Top 5 most expensive first over in IPL History

Since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, the competition has witnessed the most devastating batting displays on numerous occasions. While the bowlers strive to be razor sharp with their line and length, it is the rival batters’ virtuoso that becomes the point of difference.

On numerous occasions in the cash rich league, batters often tend make full use of the powerplay (first six overs) and swiftly hit the ground running so as to get the big runs. However, on certain occasions, batters have wreaked havoc right from the very first over in a match to hand a solid start. 

In doing so, bowlers have leaked massive runs during the beginning of a particular innings and made their place in an unceremonious record list. Therefore, without any further ado, we take a look at the top five most expensive first overs recorded in the history of the top-tier league-

5. Brad Hodge (KKR) | 22 runs | RR vs KKR, 2009

The inaugural champions of the IPL, Rajasthan Royals locked horns with Kolkata Knight Riders in match 53 of the competition in 2009 at Kingsmead in Durban. Upon winning the toss, KKR decided to field first and what followed was a dismal start by the side as they leaked 22 runs off the first over of the contest.

The Royals’ opening duo of Naman Ojha and Rob Quiney took centerstage as they were up against Brad Hodge for the first over. Ojha, Wicketkeeper-batter, did not waste much time as he dispatched the ball for a maximum in the very first delivery.

What followed was Hodge getting hammered by Ojha for three sixes and three runs in addition to a single from Quiney off his solitary over. With this, KKR’s Hodge registered his name in the unwanted records list. Interestingly, despite getting a solid head start of 22 runs, Rajasthan concluded with a paltry score of 101 in their 20 overs and eventually lost the contest.