Another, frequently overlooked plotline in the Indian Premier League’s glamour and mayhem, when players steal the show and headlines chase sixes and hat-tricks, is the emergence of the unexpected hero. Before a stroke of luck gave them the limelight, these players began the season warming the bench while others dominated, and the world questioned them.
Here are five incredible tales of IPL benchwarmers who became match-winners in the middle of the season rather than merely filling a void.
5. Manvinder Bisla – The Forgotten Hero of the 2012 Final (KKR, IPL 2012)
The Knock That Won KKR Their First Title:
Chasing 191 against mighty CSK in the final, Bisla scored a sensational 89 off 48 balls, earning the Man of the Match and winning KKR their maiden IPL title.
Backstory:
Bisla was not even the first-choice keeper — he replaced the injured Brendon McCullum. Few knew of him, and no one expected such a performance on the biggest stage.
Season Stats (2012):
- Matches: 7
- Runs: 213
- Strike Rate: 130.68
Why It Matters:
Bisla was never a regular, but his final knock is one of the most clutch performances in IPL history — a reminder of how benchwarmers can become legends in a single night.
4. Paul Valthaty – From Obscurity to Overnight Sensation (KXIP, IPL 2011)
The Knock That Made Headlines:
Against CSK, Valthaty smashed 120 off 63 balls*, chasing down 189 — a knock that left even Dhoni stunned.
Backstory:
An uncapped player at the time, Paul had played just one IPL game before 2011. Injuries and inconsistent domestic form meant he was virtually unknown.
Season Stats (2011):
- Matches: 14
- Runs: 463
- Avg: 35.61
- Strike Rate: 136.98
Why It Matters:
Though his form dipped later, for that season, Paul Valthaty was Punjab’s talisman — and proof that dreams can ignite in one innings.
3. Shivam Dube – From Dropped to Dominant (CSK, IPL 2022)
The Moment That Elevated Him:
Dube’s undefeated 95 off 46* against RCB, featuring 8 sixes, brought Chennai back from a losing streak and revived their middle order.
Backstory:
After inconsistent stints with RCB and RR, where he struggled with strike rotation and shot selection, Dube was benched early in IPL 2022. When he finally got a chance, many thought it was just to plug a hole.
Season Stats (2022):
- Matches: 11
- Runs: 289
- Strike Rate: 156.21
Why It Matters:
Dube became MS Dhoni’s surprise weapon, especially against spin in the middle overs. His revival was a testimony to belief and patience, and CSK’s backing of “misfits” who deliver.
2. Rahul Tewatia – The “Tewatia Over” (RR, IPL 2020)
The Moment That Changed Everything:
Chasing 224 against Kings XI Punjab (now PBKS), Tewatia smashed 5 sixes in an over off Sheldon Cottrell, rescuing what looked like a lost game. At one point, he was 8 off 19 balls — the crowd had lost hope.
Backstory:
Picked as an all-rounder from Haryana, Tewatia had spent most of his career floating between franchises — SRH, DD, KXIP — but rarely made a significant impact. In 2020, he was part of the RR squad rotation.
Season Stats (2020):
- Matches: 14
- Runs: 255
- Wickets: 10
- Strike Rate: 139.34
Why It Matters:
He didn’t just win one match; Tewatia’s all-round contributions made him a game-changer, earning him a permanent place in the XI and in IPL folklore.
1. Rinku Singh – From Backup to Finisher (KKR, IPL 2023)
The Moment That Shook the League:
On April 9, 2023, in a match against Gujarat Titans, Rinku Singh hit 5 sixes in the last over, scoring 48 off 21* to pull off one of the greatest finishes in IPL history.
Backstory:
Before that game, Rinku had played sporadically over seasons and never fully cemented his place in the playing XI. In 2022, he showed flashes of brilliance, but 2023 was when he transformed from benchwarmer to cult hero.
Season Stats (2023):
- Matches: 14
- Runs: 474
- Strike Rate: 149.52
- Avg: 59.25
Why It Matters:
KKR was struggling with their batting order, and Rinku was thrown in at No. 6 with little fanfare. His calm under pressure and ability to clear boundaries turned him into one of the best finishers of the season, overshadowing many marquee signings.
Conclusion
Even while players like Rohit, Dhoni, and Kohli take centre stage, the IPL’s spirit is shaped by these underdog tales. These athletes show us that even on the bench, legends can emerge when preparation and opportunity align. Don’t change the channel the next time you see a name you’ve never heard of inserted into the XI. Keep an eye out because you might be seeing the next Bisla, Tewatia, or Rinku.
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