There have been several exciting IPL finals. However, some titles have been won due to quick and destructive batting in contrast with long innings. This is the point where the pressure builds up to the limit, spectators hold their breath, and then there was only one man to change the course of the whole match through a few deliveries. It is no exaggeration to say that from last-ball drama to brutal death-over hitting, IPL final: Best cameos that changed the game became the topic of discussion among many fans. Apart from scoring runs, these cameos had an immense effect on turning around the momentum, changing the plans of bowling attack, and making unforgettable cricketing history.

Furthermore, all these cameos were played under the greatest pressure of all kinds. The former rescued the falling innings, while the latter won a hopeless chase. There are even some examples in which a bowler also did his job. In other words, these cameos not only scored runs but changed the outcome of the finals. Here are five of the most influential cameos in the finals of IPL.

Ravindra Jadeja - 15* off 6 balls vs Gujarat Titans, 2023

Ravindra Jadeja delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in IPL history during the rain-hit 2023 final between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans. After the DLS revision, CSK needed 171 in 15 overs. The chase went down to the final over, with 10 needed from the last two balls against Mohit Sharma. Jadeja then smashed a straight six over long-on before guiding a boundary past short fine leg on the final delivery. His unbeaten 15 off six balls sealed a five-wicket win and secured CSK’s fifth IPL title in stunning fashion.

Ben Cutting - 39* off 15 balls vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, 2016

Ben Cutting completely changed the 2016 final for Sunrisers Hyderabad with a destructive late assault against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. SRH were competitive but not dominant before Cutting arrived in the closing overs. He hammered 39 not out from just 15 balls, including a massive 117-metre six off Shane Watson. His attack powered SRH to 208/7 after a late surge of 52 runs in the final three overs. RCB fell short by eight runs despite a strong chase. Cutting also picked up two wickets and earned the Player of the Match award.

Kieron Pollard - 60* off 32 balls vs Chennai Super Kings, 2013

Kieron Pollard rescued Mumbai Indians in the 2013 final after a disastrous start at Eden Gardens. Mumbai were struggling at 52/4 when Pollard walked in under pressure. He rebuilt the innings with controlled aggression before launching a brutal finish. Pollard smashed an unbeaten 60 off 32 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes. Two of those sixes came off the final two deliveries of the innings, lifting Mumbai to 148/9. The total proved enough as Chennai Super Kings collapsed in reply. Mumbai won by 23 runs to claim their first IPL title, while Pollard took home the Player of the Match award.

Yusuf Pathan - 56 off 39 balls vs Chennai Super Kings, 2008

Yusuf Pathan produced a complete all-round display in the inaugural IPL final for Rajasthan Royals. First, he restricted Chennai Super Kings with figures of 3/22. Then, during the chase, Rajasthan slipped to 42/3 while pursuing 164. Pathan counter-attacked immediately and shifted the pressure back on Chennai. He smashed 56 from 39 balls, including four sixes, and added a key partnership with Shane Watson. Although he fell late in the innings, his aggressive knock laid the foundation for Rajasthan’s last-ball win and their historic first IPL crown.

Suresh Raina - 57* off 35 balls vs Mumbai Indians, 2010

Suresh Raina stepped up when Chennai Super Kings were under pressure in the 2010 IPL final against Mumbai Indians. CSK were 67/3 in the 12th over before Raina launched a counter-attack. He stayed unbeaten on 57 off 35 balls with three fours and three sixes. His partnership with MS Dhoni pushed Chennai to 168/5, giving the bowlers a strong total to defend. Mumbai never recovered during the chase and finished at 146/9. Raina also contributed with a wicket and a catch as CSK lifted their maiden IPL trophy.