IPL 2020 proved to be one of the best editions of the league ever as officials, teams, players, support staff and everyone behind the scenes overcame the challenges posed by the pandemic to put up a spectacle for the viewers. We had some riveting action in two months and here we look back upon five of the best performances from the season.
Rahul Tewatia (53 vs KXIP)
Rahul Tewatia became a rockstar overnight after a stellar showing against Kings XI Punjab early in the season. Chasing a mammoth 225 to win at Sharjah, Rajasthan seemed out of the game as Tewatia came in and ambled along to 8 off 19 balls. However, he exploded in the last couple of overs, scoring 36 in 8 balls to helo Rajasthan hunt down the highest total in the IPL.
Jasprit Bumrah (4/14 vs DC)
In the qualifier one of IPL 2020, Jasprit Bumrah was at his spectacular best, snaring 4/14 after Mumbai made 200 batting first. Delhi were always running behind the game, but the spell from Bumrah dealt the biggest blow as they never really recovered from it. Delhi were 0/3 at one point before Bumrah sealed the game by dismissing Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis as well in the middle overs. He picked up Daniel Sams’ wicket too in the same over as Stoinis to finish with career-best figures.
KL Rahul (132* vs RCB)
KL Rahul was criticised quite a lot for some slow knocks through the tournament, but this sensational hundred against Royal Challengers Bangalore portrayed the best of Rahul. One of the best batsmen in the world in this format, Rahul was at his superlative best in this innings, smashing RCB bowlers to all parts of the ground. Rahul’s innings had 14 fours and a whopping seven sixes and it helped Kings XI Punjab post a total of 206 for 3.
Trent Boult (3/30 vs DC)
The finals of the Indian Premier League 2020 proved to be an exciting one for Mumbai as they nearly had Delhi out of the contest within half an hour of play beginning. Trent Boult dismissed Marcus Stoinis off the first ball of the game before adding the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane next over. Boult came back to send back Shimron Hetmyer as well as Delhi were staring down the abyss. Boult’s powerplay spells were a sight to behold this season as he finished with the most wickets in the powerplay.
Wriddhiman Saha (87 vs DC)
An uncertain starter in the playing XI, Wriddhiman Saha was controversially picked ahead of Jonny Bairstow to partner David Warner. To everyone’s surprise, Saha took the bull by the horns and proved to be the impetus that lead Sunrisers Hyderabad to the play-offs. This knock against the Delhi came against all odds with the opposition having some of the best pacers in the tournament. Saha blazed away to 87 in 45 balls to seal the opening position for the rest of the tournament. His league ended with an injury but not before he became the quickest run-scorer in the powerplay overs.