The Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than just cricket; it’s a stage for the unexpected. One moment, the game seems under control, and the next, tension and excitement explode into unforgettable drama. These thrilling comebacks, when victory seemed impossible, create legends and moments worthy of a Bollywood blockbuster.
Here are the Top 5 Most Cinematic Comebacks in a Single IPL Match, where underdogs rose to glory and the game turned around in just a few overs.
Let`s take a look at the Cinematic Comebacks in a Single IPL Match:
5. Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants – IPL 2023 (Match 30)
Venue: Ekana Stadium
The Comeback Hero: Mohit Sharma
The Situation:
Chasing just 136, LSG were in cruise control at 106/1, needing only 30 runs off 34 balls with 9 wickets in hand. It looked like a routine finish.
The Twist:
Then came a collapse no one saw coming. Mohit Sharma’s clever variations and Noor Ahmad’s tight spell choked the scoring. Under mounting pressure, LSG fell apart—losing 7 wickets for just 23 runs. Gujarat Titans pulled off a win from the edge of defeat.
Why It’s Cinematic:
From KL Rahul’s composed 68 to a sudden, shocking collapse, the match turned into a rollercoaster of tension and disbelief. A perfect example of Cinematic Comebacks in a Single IPL Match, where calm turned to chaos in a blink.
4. Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2012 (Match 13)
Venue: Chepauk
The Comeback Hero: Albie Morkel
The Situation:
RCB piled up a massive 205/8, riding on explosive knocks from Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli. In response, CSK were falling behind, needing 43 runs off the final 2 overs. Game over? Not quite.
The Twist:
Enter Albie Morkel. Facing the 19th over bowled by part-timer Virat Kohli, Morkel unleashed carnage—smashing 28 runs with 3 towering sixes and 2 fierce boundaries. The momentum flipped instantly. Bravo and Jadeja held their nerve, sealing a last-ball win for CSK.
Why It’s Cinematic:
From the surprising move to hand Kohli the penultimate over, to Morkel’s fearless hitting and the nail-biting finish, this was pure cricket drama. A perfect example of Cinematic Comebacks in a Single IPL Match, where one over changed everything.
3. Kings XI Punjab vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – IPL 2020 (Match 43)
Venue: Dubai
The Comeback Heroes: Arshdeep Singh & Chris Jordan
The Situation:
Chasing a modest 127, SRH looked in total control at 56/0. With all 10 wickets in hand and nearly 10 overs left, it seemed like an easy stroll to victory.
The Twist:
Then came a stunning collapse. SRH lost all 10 wickets for just 58 runs. Chris Jordan and Arshdeep Singh applied relentless pressure, striking at crucial moments to turn the tide. What looked like a one-sided chase turned into a shock defeat, as Punjab Kings pulled off a miraculous defense.
Why It’s Cinematic:
From 56/0 to 114 all out—this was a meltdown worthy of a psychological thriller. The sudden collapse, the rising tension, and the unexpected heroes made it a textbook case of Cinematic Comebacks in a Single IPL Match.
2. Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2021 (Eliminator)
Venue: Sharjah
The Comeback Hero: Sunil Narine
The Situation:
Chasing just 139, Kolkata Knight Riders found themselves in trouble. RCB were in control, with Harshal Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal squeezing the middle overs and building pressure.
The Twist:
Then came Sunil Narine—not with the ball, but wielding the bat. Promoted as a pinch-hitter, he launched a brutal assault, smashing three sixes off Chahal in a single over to flip the momentum. Earlier, he had already dismantled RCB’s batting with figures of 4/21, removing stars like Kohli and de Villiers.
Why It’s Cinematic:
A bowler stealing the show with both ball and bat in a knockout match? That’s peak drama. Narine’s double act—deadly with the ball and fearless with the bat—made this one of the most Cinematic Comebacks in a Single IPL Match. Unpredictable, explosive, and unforgettable.
1. Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians – IPL 2023 (Match 42)
Venue: Wankhede Stadium
The Comeback Hero: Sandeep Sharma
The Situation:
Chasing a daunting 213, Mumbai Indians needed 17 runs off the final over. With Tim David and Cameron Green at the crease, and Rajasthan turning to seasoned death specialist Sandeep Sharma, the odds heavily favoured RR.
The Twist:
Then came a jaw-dropping turnaround. Tim David unleashed absolute carnage, smashing three back-to-back sixes off Sandeep’s attempted yorkers. In just three deliveries, the match flipped on its head—Mumbai sealed victory with 3 balls to spare.
Why It’s Cinematic:
Tension, pressure, a trusted bowler crumbling, and an unlikely hero delivering a clutch finish—this was cricketing theatre at its finest. A perfect example of Cinematic Comebacks in a Single IPL Match, where the final over turned into a blockbuster climax.
Conclusion
The magic of the IPL lies in its unpredictability—where logic fades and drama takes center stage. These comebacks weren’t just wins; they were jaw-dropping moments that defied all odds.
Whether it was a bowler turning into a hitter, a sudden collapse, or a last-over miracle, these Cinematic Comebacks in a Single IPL Match remind us that in the IPL, no match is over until the very last ball.
Read More: Top 5 Best Use of Trading Windows in IPL History
FAQ`s
Q1: What makes a comeback “cinematic” in the IPL?
A comeback becomes cinematic when it defies logic, flips the momentum dramatically, and delivers suspense, emotion, and shock—like something straight out of a movie.
Q2: How are these top 5 comebacks selected?
A: They’re chosen based on the scale of the turnaround, the match context, emotional intensity, and how memorable the moment was in IPL history.
Q3: Why do fans remember these matches so vividly?
Because they break expectations. Fans tune in thinking the game is over—then witness chaos, comebacks, and heroics that make IPL unforgettable.