From Bench to Hero
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long served as a stage upon which aspirations materialise and tales of success are unveiled. Not only has the league given young cricketers a platform to shine, but it has also helped veterans resurrect their careers and go from relative obscurity to superstardom. In this column, we explore the remarkable stories of players who rose from the bench to stardom, inspiring their teams and fans along the way.
1. Rinku Singh – The Miracle Finisher of KKR:From Bench to Hero
Season: IPL 2023
Team: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Rinku Singh was an unknown player until the 2023 Indian Premier League. He began his career with KKR as a backup player and saw little action in his first few seasons. The left-handed batter, though, made IPL history in a match against the Gujarat Titans (GT). Rinku scored a spectacular 28 runs off the last five balls for KKR, hitting five sixes in a row off Yash Dayal. miraculous victory.
Key Stats:
- Matches Played: 14
- Runs Scored: 474
- Strike Rate: 149.53
Rinku’s performance was a testament to his grit and determination, proving that patience and perseverance can lead to greatness.
2. Jasprit Bumrah – From Bench to Bowling Maestro:From Bench to Hero
Season: IPL 2013
Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
Even though he is currently a devastating bowler, Jasprit Bumrah was not that way when he made his debut in 2013. Bumrah got his chance after initially warming the bench because of a team injury. His dismissal of Virat Kohli in his debut match was impressive. Bumrah became MI’s emergency bowler for the subsequent seasons.
Key Stats (2013-2023):
- Matches Played: 120+
- Wickets Taken: 145+
- Economy: 7.38
Today, Bumrah is synonymous with death-over expertise, and his rise began with the IPL.
3. Shane Watson – The Redemption Season:From Bench to Hero
Season: IPL 2018
Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Shane Watson’s IPL career appeared to be on the decline due to his form problems and injuries. But CSK gambled on him in the 2018 season. Watson showed his appreciation by slamming two century, the most impressive of which was 117* in the last match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).(SRH).
Key Stats (2018):
- Matches Played: 15
- Runs Scored: 555
- Strike Rate: 154.59
Watson’s comeback story was one of resilience, proving that veterans still have a lot to offer.
4. Hardik Pandya – Rising from the Bench:From Bench to Hero
Season: IPL 2015
Team: Mumbai Indians (MI)
As a young player with little IPL experience, Hardik Pandya warmed the bench for Mumbai Indians. He was useful when given the chance thanks to his explosive batting and handy bowling. Pandya scored 21 runs off of just eight balls in a pivotal cameo appearance against CSK in the 2015 season, marking his breakthrough.
Key Stats (2015):
- Matches Played: 9
- Runs Scored: 112
- Wickets Taken: 1
Since then, Pandya has grown into an all-rounder who has captained his team to an IPL title with Gujarat Titans in 2022.
5. Ambati Rayudu – The Silent Warrior:From Bench to Hero
Season: IPL 2018
Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Because of this, Ambati Rayudu was frequently pushed to the sidelines. After a patchwork season with MI, CSK signed him for the 2018 campaign. Rayudu, thrust into the starting lineup, was instrumental in CSK’s championship-winning campaign, scoring 602 runs.
Key Stats (2018):
- Matches Played: 16
- Runs Scored: 602
- Strike Rate: 149.75
Rayudu’s career saw a resurgence, and he became a vital cog in CSK’s batting lineup.
6. Mohammad Siraj – From Criticism to Stardom:From Bench to Hero
Season: IPL 2021
Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Earlier seasons saw Mohammad Siraj take a lot of heat for his high economy rate. But in the 2021 Indian Premier League, he proved his detractors wrong by becoming RCB’s most reliable bowler. His outstanding powerplay spells helped RCB win the game.
Key Stats (2021):
- Matches Played: 15
- Wickets Taken: 11
- Economy: 6.78
Siraj’s journey reflects how persistence and hard work can change perceptions.
7. Rahul Tewatia – The Miracle Man:From Bench to Hero
Season: IPL 2020
Team: Rajasthan Royals (RR)
There are few moments more iconic than Rahul Tewatia’s innings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Kings XI Punjab (currently known as Punjab Kings). With 224 runs to chase, RR needed 51 runs in the next three overs. After getting off to a slow start, Tewatia turned the game around by smashing Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in one over.
Key Stats (2020):
- Matches Played: 14
- Runs Scored: 255
- Wickets Taken: 10
Tewatia’s heroics showed that comebacks aren’t limited to careers but can happen within a single match.
8. Deepak Chahar – Bowling His Way to Glory:From Bench to Hero
Season: IPL 2018
Team: Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Like many others, Deepak Chahar was largely unheralded during his first few seasons. But CSK saw his potential, and he ended up being their powerplay bowler in the 2018 IPL. His early wicket-taking and ball-swinging skills were crucial to CSK’s title defence.
Key Stats (2018):
- Matches Played: 12
- Wickets Taken: 10
- Economy: 7.28
Chahar’s performances earned him a spot in the Indian national team.
9. Dinesh Karthik – The Finisher’s Role Redefined:From Bench to Hero
Season: IPL 2022
Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Once KKR dismissed him, Dinesh Karthik signed on with RCB, where he plays the role of a finisher. Under duress, Karthik flourished, and he never failed to produce in the last overs. He was called up to the national squad for his game-winning skills.
Key Stats (2022):
- Matches Played: 16
- Runs Scored: 330
- Strike Rate: 183.33
Karthik’s resurgence was one of the highlights of the 2022 season.
10. Harshal Patel – The Purple Cap Journey:From Bench to Hero
Season: IPL 2021
Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Unfortunately, Harshal Patel’s IPL career got off to a disastrous start due to his frequent benching. But he became RCB’s primary bowler in the 2021 IPL and shared the team record for most wickets in a season with 32, earning him the Purple Cap.
Key Stats (2021):
- Matches Played: 15
- Wickets Taken: 32
- Economy: 8.14
Harshal’s story is a perfect example of how opportunities, when grabbed with both hands, can change lives.
Conclusion
Beyond its cricketing merits, the Indian Premier League (IPL) serves as a stage upon which inspirational tales of perseverance, sacrifice, and resolve are performed. These guys, who were originally benchwarmers, have shown that anybody can step up when given the chance. Their stories demonstrate that extraordinary achievements may originate from the unlikeliest of sources and motivate other would-be cricket players.
