Man of the Match awardees in IPL finals

An ordeal of seven weeks witnessing battle after battle on the field between some of the most star-studded teams ends with one side prevailing over the rest. The champion side reigns on the stage that matters the most – the final. On the night, however, it’s often one man’s heroics which propels his team to victory, thus allowing them to lay both hands on the trophy.

As the curtain closes on a landmark tenth year of the IPL, CricTracker walks down memory lane to take a look at the men of the hour. Here’s a quick recap of all the players who can proudly hold their Man of the Match awards as a memoir of their performances in an IPL final.

2008 – Yusuf Pathan (Rajasthan Royals)

A galaxy of international stars dazzled in the inaugural edition of the IPL, but it was one of India’s most improved domestic players who went great guns on the night that mattered most. Although Yusuf Pathan is a name synonymous to monstrous hits in world cricket today, back then few might have heard of him. As the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals locked horns in a thrilling final, Yusuf delivered on the grand stage.

In the first innings, he snaffled three wickets, removing the CSK openers and subsequently the dangerous Albie Morkel. The Royals were asked to chase 164, which was never going to be an easy task. The pressure did get to the Rajasthan Royals – they found themselves hobbling at 42/3. That’s when Yusuf provided the impetus with a scintillating 56 to set up a last ball finish which saw Sohail Tanvir calmly swat a ball over mid-wicket when RR needed 1 off 1.

Led by the inspirational Shane Warne, the least expensive team had proved that champions aren’t just about players who command big bucks. Yusuf Pathan, however, was the beacon of light that guided the Rajasthan Royals to its first ever IPL title.