Cameos that almost changed everything – A look back at IPL Finals where short innings sparked hope, drama, and awe
In the high-stakes world of the IPL final, not every hero requires a lengthy stay at the crease. Occasionally, short, explosive cameos can shift the game’s momentum. With pressure soaring, a batter facing fewer than 15 balls has little margin for error. Nevertheless, a select few have transformed these brief appearances into unforgettable statements. Here’s a look back at five such short but sensational innings that changed—or nearly changed—the fate of an IPL final.
Kieron Pollard was sent in too late. The Mumbai Indians were gasping at 119 for 7 when he arrived, but the big man unleashed chaos in just 10 balls at a stunning strike rate of 270.00. He smashed 27 runs, including two sixes and three fours, most of them off Doug Bollinger in the 18th over. The crowd roared as Pollard attempted to script a miracle. However, MS Dhoni, always a step ahead, set a trap with Hayden at straight mid-off. Pollard fell for it. His late fire couldn't rescue Mumbai, but the intent and drama still linger in memory.
You know it's been a tough night when your number ten batsman is the spark in a sinking chase. Mohit Sharma, of all people, stepped up in the 2015 final. With Chennai Super Kings staring at defeat, Mohit thumped 21 runs off just 7 deliveries. Two sixes and a four from the fast bowler briefly brought some hope. His strike rate of 300.00 illuminated an otherwise dull conclusion for CSK. The match was lost, but Mohit’s knock was a punch of pride and resistance.
Ben Cutting didn’t just hit big; he hit where it hurt the most—in the final over. Arriving late for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he blasted 39 unbeaten runs from just 15 balls, achieving an electric strike rate of 260.00. Shane Watson bore the brunt, conceding 24 runs in the 20th over. After four sixes and three boundaries, Hyderabad posted 208. Cutting wasn’t finished—he returned with the ball to dismiss Gayle and Rahul. It's a proper all-round punch, but that short batting blitz will be remembered as the momentum-turner.
Robin Uthappa reminded everyone of his T20 class in the 2021 final. Coming in at No. 3, he smashed a crucial 31 off 15 balls. His strike rate exceeded 200, and three towering sixes helped Chennai surge early. Uthappa faced the spinners fearlessly, particularly Shakib Al Hasan, instantly shifting the pressure. It was a cameo of intent—brief but calculated. The runs allowed Moeen and Faf to perform their roles perfectly. Chennai’s substantial total owed this middle-overs boost a debt of gratitude.
In a rain-affected IPL 2023 final, Ajinkya Rahane delivered the least expected display of aggression. Chasing a formidable 171 in just 15 overs, Rahane entered with the required run rate soaring. He responded with elegance and power—27 off 13 balls, including two sixes and two fours, achieving a strike rate of over 200. This wasn’t merely a slog fest. It was intelligent T20 batting under immense pressure. He maintained the momentum while the finishers awaited their turn. Without those 13 explosive deliveries, Chennai’s miracle may not have transpired.
Not every IPL final memory revolves around centuries or five-wicket hauls. Occasionally, those 10-ball storms or unexpected tail-end fireworks become the heartbeat of the match. Pollard frightened Chennai, Mohit ignited CSK pride, Cutting overwhelmed Bangalore, Uthappa energised the middle, and Rahane exuded class when it mattered most. These were no mere footnotes—they were high-voltage moments that defined finals. In T20s, sometimes 15 balls are all it takes to create history.
