CT IPL Flashback: 5 Instances when pinch hitters changed the game in IPL

The game of cricket has evolved over the years. The gameplay has slowly enhanced and become increasingly tactical over the years. Teams try to outwit the opposition by springing in new changes at a crucial juncture which unnerves the opposing captain and disrupts plans to a great degree.

One such tactic which has been utilized to get an edge over the competitor is that of making a sudden change in the batting order and sending in a “pinch-hitter”. A “pinch-hitter” refers to a player who has been sent in with the objective of accumulating runs at a rapid rate without any fear or hesitation of losing his wicket.

The technique has been quite successful even in the shortest formats of the game. Let’s take a look at 5 instances where “Pinch Hitters” made the vital difference between a victory and a defeat for their IPL teams.

1. Piyush Chawla 22 off 19 balls (KXIP vs SRH) IPL 6

Piyush Chawla hasn’t just been the leg-spinner for his IPL teams but has also scored the runs like he does more often for his domestic side Uttar Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy. Kings XI Punjab decided to promote him up the order against the Sunrisers Hyderabad expecting him to generate some much-needed momentum with a rapid knock after a timid score of 59/3 at the end of 10 overs.

Chawla took this opportunity presented with both hands and smashed 23 runs against a fierce Sunrisers bowling attack. Though the SRH prevailed at the end of a low-scoring thriller the 28-year-old’s effort can never be discounted.