IPL turns 18: Landmark moments which make the league ‘incredible’ | Cricket News
IPL Landmark Moments: 18 Historic Events as Indian Premier League Turns 18
IPL landmark moments have made the tournament the world’s most exciting cricket league over the past 18 years. (Photo: BCCI/IPL)
Table of Contents
- IPL Landmark Moments: The League Turns 18
- Early IPL Landmark Moments (2008-2011)
- Middle Era IPL Landmark Moments (2012-2020)
- Recent IPL Landmark Moments (2021-2025)
- Statistical IPL Landmark Moments
- Team Achievement Landmark Moments
- Controversy-Related IPL Landmark Moments
- The Legacy of IPL’s Landmark Moments
IPL Landmark Moments: The League Turns 18
April 18, 2025 marks a significant milestone as the Indian Premier League (IPL) turns 18, exactly 18 years since the first-ever IPL match was played on April 18, 2008. Throughout these 18 years, the tournament has produced countless IPL landmark moments that have forever changed the landscape of cricket, introducing an unprecedented level of excitement, skill, and entertainment.
From record-breaking batting performances to nail-biting finishes, the IPL has consistently delivered historic cricket moments that captivate millions of fans worldwide. Even targets that once seemed impossible—like chasing 250+ runs in just 20 overs—have become achievable, showcasing the incredible evolution of T20 cricket through these IPL landmark moments.
To celebrate the IPL’s 18th anniversary, we’ve compiled 18 defining IPL landmark moments that highlight why this tournament has become cricket’s most thrilling spectacle and a global sports phenomenon. These moments span from the inaugural season to the current IPL 2025, capturing the tournament’s remarkable journey.
What Makes the IPL Special at 18?
- Over 900 matches played across 18 seasons
- More than 230,000 runs scored in IPL history
- Over 7,800 sixes hit in the tournament
- 10 different teams have participated
- Global audience exceeding 400 million viewers
- Revolutionized T20 cricket with innovative tactics and skills
- Created cricket’s first true global superstars
Early IPL Landmark Moments (2008-2011)
1. Brendon McCullum’s Explosive 158* (2008) – The Inaugural IPL Landmark Moment
The very first IPL landmark moment happened on opening night when New Zealand’s Brendon McCullum unleashed a blistering unbeaten 158 off just 73 balls for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore. This spectacular innings included 10 fours and 13 sixes, immediately establishing the tournament’s aggressive batting template. McCullum’s onslaught helped KKR post 222 runs, leading to a 140-run victory and setting the tone for what the IPL would become.
2. Michael Hussey’s Overlooked 116* (2008) – The Forgotten IPL Landmark
While McCullum’s innings gets most of the attention, another early IPL landmark moment occurred the very next day when Chennai Super Kings’ Michael Hussey smashed an unbeaten 116 off just 54 balls against Kings XI Punjab. Hussey’s magnificent knock featured 8 fours and 9 sixes, powering CSK to 240 runs. This often-overlooked achievement shows how the IPL delivered back-to-back centuries in its first two days, signaling the batting revolution that was underway.
3. Rajasthan Royals’ Underdog Triumph (2008) – The Fairytale IPL Landmark
One of the most memorable IPL landmark moments came when the underdog Rajasthan Royals, led by Shane Warne, won the inaugural IPL season. Their triumph in the final against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings went down to the very last ball, with Warne and Pakistan’s Sohail Tanvir scrambling for a single to secure a historic victory. This David vs. Goliath story remains one of cricket’s greatest underdog tales and a defining early IPL moment.
4. Deccan Chargers’ Remarkable Turnaround (2009) – The Comeback IPL Landmark
Another significant IPL landmark moment occurred when the Deccan Chargers, who had finished last in 2008, completed an extraordinary turnaround to win the 2009 IPL. Even after captain Adam Gilchrist was dismissed for a duck in the final against Royal Challengers Bangalore, the team rallied to secure a nail-biting six-run victory. This remarkable worst-to-first transformation illustrated the unpredictable nature of the IPL.
5. CSK’s Back-to-Back Titles (2010-2011) – The Dynasty IPL Landmark Moment
Chennai Super Kings created a significant IPL landmark moment by becoming the first team to win consecutive IPL titles in 2010 and 2011 under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Defeating Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore in successive finals, CSK established themselves as the IPL’s first dynasty. Dhoni’s calm leadership under pressure became legendary during these campaigns, setting the standard for IPL success.
Poll: Do you believe the IPL has revolutionized T20 cricket?
The IPL’s landmark moments have transformed cricket, introducing innovations in batting, bowling, and fielding that have been adopted globally.
Brendon McCullum’s explosive 158* in the first-ever IPL match remains one of the most iconic IPL landmark moments in cricket history. (Photo: BCCI/IPL)
Middle Era IPL Landmark Moments (2012-2020)
6. KKR’s Maiden Trophy with Bisla’s Heroics (2012) – The Breakthrough IPL Landmark
One of the most surprising IPL landmark moments came when Kolkata Knight Riders, long labeled as underachievers, captured their first IPL title in 2012 under Gautam Gambhir’s leadership. The unlikely hero was Manvinder Bisla, who smashed 89 runs off 48 balls in the final against Chennai Super Kings. This championship victory ended CSK’s hopes for a hat-trick of titles and established KKR as a formidable force in the IPL, marking a significant shift in the tournament’s power dynamics.
7. Rohit Sharma’s First Title as MI Captain (2013) – The Beginning of Mumbai’s Dynasty
A pivotal IPL landmark moment occurred when Mumbai Indians won their first IPL title in 2013 under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, defeating Chennai Super Kings in the final. This victory not only avenged MI’s loss to CSK in the 2010 final but also marked the beginning of Rohit’s extraordinary captaincy journey. This moment would be the first step toward establishing Mumbai Indians as the IPL’s most successful franchise and Rohit as one of the tournament’s greatest leaders.
8. Chris Gayle’s Record-Breaking 175* (2013) – The Statistical IPL Landmark
One of the most spectacular IPL landmark moments was witnessed when West Indian powerhouse Chris Gayle demolished Pune Warriors with an unbeaten 175 from just 66 balls, smashing 13 fours and a remarkable 17 sixes. This innings remains the highest individual score in IPL history and set the benchmark for T20 batting worldwide. Gayle’s devastating performance demonstrated the tournament’s ability to produce cricket of unprecedented quality and entertainment value.
The Impact of Chris Gayle’s 175* IPL Landmark Moment
| Record Category | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Highest Individual Score in IPL | 175* (still unbroken after 12 years) |
| Most Sixes in an IPL Innings | 17 sixes |
| Fastest Century in IPL History (at that time) | 30 balls |
| Team Total in That Match | 263/5 (then highest IPL team score) |
| Strike Rate | 265.15 |
9. Mumbai’s Incredible 14.3 Over Chase (2014) – The Qualification Miracle
An unforgettable IPL landmark moment was created when Mumbai Indians pulled off the seemingly impossible against Rajasthan Royals in 2014. Needing to chase 190 runs in just 14.3 overs to qualify for the playoffs on net run rate, MI achieved the target exactly when Aditya Tare hit a six off the last ball of the 14.3rd over. This mathematical miracle showcased the IPL’s ability to produce edge-of-the-seat drama and remains one of the most calculated yet thrilling chases in cricket history.
10. Pollard-Starc Confrontation (2014) – The Fiery IPL Landmark
A controversial IPL landmark moment occurred during a heated exchange between Mumbai Indians’ Kieron Pollard and Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Mitchell Starc in 2014. The confrontation escalated to the point where Pollard nearly threw his bat at Starc after the Australian bowler delivered a ball despite Pollard backing away. This incident highlighted the intense competitive spirit in the IPL and led to important discussions about player conduct and sportsmanship in the tournament.
11. First Super Over in IPL History (2009) – The Tie-Breaker IPL Landmark
A significant format IPL landmark moment happened in 2009 when the first-ever Super Over in IPL history took place between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. After both teams scored exactly 150 runs in their respective 20 overs, the game went to a Super Over to determine the winner. Yusuf Pathan emerged as the hero for Rajasthan Royals, helping them chase the required 16 runs in just four balls. This innovation would go on to become one of cricket’s most exciting tie-breaker methods.
12. Alzarri Joseph’s 6/12 (2019) – The Bowling Perfection IPL Landmark
An extraordinary bowling IPL landmark moment was achieved when West Indian pacer Alzarri Joseph recorded the best bowling figures in IPL history, claiming 6 wickets while conceding just 12 runs in a 2019 match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Joseph’s remarkable spell demonstrated that despite the IPL’s reputation as a batsman’s paradise, bowlers could still dominate matches with skill and precision, bringing balance to the tournament’s competitive nature.
13. CSK’s Comeback Title (2018) – The Redemption IPL Landmark
A powerful comeback IPL landmark moment was witnessed when Chennai Super Kings won the IPL in 2018, their first season after returning to the league following a two-year ban. Led by MS Dhoni, CSK dominated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final, proving their resilience and enduring class. This triumph, often referred to as the “Dad’s Army” victory due to CSK’s reliance on experienced players, demonstrated that cricket wisdom and cohesion could triumph over raw youth and athleticism.
14. Rohit’s Fifth IPL Trophy as Captain (2020) – The Leadership IPL Landmark
A historic leadership IPL landmark moment was achieved when Rohit Sharma became the first captain in IPL history to win the tournament five times, following Mumbai Indians’ triumph in 2020. This unprecedented achievement firmly established Rohit as the IPL’s most successful captain and Mumbai Indians as the tournament’s most dominant franchise. His tactical acumen and ability to inspire his team in pressure situations became the gold standard for IPL leadership.
Rohit Sharma creating an IPL landmark moment by becoming the first captain to win five IPL trophies with Mumbai Indians. (Photo: BCCI/IPL)
Recent IPL Landmark Moments (2021-2025)
15. PBKS’s Record 262-Run Chase (2024) – The Chase IPL Landmark
One of the most recent and astounding IPL landmark moments occurred when Punjab Kings chased down a massive target of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens in IPL 2024. This incredible achievement shattered previous records and established a new benchmark for what’s possible in T20 run chases. The successful pursuit demonstrated how batting standards and strategies continue to evolve in the IPL, pushing the boundaries of what was once considered impossible in cricket.
16. SRH’s 287-Run Total (2024) – The Batting Explosion IPL Landmark
Another recent IPL landmark moment was created when Sunrisers Hyderabad smashed 287 runs against Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2024, setting a new record for the highest team total in IPL history. This mammoth score highlighted the continued evolution of T20 batting and the ever-increasing ceiling of what teams can achieve in just 20 overs. The knock exemplified how the IPL continues to redefine cricket’s possibilities even after 18 years.
Evolution of Highest Team Totals in IPL – Landmark Progression
| Year | Team | Score | Opposition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Chennai Super Kings | 240/5 | Kings XI Punjab |
| 2010 | Chennai Super Kings | 246/5 | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2013 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 263/5 | Pune Warriors India |
| 2023 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 277/3 | Mumbai Indians |
| 2024 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 287/3 | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
17. Balaji’s First IPL Hat-Trick (2008) – The Pioneering IPL Landmark
A significant bowling IPL landmark moment was achieved when Lakshmipathy Balaji claimed the first-ever hat-trick in IPL history while representing Chennai Super Kings against Kings XI Punjab in 2008. Balaji dismissed Irfan Pathan, Piyush Chawla, and VRV Singh in consecutive deliveries, establishing one of cricket’s most celebrated achievements within the IPL framework. This early landmark set the stage for bowlers to create history in a tournament often dominated by batting headlines.
18. Double Super Over Thriller (2020) – The Ultimate IPL Landmark
One of the most extraordinary IPL landmark moments came in 2020 when fans witnessed two Super Overs in a single match between Mumbai Indians and Kings XI Punjab. After the first Super Over ended in a tie, a second Super Over was required to determine the winner. Mohammad Shami’s brilliant bowling for KXIP in the first Super Over was followed by Chris Gayle’s power hitting in the second, helping Punjab secure a memorable victory. This match represented the pinnacle of T20 drama and showcased why the IPL remains cricket’s most unpredictable and exciting tournament.
What’s Your Favorite IPL Landmark Moment?
From McCullum’s opening night fireworks to double Super Overs, the IPL has delivered countless unforgettable moments over 18 years. Which landmark moment do you think had the biggest impact on cricket?
Statistical IPL Landmark Moments
Beyond the specific match events, the IPL has generated numerous statistical landmark moments that illustrate the tournament’s extraordinary impact on cricket. These statistical milestones represent the cumulative effect of 18 years of high-intensity T20 cricket and the tournament’s role in pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
Key Statistical IPL Landmark Moments
| Category | Record | Player/Team |
|---|---|---|
| Most Runs in IPL History | 7,263 runs | Virat Kohli (RCB) |
| Most Wickets in IPL History | 196 wickets | Yuzvendra Chahal (RR) |
| Fastest Century | 30 balls | Chris Gayle (RCB) |
| Most Centuries | 8 centuries | Virat Kohli (RCB) |
| Highest Successful Chase | 262 runs | Punjab Kings vs KKR (2024) |
| Most Sixes by a Player | 318 sixes | Chris Gayle |
| Most IPL Titles | 5 titles | Mumbai Indians |
These statistical IPL landmark moments reflect how the tournament has consistently raised the standard of T20 cricket. Records that once seemed unattainable are now regularly challenged, demonstrating the IPL’s role in cricket’s evolution over the past two decades.
Team Achievement Landmark Moments
Several franchises have created their own IPL landmark moments through sustained success or remarkable transformations. These team achievements have helped shape the IPL’s competitive landscape and created lasting legacies in the tournament’s history.
Franchise IPL Landmark Achievements
- Mumbai Indians: Becoming the first team to win 5 IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020), establishing themselves as the most successful franchise
- Chennai Super Kings: Reaching 9 IPL finals, displaying remarkable consistency under MS Dhoni’s leadership
- Rajasthan Royals: Winning the inaugural IPL as underdogs with the tournament’s lowest budget
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Transforming from underachievers to two-time champions under Gautam Gambhir
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Building a reputation for defensive excellence through exceptional bowling units
- Gujarat Titans: Winning the IPL in their debut season (2022), a remarkable achievement for an expansion team
- Royal Challengers Bangalore: Creating one of cricket’s most passionate fan bases despite never winning the title
These team landmark moments have contributed significantly to the IPL’s rich narrative tapestry, creating rivalries, heroes, and traditions that have helped the tournament transcend being merely a cricket competition to become a cultural phenomenon.
Controversy-Related IPL Landmark Moments
The IPL’s 18-year journey hasn’t been without controversies, some of which have become significant landmark moments in their own right. These challenging episodes have tested the tournament’s resilience and led to important reforms that have strengthened the IPL’s governance and integrity.
Controversial IPL Landmark Moments and Their Impact
- 2013 Spot-Fixing Scandal: Led to major reforms in anti-corruption measures and team ownership rules
- Player Retentions and Mega Auctions: Evolved to balance team continuity with fair distribution of talent
- Termination of Teams: Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Pune Warriors India taught lessons about franchise sustainability
- Impact Player Rule Introduction: Controversial rule change that significantly altered team strategies
- DRS Controversies: Led to ongoing refinements in technology implementation and decision-making protocols
Each of these challenging IPL landmark moments has contributed to the tournament’s growth and maturation. The IPL’s ability to learn from controversies, adapt its rules, and strengthen its governance has been crucial to its longevity and continued relevance in global cricket.
The Legacy of IPL’s Landmark Moments
As the Indian Premier League celebrates its 18th anniversary, these landmark moments collectively tell the story of a tournament that has transformed cricket forever. From Brendon McCullum’s explosive 158* on opening night to the recent record-breaking team totals and chases, the IPL has consistently redefined what’s possible in cricket.
These IPL landmark moments have not only entertained millions but have also:
- Revolutionized batting approaches and techniques in T20 cricket
- Accelerated the development of specialized bowling skills
- Created a global platform where young Indian talent can shine alongside international stars
- Influenced T20 leagues worldwide, serving as the gold standard for cricket franchises
- Generated economic opportunities for players, coaches, and support staff
- Pushed the boundaries of cricket analytics, training methods, and strategic thinking
The most powerful aspect of these IPL landmark moments is that they’re not merely cricket statistics or match results—they represent pivotal points where the sport itself evolved. The IPL’s greatest achievement is that it hasn’t just recorded cricket history; it has actively shaped it.
As the tournament enters adulthood at 18, these landmark moments provide both a rich historical tapestry and a foundation for cricket’s continued evolution. The IPL’s next chapter promises to add even more extraordinary moments to this already remarkable cricket legacy.
The IPL’s Global Impact Through Its Landmark Moments
The IPL’s landmark moments have transformed cricket in ways that extend far beyond the boundaries of the tournament itself:
- Accelerated cricket’s commercial growth globally
- Inspired the creation of numerous T20 leagues worldwide
- Changed player development pathways across cricket-playing nations
- Created a year-round cricket economy that sustains thousands of careers
- Democratized cricket stardom, allowing players from smaller cricketing nations to become household names
- Pioneered technological innovations in broadcasts, statistics, and fan engagement
Published on April 18, 2025 | Updated: April 19, 2025
The IPL trophy represents 18 years of landmark moments that have revolutionized cricket and entertained millions worldwide. (Photo: BCCI/IPL)
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