Forgotten match-winners from IPL finals over the years

The Indian Premier League has witnessed several iconic performances in finals over the years. While some stars continue to be remembered for their title-winning heroics, there are also a few players whose contributions often go unnoticed despite playing decisive roles on the biggest stage.

From match-winning spells to crucial knocks under pressure, these performances proved vital in shaping IPL history.

Here are the top 5 forgotten match-winners in the history of IPL finals:

5. Mitchell Johnson – IPL 2017

The IPL 2017 final between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiant remains one of the closest finals in tournament history. Mumbai posted a modest total of 129/8 in 20 overs, with Krunal Pandya and Mitchell Johnson adding an important 50-run partnership for the eighth wicket. For Pune, Jaydev Unadkat, Adam Zampa and Daniel Christian impressed with the ball.

Chasing 130, Pune looked in control, with captain Steven Smith scoring 51 runs. However, Johnson delivered under pressure and produced a brilliant spell of 3/26, dismissing Ajinkya Rahane, Smith and Manoj Tiwary. His final over sealed a dramatic one-run win for Mumbai Indians.

4. Devon Conway – IPL 2023

The IPL 2023 final between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans was played on the reserve day after rain interrupted the original schedule at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The Titans posted a huge 214/4, powered by half-centuries from Wriddhiman Saha and Sai Sudharsan. For CSK, Matheesha Pathirana picked up two wickets.

The rain later revised the target to 171 in 15 overs under the DLS method. While Ravindra Jadeja became the hero with 10 runs in the final two balls, opener Devon Conway laid the foundation with a rapid 47 off 25 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. His aggressive start ensured CSK stayed ahead of the chase and eventually lifted their fifth IPL title.

3. Yusuf Pathan – IPL 2008

The inaugural IPL final in 2008 saw Rajasthan Royals defeat Chennai Super Kings by three wickets in a thrilling contest. Chennai scored 163/5, with Suresh Raina top-scoring with 43 runs.

The star of the match was Yusuf Pathan, who delivered a complete all-round performance. He first picked up 3/22, dismissing Parthiv Patel, Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan and Albie Morkel. Later, while wickets kept falling during the chase, Pathan played a fearless knock of 56 from 39 balls, smashing three fours and four sixes to guide Rajasthan to their maiden IPL trophy.

2. Murali Vijay – IPL 2011

The IPL 2011 final between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore was dominated by Chennai from the very beginning. CSK posted a massive 205/5, thanks to an outstanding partnership between Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay.

While Hussey contributed 63, it was Vijay who stole the show with a sensational 95 off 52 balls, including four boundaries and six sixes. His innings completely dismantled the RCB bowling attack and gave Chennai full control of the match. RCB later collapsed under pressure, with Ravichandran Ashwin taking 3/16 as CSK retained the title.

1. Pragyan Ojha – IPL 2009

In the IPL 2009 final, Deccan Chargers defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore by six runs in Johannesburg. Deccan posted 143/6, with Herschelle Gibbs scoring an unbeaten 53. For RCB, captain Anil Kumble produced a brilliant spell of 4/16.

Despite the modest target, Deccan’s bowlers defended the score successfully. Pragyan Ojha emerged as the unlikely hero with figures of 3/28, dismissing Praveen Kumar, Roelof van der Merwe and Manish Pandey at crucial moments to help Deccan Chargers secure their first IPL title.