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 (Photo Source: BCCI) 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. 2. Hardik Pandya 21 off 8 (MI vs CSK) IPL 8 Hardik Pandya. (Photo Source: BCCI) A player who can smash the ball from the word go in spite of the pressure and weight of expectations is nothing short of an asset for any franchise. Hardik Pandya has turned out to be a similar prized and talented acquisition for the Mumbai Indians. Pandya was promoted up the order ahead of Harbhajan Singh against the Chennai Super Kings in this crucial fixture. He smashed a quick-fire knock of 21 runs in just 8 deliveries in response which resulted in a vital win for MI against an opposition who was threatening to take the game away. Despite being wet behind the ears, Pandya remained cool and smashed three sixes in the 19th over bowled by Pawan Negi which sent out a message of intent to fans and critics. 3. Kevon Cooper 32 off 16 balls (RR vs DD) IPL 7 (Photo Source: BCCI) The medium pace bowling all-rounder from Trinidad and Tobago was extremely lethal with his variations and subtle changes in pace for the Rajasthan Royals. However, the 28-year-old is more than capable of packing a punch with the willow which was evident from his hard-hitting innings against the Delhi Daredevils when promoted up the order as a pinch-hitter. The Royals won the toss and decided to make merry against a below-par Daredevils bowling attack by opting to bat first. Cooper was promoted up the order with an eye on minting as many runs as possible after Ajinkya Rahane and Sanju Samson got them off to a dashing start scoring 74 runs in 6.3 overs. Cooper’s breathtaking knock was responsible for leading the side on to a score of 201 which the Daredevils failed to chase down after an effective bowling performance by the Royals. 4. Naman Ojha 79 off 36 (SRH vs KXIP) IPL 7 (Photo Source: BCCI) Naman Ojha is one of the most aggressive wicketkeeper-batsmen in Indian cricket. His consistent error-free performances with the glove and ability to score runs at a consistent rate make his presence in any lineup a no-brainer. Ojha displayed another glimpse of his talent in a must-win clash against the Kings X1 Punjab in the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League. SRH opted to spring a surprise by promoting him up the order which sent the bowlers in a state of disbelief and reduced them to mere spectators. The 33-year-old bludgeoned 79 runs in just 36 balls in an innings consisting of four boundaries and seven sixes. The spectacular innings helped the side post a formidable target of 205 which would have been nearly impossible without his efforts. 5. Mitchell McClenaghan 20 off 8 (MI v KKR) IPL 7 (Photo Source: BCCI) Mitchell McCleneghan is one of the few highly rated Kiwi fast bowlers who has been successful in carving an identity for themselves in the Indian Premier League. His sublime performances with the ball earned him a lot of appreciation and praise from experts and fans alike. However fans were in for a surprise when they witnessed the burly fast bowler walk out to the crease ahead of many established names against the Kolkata Knight Riders and smash 20 runs in just 8 deliveries including 3 humongous sixes which reduced the required run rate drastically subsiding the pressure on captain Rohit Sharma who was waging a lone battle till that instant. The Indians were chasing down a sizeable score and taking such a risky gamble at that stage could prove fatal. Luckily McCleneghan justified the decision with his game-changing classic “pinch-hitter’s” cameo.

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

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.

2. Hardik Pandya 21 off 8 (MI vs CSK) IPL 8

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