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Their stories serve as inspiration to aspiring cricketers, demonstrating the importance of mental fortitude and the ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest
The IPL playoffs are a crucible. The air crackles with tension, the roar of the crowd intensifies, and the margins for error shrink to razor-thin slivers. In this arena of high stakes, only the most exceptional batsmen can rise to the occasion and produce innings that etch themselves into IPL folklore. This article dives into the top 5 individual scores in the history of the IPL playoffs, stories of audacious strokeplay, and nerves of steel.
The 2023 edition of the playoffs witnessed the birth of a new legend. In a do-or-die Qualifier 2 clash against the Mumbai Indians, a young Shubman Gill stepped onto the Narendra Modi Stadium pitch, a colossus in disguise.
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Rohit Sharma congratulating Subhman Gill
His innings were a masterclass in controlled aggression—a symphony of seven elegant boundaries punctuated by ten monstrous sixes. His score of 129 off just 60 balls propelled the Gujarat Titans to a commanding total and a well-deserved spot in the finals.
Virender Sehwag, a man synonymous with audacious strokeplay, needed no introduction to high-pressure situations. In the 2014 Qualifier 2 against the Chennai Super Kings, Sehwag unleashed his trademark carnage. He tore into the CSK bowling attack like a lion pouncing on its prey.
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Raina congratulating Sehwag after his dismissals
He smashed 12 fours and a staggering eight sixes, accumulating a dazzling 122 runs off a mere 58 deliveries. Sehwag's knock not only propelled the Punjab Kings to a mammoth total but also left the CSK bowlers shell-shocked and the spectators in a state of awe.
The 2018 IPL final saw a masterclass in calculated aggression from Shane Watson. Chasing a target of 179 set by the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Watson walked out to the crease with the weight of expectation on his shoulders. However, the seasoned campaigner showed nerves of steel.
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Watson celebrating his ton
His innings of 117 runs off just 57 deliveries were a blend of elegance and brutality. Watson's knock not only secured a comfortable victory for the Chennai Super Kings but also cemented his place as one of the IPL's greatest big-match players.
The 2014 IPL final witnessed a bittersweet symphony from Wriddhiman Saha. Coming in at a crucial juncture for the Punjab Kings, Saha played a knock for the ages. He displayed a repertoire of strokes, peppering his innings with ten boundaries and eight towering sixes.
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Saha after reaching his fifty
His unbeaten knock of 115 runs off a mere 55 deliveries was a testament to his exceptional skills and temperament. Saha's heroics propelled the Punjab Kings to a challenging total of 199 runs. However, fate had other plans. Despite his valiant effort, the Kolkata Knight Riders chased down the target with three wickets to spare.
Murali Vijay's knock in the 2012 Qualifier 2 against the Delhi Capitals was a statement of intent. Opening the batting for the Chennai Super Kings on their home turf, Vijay unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes.
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That iconic move
His innings of 113 runs off just 58 deliveries were a display of attacking elegance. Vijay's knock not only laid the foundation for a mammoth total of 222 runs but also instilled confidence in the CSK batting line-up. Ultimately, they secured a dominant victory by a margin of 86 runs, booking their place in the finals.
