Top 5 bowling spells that made IPL playoffs unforgettable

The Indian Premier League 2026 playoffs are just one day away, with four teams battling for ultimate glory. While batters have dominated headlines throughout the season with explosive strokeplay and record-breaking totals, history has repeatedly shown that bowlers are the true match-winners in pressure games.

In playoffs, one magical spell can completely change the momentum of a match and crush the opposition’s hopes within a few overs. Over the years, IPL playoffs have witnessed several unforgettable bowling performances that left fans stunned and became iconic moments in tournament history.

Here let us take a look at top five bowling spells from IPL playoffs:

Akash Madhwal (LSG vs MI), IPL 2023 (Eliminator)

One of the greatest playoff bowling performances came from Akash Madhwal during the IPL 2023 Eliminator between Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians in Chennai. Mumbai posted a competitive total of 182/8 through collective batting contributions despite strong efforts from Naveen-ul-Haq and Yash Thakur. However, the real story unfolded during Lucknow’s chase. Madhwal delivered a sensational spell of fast bowling, finishing with extraordinary figures of 5/5 in just 3.3 overs at an unbelievable economy rate of 1.40.

The right-arm pacer consistently hit the perfect lengths and dismantled the Lucknow batting lineup under pressure. He dismissed dangerous batters like Nicholas Pooran and Ayush Badoni while also cleaning up the lower order. His spell remains the best bowling figures in IPL playoff history and played a crucial role in Mumbai’s dominant 81-run victory.

Dwayne Bravo (CSK vs MI), IPL 2013 (Q1)

Another legendary spell came from Dwayne Bravo during Qualifier 1 of IPL 2013 between Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. CSK had posted a massive 192/1 thanks to brilliant unbeaten knocks from Suresh Raina and Michael Hussey. Mumbai started aggressively in the chase with Dwayne Smith smashing 68 off just 28 balls, briefly keeping their hopes alive.

But Bravo completely shifted the momentum with his clever variations and accurate death bowling. He ended with remarkable figures of 3/9 in three overs, dismissing Harbhajan Singh, Lasith Malinga, and Mitchell Johnson. Bravo’s spell ensured Mumbai never recovered from the pressure, while CSK comfortably sealed their place in the final.

Jasprit Bumrah (MI vs DC), IPL 2020 (Q1)

No list of great IPL playoff bowling performances can be complete without Jasprit Bumrah. The Mumbai Indians pace spearhead produced a world-class spell against Delhi Capitals in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2020. Mumbai had scored 200/5 with valuable contributions from Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan. Chasing a daunting target, Delhi required a strong start, but Bumrah completely destroyed their batting lineup with pace and deadly yorkers.

He finished with outstanding figures of 4/14 in four overs, including a maiden. His victims included top players such as Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, and Daniel Sams. Bumrah’s fiery spell ensured Delhi never got close to the target and further cemented his reputation as one of the greatest T20 bowlers in the world.

Mitchell Starc (KKR vs SRH), IPL 2024 (Final)

The IPL 2024 final saw another unforgettable performance, this time from Australian speedster Mitchell Starc for Kolkata Knight Riders against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Hyderabad entered the final with one of the most dangerous batting lineups of the season, but Starc completely shattered their confidence in the powerplay itself.

The left-arm pacer bowled with raw pace and aggression, producing devastating deliveries that dismantled the top order. He dismissed Abhishek Sharma with a stunning delivery that crashed into the stumps and later removed Rahul Tripathi. Starc finished with figures of 2/14 in three overs, setting the tone for KKR to bowl out SRH for just 113. Kolkata later chased the target comfortably to secure their third IPL title, with Starc’s opening burst becoming one of the defining moments of the final.

Ravichandran Ashwin (CSK vs RCB), IPL 2011 (Final)

The final spot belongs to veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin for his masterclass against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2011 final. Chennai Super Kings had posted a huge total of 205/5 powered by outstanding knocks from Murali Vijay and Michael Hussey. RCB possessed a dangerous batting lineup led by Chris Gayle, but Ashwin’s brilliant spell completely dismantled their chase.

The off-spinner used his variations and accuracy brilliantly, ending with figures of 3/16 in four overs. He dismissed key players including Gayle, Daniel Vettori, and Mayank Agarwal. Ashwin’s performance ensured Chennai comfortably defended their title and highlighted the importance of quality spin bowling in high-pressure matches.