Positioned as one of the original eight Indian Premier League (IPL) teams, the Rajasthan Royals are known for their knack of unearthing even-tempered youngsters and shaping them into world-class players. With a rich history of showcasing young talent and pulling impressive victories regularly from the jaws of defeat, it’s easy to see why they have such a fiercely loyal fanbase. This post will take you through some of their most unpredictably exciting overs that turned games around in favour.
Over 19 – RR vs KXIP, IPL 2020
Few moments were more jaw-dropping than this particular over in Rajasthan Royal’s IPL history. The stage was set against Kings XI Punjab, with Rahul Tewatia coming up to bat. When he reached his first five balls of Sheldon Cottrell’s over, it seemed all hope was lost—with just eight runs off seven overall deliveries.
What happened next now lives on as cricketing legend; Tewatia went ballistic and hit an astonishing five sixes in 6 balls. He spiralled the total to an incredible 30 runs in a single over — turning what initially appeared as a dismal chase into one of the tournament’s most defining moments.
Over 17 – RR v CSK, IPL 2018
Ben Stokes, noted for his expensive auction price tag but disappointing performance throughout the series, stepped up to bowl Over 17 against Chennai Super Kings when they required a modest 68 runs from 24 balls—a seemingly straightforward task given their apparent strong batsmen line-up.
Stokes, however, challenged such presumptions by knocking out CSK’s best player, M.S. Dhoni and brilliant young talent, Sam Billings in swift succession—elevating the match’s overall intensity while elevating RR precariously towards victory.
Over 18 – RR v DD, IPL 2018
This time it was Krishnappa Gowtham who turned things around for Rajasthan Royals in a seemingly unwinnable situation against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals).
Having to chase a compact target of 71 runs off just six overs owing to rain delaying proceedings, RR found itself in dire straits requiring 28 runs from the last two overs with Gowtham at the crease.
Rather than submitting under pressure, Gowtham decided to take on the bowlers head-on. He smashed four fours and a closing six taking an extraordinary 21 runs from the 18th over. A game that looked to be slipping away from Rajasthan had suddenly swayed back into their favour thanks to this scintillating over.
Rajasthan Royals’ Most Unforgettable Bowled Overs
Rajasthan has never been all about batting—the team also has its fair share of bowling brilliance—here are some unforgettable overs from the ‘Men in Pink’.
Over 16 – RR vs RCB, IPL 2009
Tyron Henderson unleashed stinging deliveries during this critical juncture of a low-scoring thriller between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Henderson claimed two wickets in consecutive balls when he removed Virat Kohli first and then sent packing the dangerous Ross Taylor next ball.
Henderson’s deceptively slower deliveries troubled batsmen throughout his spell, not only yielding two crucial breakthroughs but eventually the rollover which paved the way for RR’s thrilling win.
Over 16 – RR vs DC, IPL 2008
In the inaugural season of IPL, Rajasthan Royals’ Sohail Tanveer produced an unforgettable bowling spell against Delhi Capitals. With figures of 4-0-14-6, it was this particular over that stood out where he dismissed both well-set batsmen – Shikhar Dhawan and Dinesh Karthik within a span of three balls. Both fell to catches behind the wicket as Tanvir’s left-arm swing kept causing issues for all batters.
This magical bowling display by Tanveer won him the ‘Purple Cap’ for being the highest wicket-taker in that edition of IPL making his contribution truly unforgettable.
Batting or Bowling, They Never Cease to Amaze
The above cases serve as arrows pointing towards the ability of Rajasthan Royals players performing under pressure and providing last-minute flares, which has been considered their signature pattern throughout several seasons. May it be phenomenal batting skills like those showcased by Tewatia and Gowtham or extraordinary
balling maneuvers by Stokes, Henderson & Tanveer; they consistently prove why these overs deserve the title of ‘The Most Unforgettable’.
Rajasthan Royals’ tenacity and uncanny character make them one game-changing side every other team prefers not to face during critical junctures — reminding us cricket is indeed a sport full of uncertainty and captivating till its very last ball.
