The Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for its thrilling contests between bat and ball, with bowlers often bearing the brunt of the onslaught from hard-hitting batsmen. Here’s a look at the top 10 most expensive overs bowled in the history of the IPL, where bowlers found themselves at the receiving end of some relentless hitting:
1. 37 Runs – Chris Gayle Off Prasanth Parameswaran (2011)
During an IPL 2011 clash between Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chris Gayle unleashed fury on Prasanth Parameswaran’s bowling, smashing 37 runs in a single over. Gayle’s onslaught included sixes, boundaries, and even a no-ball, etching his name in IPL folklore.
2. 37 Runs – Ravindra Jadeja Off Harshal Patel (2021)
A decade later, in 2021, Ravindra Jadeja joined Gayle in the record books by plundering 37 runs off Harshal Patel’s bowling. The over witnessed a flurry of sixes and boundaries, as Jadeja showcased his batting prowess with a breathtaking display of power-hitting.
3. 35 Runs – Pat Cummins Off Daniel Sams (2022)
In IPL 2022, Pat Cummins delivered a masterclass in aggressive batting, bludgeoning 35 runs off Daniel Sams’ over. Cummins’ explosive innings not only broke records but also left fans in awe of his remarkable stroke play.
4. 33 Runs – Suresh Raina Off Parvinder Awana (2014)
Suresh Raina’s blitzkrieg against Kings XI Punjab in 2014 saw him plunder 33 runs off Parvinder Awana’s bowling. Raina’s ability to find the boundaries at will was on full display as he dismantled the opposition attack with ease.
5. 31 Runs – Chris Gayle and Manoj Tiwary Off Ravi Bopara (2013)
Chris Gayle and Manoj Tiwary combined forces to wreak havoc on Ravi Bopara’s bowling in IPL 2013, amassing 31 runs in a single over. The over was characterized by brute force and exquisite timing, as the duo unleashed an onslaught of boundaries.
6. 31 Runs – Chris Gayle and Saurabh Tiwary Off Rahul Sharma (2011)
Once again, Chris Gayle found himself at the center of a whirlwind innings, this time alongside Saurabh Tiwary, as the duo amassed 31 runs off Rahul Sharma’s bowling in IPL 2011. Gayle’s dominance with the bat was a sight to behold as he pulverized the opposition bowling attack.
7. 30 Runs – Virender Sehwag Off Andrew Symonds (2008)
In the inaugural edition of the IPL, Virender Sehwag showcased his batting prowess by smashing 30 runs off Andrew Symonds’ bowling. Sehwag’s aggressive intent set the tone for the innings and paved the way for a memorable victory for Delhi Daredevils.
8. 30 Runs – Shaun Marsh Off Johan Van Der Wath (2008)
Shaun Marsh etched his name in IPL history by hammering 30 runs off Johan Van Der Wath’s over in the inaugural season of the tournament. Marsh’s clean striking and impeccable timing left the opposition reeling as he stamped his authority with the bat.
9. 30 Runs – Virat Kohli Off Shivil Kaushik (2016)
Virat Kohli’s masterclass against Shivil Kaushik in IPL 2016 saw him plunder 30 runs in a single over. Kohli’s exquisite shot-making and aggressive intent propelled him to a memorable innings, showcasing his ability to dominate even the most challenging bowling attacks.
10. 30 Runs – Rahul Tewatia Off Sheldon Cottrell (2020)
In one of the most memorable overs in IPL history, Rahul Tewatia launched a stunning assault on Sheldon Cottrell’s bowling in IPL 2020. Tewatia’s fearless hitting, including five consecutive sixes, turned the game on its head and secured a remarkable victory for Rajasthan Royals.
These instances serve as a testament to the electrifying nature of the IPL, where moments of brilliance and breathtaking performances captivate audiences and etch themselves into the annals of cricketing history.
