What are the most clever captaincy moves in IPL history?


IPL 2023 Winner

Some captaincy moves in IPL history have gone beyond just good decision-making—they were masterstrokes that flipped games, seasons, and even legacies. From tactical bowling changes to batting reshuffles and pressure management, here are some of the most clever captaincy moves ever seen in the IPL:

🧠 1. MS Dhoni’s “Jadeja-over Gambit” – IPL 2010 Final

  • Context: MI needed ~40 in 3 overs, with Pollard set.

  • Move: Dhoni gave the ball to left-arm spinner Jadeja instead of his pacers.

  • Why it was clever: Everyone expected pace to counter Pollard. But Jadeja’s slower pace and angle forced mistimed shots. Pollard was dismissed soon after.

  • Result: CSK sealed their first IPL title.

🧠 2. Gautam Gambhir’s “Bowling Chawla in the Super Over” – IPL 2014 Final

  • Context: With Sandeep Sharma and Johnson available, most expected pace in the Super Over.

  • Move: Gambhir backed Piyush Chawla, a leg-spinner, for the final over when KKR needed 13.

  • Why it was clever: Chawla wasn’t the obvious choice, but he had the nerves and variations. He hit the winning boundary too when promoted in the chase!

  • Result: KKR won their second title.

🧠 3. Rohit Sharma’s “Off-form Opening” – IPL 2015 Final

  • Context: MI were facing CSK in the final.

  • Move: Rohit promoted himself to open despite a patchy season.

  • Why it was clever: He knew he had to neutralize Ashwin and the powerplay pressure early.

  • Result: He scored a match-winning 50 (26), MI posted 202, and won their second title.

🧠 4. Dhoni’s Use of “Bravo at the Death” – Many Times (2011–2018)

  • Context: CSK often had below-par totals or close games.

  • Move: Dhoni consistently held Dwayne Bravo’s overs for the death, even if it meant bowling weaker options early.

  • Why it was clever: Bravo’s slower balls and game reading won CSK many nail-biters.

  • Result: CSK became masters of defending tricky totals.

🧠 5. Hardik Pandya Using Rashid Khan at Unusual Times – IPL 2022

  • Context: Most teams saved Rashid for the middle overs.

  • Move: Hardik often used Rashid in the Powerplay or even at the death, depending on matchups.

  • Why it was clever: It caught batters off guard and broke momentum early.

  • Result: Gujarat Titans won the title in their debut season.

🧠 6. Sanju Samson’s Use of Riyan Parag at a Critical Death Over – IPL 2024

  • Context: RR needed an over to break a partnership and didn’t have regular bowlers.

  • Move: Samson threw the ball to Riyan Parag, who bowled a surprise over and got a key wicket.

  • Why it was clever: Part-timers at the right time can upset rhythm, and it worked perfectly.

  • Result: RR defended a low score and won.

🧠 7. Virat Kohli Holding Back AB de Villiers – IPL 2016

  • Context: RCB chasing 180+, AB came in only after the 6th over.

  • Move: Kohli shielded AB from swing and allowed him to exploit spin-friendly overs.

  • Why it was clever: Rather than going by AB’s usual No. 3, the timing was based on maximizing value.

  • Result: AB scored an unbeaten 79 off 47. RCB won.

🧠 8. David Warner Opening with Rashid Khan’s Bowling Spell – IPL 2018

  • Context: SRH needed early breakthroughs and mystery spin.

  • Move: Warner often used Rashid Khan in the Powerplay, against attacking openers.

  • Why it was clever: Rashid’s quick-arm action reduced risk even during field restrictions.

  • Result: SRH made the final.

🧠 9. MS Dhoni Standing Behind the Stumps to Guide Tushar Deshpande – IPL 2023

  • Context: Young pacer Deshpande struggled with confidence early on.

  • Move: Dhoni literally guided every ball from behind the stumps—calling the field, angle, and length.

  • Why it was clever: Used his vision and game sense to build a bowler on the go.

  • Result: Deshpande became CSK’s highest wicket-taker that season.

🧠 10. Shreyas Iyer’s Trap for Surya – IPL 2021

  • Context: MI’s SKY was in top form.

  • Move: Iyer set an odd field and brought on Varun Chakravarthy with a plan to bowl wide leg-breaks.

  • Why it was clever: Took away Surya’s hitting arc and got him caught on the boundary.

  • Result: MI collapsed, and KKR gained momentum in the race to the playoffs.

🔍 Honorable Mentions:

  • Ashwin retiring himself out in 2022 (for a better finisher)

  • Dhoni giving the last over to Joginder Sharma in IPL 2008 (like T20 World Cup déjà vu)

  • Kohli’s defensive field for Gayle to induce a catch—2013 playoffs

🎯 Final Take:

The best captains don’t just manage—they manipulate the game like artists. In a format that changes every over, these clever decisions often decide titles, legacies, and turning points.

Want a “Top 5 clever moves by one specific captain” like Dhoni or Rohit? Just say the word!