Batting and bowling—these five titans didn’t just show up, they turned up in style to hand their teams the title
When the stakes are sky-high, and the pressure is unbearable, it takes more than a good day with either bat or ball—it demands a hero who can do both.
In the IPL's grand finales, a handful of players have stepped up, rolled up their sleeves, and performed well at both ends of the pitch. They've swung hard, they've bowled smart, and they've ensured the trophy didn't slip through their fingers.
Let's rewind the clock and explore some of the finest all-round masterclasses that changed the fate of IPL finals. These weren't just performances—they were one-man shows that brought the title home.
Credit: Sportskeeda
The IPL final needed a game-changer, and Yusuf Pathan rose to the occasion for Rajasthan Royals.
With the ball, he quickly targeted CSK's top order, dismissing Vidyut, Parthiv Patel, and Morkel. His off-spin was fast, flat, and effective, bowling 4 overs for just 22 runs and 3 wickets, disrupting CSK's momentum.
While chasing 164, Yusuf entered with intent. His 56 off 39 balls included 4 sixes and 3 fours, keeping RR in the hunt. Although he was run out, his impact was significant. RR won off the last ball and rightfully earned the man-of-the-match medal.
He wasn't just Gujarat Titans' captain in the 2022 final—Hardik Pandya was their engine, anchor, and hammer.
With RR aiming for a solid total, Pandya delivered a spell that rattled them. He dismissed Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, and Shimron Hetmyer—three players who could have changed the game. His 4-0-17-3 spell showcased tight lines, smart variations, and raw hunger.
With the bat, he contributed 34 from 30 balls—an innings that wasn't flashy but kept GT moving. They completed the chase with 11 balls to spare, and Pandya left with the trophy and honours.
Credit: ESPN
In the 2016 final, Ben Cutting exploded for Sunrisers Hyderabad. He stepped up with the bat, scoring 39 off 15 balls with 4 sixes and 3 fours, propelling SRH to 208.
He then dismissed Chris Gayle for 76 and KL Rahul with a gripping cutter. Cutting's contributions were crucial in SRH's narrow 8-run victory.
Credit: ESPN
Pollard doesn't tiptoe around finals—he stomps in. In 2013, he was the batter CSK couldn't remove. His unbeaten 60 off 32 had 3 sixes and 7 fours, mainly in the death overs. MI needed a late push, and Pollard delivered with a strike rate of 187.50.
With the ball, he was timely. His wicket of R Ashwin broke CSK's slim hopes. MI won by 23 runs, and once again, Pollard proved he's built for big nights.
Credit: Crictracker
You expect class from Suresh Raina, but in the 2010 final against MI, he delivered a complete package for CSK. His unbeaten 57 off 35 balls helped CSK post 168. He hit 3 sixes and 3 fours, pacing his innings with calmness.
With the ball, he dismissed Harbhajan Singh with a surprising delivery. Raina's spin wasn't pivotal but chipped away at MI's resistance. CSK claimed their first title, and Raina was named Player of the Match.
