In the high-octane format of T20 cricket, especially in the Indian Premier League (IPL), every decision a captain makes is a calculated risk. But some gambles are so bold, so unconventional, that when they pay off, they turn into legendary moments. Among the most dramatic are those rare instances when a bowler is thrown the ball for just one over, not because of injury, not because of poor form, but purely as a tactical move to surprise the opposition or plug a loophole. Often, these one-over spells are given to part-timers or backup options, making their success stories all the more compelling.
What’s fascinating is how some of these short spells have turned the tide of entire matches, delivering wickets at critical junctures, drying up runs in the death, or removing the opposition’s biggest threat. In this article, we look back at the Top 5 One-Over Masterclasses in IPL history, where bowlers, some expected and many unexpected, delivered game-changing magic in just six balls.
5. Nitish Rana vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL 2017
- Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Figures: 1-0-11-2
- Over: 7th over of RCB innings
- Wickets: AB de Villiers & Travis Head
In one of the most astonishing collapses in IPL history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were bundled out for just 49 runs in 2017, the lowest total in the league to date. But one of the most overlooked moments in that match was the genius one-over spell from Nitish Rana. After six overs of quality pace bowling, Gautam Gambhir made another curious captaincy move. He tossed the ball to part-time off-spinner Nitish Rana for one over. AB de Villiers was at the crease. The pressure was mounting.
On his very first ball, Rana dismissed AB de Villiers, caught in the deep. The very next ball, Travis Head misjudged a delivery and lost his stumps. A double-wicket over from a part-timer! Rana didn’t bowl another delivery in the match, but he didn’t need to. His one over broke the back of RCB’s lineup and paved the way for a historic demolition job.
4. Virender Sehwag vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2008
- Match: Delhi Daredevils vs Rajasthan Royals
- Figures: 1-0-6-1
- Over: 19th over of the RR innings
- Wicket: Yusuf Pathan
Virender Sehwag was captaining the Delhi Daredevils and playing his typical explosive role at the top of the order. But in a surprising twist, he turned into a death-over magician with the ball. With Yusuf Pathan batting like a wrecking ball and only two overs to go, Sehwag decided to take the matter into his own hands. His off-break was smartly darted in, and Yusuf, aiming for another maximum, couldn’t clear the boundary and holed out.
It was one of those “lead from the front” moments where Sehwag not only backed himself but got rid of the most dangerous batter at the worst possible time for Rajasthan. He wasn’t asked to bowl another over, but that dismissal curbed RR’s death-over charge significantly.
3. Glenn Maxwell vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – IPL 2021
- Match: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Figures: 1-0-5-1
- Over: 5th over of SRH innings
- Wicket: David Warner
Glenn Maxwell is typically associated with audacious reverse sweeps and acrobatic fielding, but in 2021, he also proved he could bowl a bit of spin when the occasion demanded it. In a low-scoring clash against SRH, RCB were desperate to break a threatening opening partnership between David Warner and Wriddhiman Saha.
In a surprising tactical switch, Virat Kohli handed the ball to Maxwell in the powerplay. It was risky but rewarding. Warner tried to break the shackles with a big slog, only to find the fielder at deep mid-wicket. Maxwell’s figures read 1 over, 1 wicket for just 5 runs, but the psychological blow of removing Warner was massive.
2. Ambati Rayudu vs Rajasthan Royals – IPL 2014
- Match: Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals
- Figures: 1-0-6-1
- Over: 16th over of the RR innings
- Wicket: Shane Watson
Ambati Rayudu was known for his gritty middle-order batting and flair under pressure, but what about his bowling? That wasn’t in his typical toolkit until this night. In the do-or-die final league game of IPL 2014, Mumbai Indians needed to beat Rajasthan Royals by a specific margin to qualify for the playoffs. Every run mattered. Every over counted.
But what happened next was pure drama. Rayudu bowled a fullish off-cutter, and Watson, perhaps underestimating him, tried to slog-sweep. He missed. The ball hit his pads, and the umpire raised the finger. Watson gone for 20 off 10, and Mumbai’s faint hopes glimmered a bit brighter. Rayudu’s golden arm wasn’t needed again, but those 6 balls are still remembered as a moment of madness that worked perfectly.
1. Rahul Tewatia vs Punjab Kings – IPL 2020
- Match: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings
- Figures: 1-0-1-1
- Over: 1st over of the PBKS innings
- Wicket: Mayank Agarwal
Rahul Tewatia’s name is synonymous with miraculous comebacks, especially after his unforgettable six-hitting spree against Punjab Kings earlier in the 2020 season. But what many forget is the sheer versatility he showed throughout that campaign, especially with the ball. The Rajasthan Royals were defending a total against a ferocious PBKS opening pair of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. Instead of opting for speed up front, RR skipper Steve Smith made a gutsy call, he tossed the new ball to Rahul Tewatia.
And Tewatia didn’t disappoint. On just the fifth ball of the match, Mayank attempted to go over mid-off but mistimed it completely, handing a straightforward catch to the fielder. Just 1 run conceded and 1 crucial wicket taken, all in the very first over. Tewatia wasn’t called upon to bowl again, but his opening act disrupted Punjab’s rhythm early and laid the foundation for a tight contest.
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