In the glitzy world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where every franchise is stacked with international stars and marquee players, team strategies often revolve around a select few names. These star cricketers, with their consistent performances and brand value, are often seen as the heart of the team’s success. So, when these pillars go missing—be it due to injury, international commitments, personal reasons, or unforeseen controversies—it’s natural to assume a team’s chances would take a nosedive.
Yet, the IPL has repeatedly proven to be a platform where the unpredictable becomes reality. Over the years, there have been incredible instances where teams have not just coped with the absence of their superstars but flourished. These moments shine a spotlight on the true depth, adaptability, and spirit of franchise cricket.
In this blog, we celebrate five extraordinary instances when IPL franchises defied expectations and clinched memorable wins despite missing their biggest names. These stories are not just about overcoming adversity; they are proof that the IPL’s magic lies in its ability to produce new heroes when the regular ones are away.
5. Royal Challengers Bangalore (2022) – No Glenn Maxwell (initial matches), Yet Dominated Early Season
Match: RCB vs KKR, Navi Mumbai
Key Player Missing: Glenn Maxwell (wedding commitments)
In the early stages of IPL 2022,  Royal Challengers Bengaluru had to manage without their explosive middle-order batter. However, the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Karthik, and Sherfane Rutherford stepped up. Hasaranga’s 4-wicket haul against KKR turned the tide, and Karthik’s finishing skills proved vital. RCB stitched crucial early wins, building momentum before Maxwell returned.
4. Mumbai Indians (2017) – No Jos Buttler, No Mitchell McClenaghan in Final, Yet Won the Trophy
Match: MI vs RPS, IPL 2017 Final
Key Players Missing: Jos Buttler (national duty), Mitchell McClenaghan (injured)
Mumbai Indians had to rejig their XI for the final due to key absences. Yet, MI’s bench strength delivered. Krunal Pandya played a gritty knock of 47, helping MI post a fighting total of 129. The bowlers then held their nerves as Rising Pune Supergiant fell short by just 1 run. It was a classic MI heist, showcasing depth and belief.
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (2018) – No David Warner, Yet Finished Top of the Table
Season Performance: 1st place after the league stage
Key Player Missing: David Warner (banned due to ball-tampering scandal)
SRH were dealt a major blow before IPL 2018 with the suspension of their captain and star batsman, David Warner. But Kane Williamson stepped in as captain and led with grace and consistency. The bowling unit, led by Rashid Khan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Siddarth Kaul, was lethal. SRH topped the table and made it to the finals, showing resilience and unity in adversity.
2. Chennai Super Kings (2020) – No Suresh Raina, No Harbhajan Singh, Yet Beat Mumbai Indians in Opener
Match: CSK vs MI, Abu Dhabi
Key Players Missing: Suresh Raina (personal reasons), Harbhajan Singh (opted out)
Ahead of IPL 2020, CSK was hit hard by the withdrawal of two veterans. Questions were raised about their ageing squad and lack of firepower. But CSK, under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, silenced critics by defeating defending champions Mumbai Indians in the season opener. Faf du Plessis and Ambati Rayudu led the chase, while Sam Curran made an instant impact with both bat and ball.
1. Rajasthan Royals (2021) – No Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler, Yet Beat Punjab Kings
Match: RR vs PBKS, Dubai
Key Players Missing: Ben Stokes (injured), Jofra Archer (injured), Jos Buttler (personal reasons)
Despite missing three of their overseas heavyweights, the Rajasthan Royals pulled off a sensational last-over victory against the Punjab Kings. Kartik Tyagi stole the limelight with a nerve-wracking final over, defending just 4 runs and conceding only 1 run while picking up 2 wickets. RR’s Indian core – Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mahipal Lomror, and Chetan Sakariya – delivered under pressure, showing the Royals’ ability to win without their stars.
Stats Table
| Team | Year | Opponent | Key Players Missing | Match Result | Notable Performers / Replacements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rajasthan Royals | 2021 | Punjab Kings | Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler | Won by 2 runs | Kartik Tyagi (4-1-29-2), Yashasvi Jaiswal (49), Mahipal Lomror (43) |
| Chennai Super Kings | 2020 | Mumbai Indians | Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh | Won by 5 wickets | Ambati Rayudu (71), Faf du Plessis (58*), Sam Curran (2/28 & 18) |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2018 | Full Season | David Warner | Finished 1st in league; Runners-up overall | Kane Williamson (735 runs, Orange Cap), Rashid Khan (21 wickets) |
| Mumbai Indians | 2017 | Rising Pune Supergiant | Jos Buttler, Mitchell McClenaghan | Won Final by 1 run | Krunal Pandya (47), Johnson (3/26), Bumrah (2/26) |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2022 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Glenn Maxwell | Won by 3 wickets | Wanindu Hasaranga (4/20), Dinesh Karthik (14* finisher) |
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