From bruised knuckles to bandaged knees, these cricket warriors smashed tons to etch their names in IPL folklore
The roar of the crowd, the bright lights, and the pressure to perform—the IPL is a stage where only the best thrive. But what separates the truly exceptional from the rest? The answer lies not just in talent but in grit and determination. This article delves into the stories of three such players who defied the limitations of injury to smash centuries and rewrite the script of their respective matches.
The iconic Wankhede Stadium witnessed the birth of a new hero in 2023. Youngster Venkatesh Iyer, playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders, had the crowd on their feet as he notched up his maiden IPL century. This wasn't just any ordinary tonne; it was a testament to Iyer's fighting spirit. Just nine balls into his inning, disaster struck—a knee injury left him writhing in pain.
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He became the second Centurian for KKR after Brandon McCullum
Yet the Madhya Pradesh batter refused to give up. He battled through the discomfort, taking the responsibility of anchoring the innings when others faltered. His valiant knock of 104 runs off just 51 balls showcased his talent and unwavering resolve. Sadly, his efforts were overshadowed as the Mumbai Indians chased down the target comfortably, leaving Iyer's valiant century in vain.
Virat Kohli, the name synonymous with batting brilliance, has etched his name in the IPL record books on numerous occasions. However, one knock stands out for its sheer audacity. In 2016, facing the Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Kohli walked out to open the innings with a secret weapon—nine stitches in his left hand due to a split webbing.
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Kohli has eight centuries in IPL
This injury could have deterred any ordinary batsman. But for Kohli, it was a mere hurdle. He unleashed a masterclass in controlled aggression, reaching a magnificent 113 runs off just 50 balls in a rain-shortened 15-over match. His celebration, pointing towards the injured hand after reaching his century, became an iconic image, a symbol of his unwavering determination to win for his team, the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The 2024 IPL season witnessed a record-breaking chase, orchestrated by a man playing with a niggle. Jos Buttler, the swashbuckling opener for the Rajasthan Royals, was ruled unfit for the previous match. He even started the game against the Kolkata Knight Riders on the bench, only entering as an "impact player" in the second inning. The target was daunting; KKR had set a mammoth total. Despite the pressure and lack of match practice, Buttler rose to the occasion like a true champion.
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He anchored the chase, playing sensibly while wickets fell around him. His focus and determination paid off as he reached a magnificent century, scoring an unbeaten 107 runs off just 60 balls. With the scores tied on the last ball and needing a single for victory, Buttler showcased his composure, chipping the ball for a single and etching his name in IPL history. This chase, secured by a player overcoming injury, will be remembered for years to come.
These are just three examples of the many incredible stories that the IPL throws up every season. They are a testament to the human spirit, showcasing how dedication, courage, and a never-say-die attitude can overcome even the toughest physical limitations.
