What happened next was absolutely incredible as KKR lost their next 7 wickets for just 23 runs. It started with the dismissal of Angakrishna Raghuvanashi, who was in fine form and scored 37 runs off 28 balls.

7. Abhishek Sharma surviving to Yash Thakur’s No Ball

Chasing a mammoth target of 246, SRH needed a great start against PBKS. Although they eventually got it, Abhishek Sharma was lucky to escape a missed catch and a no-ball. Since Yash Thakur had dismissed Sharma, the umpire declared it a no-ball. Abhishek then played a brilliant innings of 141 runs off just 55 balls – the best innings by an Indian batsman in the history of the league.

6. Mitchell Santner’s dream delivery to dismiss Karun Nair and three run-outs in Jasprit Bumrah’s over (DC vs MI)

Chasing a target of 206 against Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Capitals were on the verge of an easy win after 11.3 overs at 135 for 2. Karun Nair, who had scored 89 off just 40 balls, was dismissed by a brilliant delivery from Mitchell Santner. Later in the 19th over of the match, Delhi Capitals needed 14 runs off 9 balls with 3 wickets in hand. A hat-trick of three run-outs ensured that Mumbai Indians would win the match by 12 runs. Delhi Capitals lost their last 8 wickets for just 58 runs.

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5. Avesh Khan's death bowling against RR

Chasing a target of 181, Rajasthan Royals were on the verge of an easy win after 17 overs, posting 156 for 2. With Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal at the crease, the home team needed just 25 runs to win in the last 3 overs. Abeesh Khan bowled a brilliant 18th over, in which he dismissed both batsmen for just 5 runs. He also bowled the 20th over, conceding just 6 runs, including the wicket of Shimron Hetmyer. Khan ended up taking 3 wickets for just 11 runs as Los Angeles Grand Slam (LSG) defeated Rajasthan Royals by 2 runs.

4. Ajinkya Rahane’s dismissal against LSG

Batting first at Eden Gardens, LSG posted a good score of 238. Chasing that run, KKR got off to a great start and scored 162 for 2 in 12.5 overs. The hosts needed just 77 runs to win in the last 7.1 overs when Rahane was dismissed for a brilliant 61 off 35 balls. The batting disaster followed and KKR lost their way and lost 4 wickets in the next 19 balls. LSG eventually won the match by 4 runs.

3. Vijaykumar Vyshak’s wicketless yet impactful spell against GT

Batting first against GT in Ahmedabad, PBKS scored 243. Chasing this huge target, the home team held their own well thanks to the excellent performances of their first four batsmen. Vijaykumar Baishak was brought in at a time when PBKS needed economical overs. He bowled three of those overs to give the visitors an 11-run victory, where he kept the likes of Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford from being destructive.

2. Mitchell Starc’s last over to take the DC vs RR match to the Super Over

Rajasthan Royals needed 9 runs off the last 6 balls to win the match against Delhi Capitals, with Dhruv Jurel and Shimron Hetmyer at the crease. The left-arm pacer bowled brilliantly in the death overs, giving away just 8 runs, taking the match to the Super Over. Starc also helped his team win in the Super Over by giving away 11 runs. The Australian pacer was adjudged the Man of the Match for his outstanding bowling display for the Axar Patel-led side.

1. Nehal Wadhera’s cameo in the rain-affected game against RCB

The 34th match of IPL 2025 between RCB and PBKS was interrupted due to rain and hence the innings was reduced to 14 overs per innings. Batting first, RCB scored 95 runs. Chasing that run on a tough pitch, PBKS were reduced to 53/4. That's when Nehal Wadhera came forward and scored an unbeaten 33*(19) runs, which helped PBKS defeat RCB by 5 wickets.

FAQs

What was the biggest turning point in IPL 2026?

Mitchell Starc's last over bowling, which took the match to a Super Over.

Which bowler's performance turned the match around?

The death over bowling of Josh Hazlewood and Avesh Khan turned the match around.

Which batsman had the most memorable innings?

Abhishek Sharma's 141 runs and Nehal Wadhera's match-winning cameo were among the best.

What was the main reason for winning the match in IPL 2026?

The impact of the bowlers, the performance in the death overs and the batting contribution at crucial moments.