These are the bowlers who entered the final as heroes but exited as headlines—for all the wrong reasons
Finals are where heroes rise—and sometimes fall. In the high-stakes world of IPL cricket, the pressure turns diamonds to dust. While batters often steal the spotlight, bowlers carry the weight of expectation in every delivery. But not every bowler emerges unscathed. Let's rewind through the IPL finals and revisit moments when things went drastically wrong with the ball—five bowlers who endured nights they'd rather forget.
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
Figures: 0/61 in 4 overs | Economy: 15.25
The crowd at the Chinnaswamy roared with excitement. Royal Challengers Bangalore were chasing 209 to win their first-ever IPL trophy. But earlier in the match, Shane Watson saw his final over turn into a nightmare.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by David Warner, were already cruising when Ben Cutting walked in. Watson's last over went for 24 as Cutting unleashed a flurry of sixes. By the end of his spell, Watson had gone for 61 runs without a wicket. The worst part? He had to watch as the match slipped away, one boundary at a time.
Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans
Figures: 0/56 in 4 overs | Economy: 14.00
Three days of rain, delays, and drama. The 2023 final in Ahmedabad had everything. And amidst the chaos, Tushar Deshpande had a final to forget.
Sai Sudharsan was in a zone of his own. He hammered Deshpande across the park, finding gaps, clearing ropes, and keeping the scoreboard ticking furiously. Four overs later, Deshpande had leaked 56 runs—no wickets, just bruises. It could've cost Chennai Super Kings the match. But Ravindra Jadeja's last-ball heroics saved the day. For Deshpande, though, the final was a bitter pill.
Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Figures: 0/56 in 4 overs | Economy: 14.00
Lockie Ferguson came into the 2021 final with a raw pace and high hopes. But Chennai Super Kings had other plans. Faf du Plessis was fluent, fearless, and firm in his approach.
Ferguson's short-pitched deliveries were punished ruthlessly. His lengths became predictable. By the end, he had conceded 56 runs in just four overs, his economy touching 14.00. Kolkata Knight Riders couldn't recover from the pressure, and CSK cruised to their fourth title.
Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Figures: 4/54 in 4 overs | Economy: 13.50
Taking four wickets in an IPL final should be a badge of honour. But for Karanveer Singh, it came wrapped in heartbreak.
Facing Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab posted 199 thanks to Wriddhiman Saha's century. Karanveer dismissed Gambhir, Pathan, Ten Doeschate, and even Manish Pandey. But in between, he also bled runs. His spell cost 54 runs, and the economy of 13.50 proved damaging. Pandey's fearless 94 ensured KKR chased down the target and lifted their second title.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings
Figures: 1/52 in 4 overs | Economy: 13.00
In the 2018 final, Sandeep Sharma got the early breakthrough. Faf du Plessis was out, and Sunrisers Hyderabad dared to dream. But then came Shane Watson.
After a slow start, Watson tore into Sandeep and others with a vengeance. His subtle variations didn't work against the Aussie veteran. Sandeep ended with 52 runs conceded and just one wicket. Sunrisers had no answers to Watson's fireworks as CSK easily claimed their third title.
