NEW DELHI: As we gear up for another exhilarating edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), it’s the perfect time to take a nostalgic walk down memory lane.
The IPL, a tournament that redefined the cricketing landscape, has been a goldmine of drama, thrills, and unforgettable moments, especially during its formative years.
From 2008 to 2016, the first nine seasons gave fans everything from last-ball finishes to controversies that lit up headlines. And at TimesofIndia.com today, we take a deep dive into those defining moments.
1. Brendon McCullum’s Opening Night Madness (2008)
The IPL couldn’t have asked for a better opening act in its inaugural season. Brendon McCullum, donning the golden-and-black Kolkata Knight Riders jersey, launched the league in style with a jaw-dropping 158 not out off 73 balls at the Chinnaswamy Stadium against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (formerly Royal Challengers Bangalore).
RCB were stunned, fans were hooked, and the world sat up and took notice. That innings wasn’t just a knock; it was a statement that IPL had arrived.
2. Rajasthan Royals’ Fairytale Title Run (2008)
Led by the ever-calculating Shane Warne, an underdog Rajasthan Royals side stunned everyone by lifting the inaugural IPL trophy. With emerging stars like Yusuf Pathan and Swapnil Asnodkar shining bright, RR’s triumph was the ultimate “moneyball” story.
Their win over CSK in the final was a reminder that heart and hustle could beat star power.
3. Chris Gayle’s Record-Breaking Carnage (2013)
If McCullum’s knock lit the fuse, Chris Gayle’s 175 not out off 66 balls against Pune Warriors six years later was a full-blown explosion.
Playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore then, Gayle unleashed the most brutal innings in T20 history, smashing 17 sixes in a whirlwind knock that still stands as the highest individual score in IPL. Bowlers watched, fans roared, and Twitter exploded.
4. The ‘Slapgate’ Controversy (2008)
The darker side of IPL drama unfolded when Harbhajan Singh allegedly slapped Sreesanth post-match, leading to Bhajji’s suspension.
The ‘Slapgate’ Controversy
While it sparked headlines and debates, it also showcased how high tensions could run in this high-stakes league. It was raw, controversial, and undeniably part of IPL’s wild early DNA.
5. MI’s Last-Ball Title Win (2015)
In a high-octane final between two modern IPL giants in season 8, Mumbai Indians scripted a dramatic turnaround after a poor start to the season.
Under Rohit Sharma’s cool leadership, MI thumped CSK in the final to win their second IPL title. More than the result, it was the narrative arc — from bottom-dwellers to champions — that made this season unforgettable.
Some moments are just too good to leave out. Virat Kohli’s record-shattering 973-run season in 2016 wasn’t just dominance. It was a batting masterclass that may never be matched. Kieron Pollard’s gravity-defying one-handed catch in 2014 reminded fans that in the IPL, even the laws of physics take a backseat.
And who could forget Adam Gilchrist’s delightful cameo in 2013. donning the keeper’s gloves and rolling his arm over for a rare bowling spell in what turned out to be his farewell match. These moments may not have cracked the top five of the first part, but they’ve carved out a special place in IPL folklore.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Find out how to watch IPL 2025 in Canada and the USA.
