IPL’s clutch masters: Top 5 players who deliver under pressure

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been regarded as the world’s premier T20 franchise tournament, synonymous with thrilling finishes, high-octane drama, and pressure-soaked moments that test even the greatest of cricketers. Over the years, legends like MS Dhoni, AB de Villiers, Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard have set benchmarks for delivering under extreme pressure.

Yet beyond these established icons, a new crop of players has emerged, ones who thrive specifically in clutch situations. These cricketers showcase nerves of steel to flip a match on its head when the stakes are highest. Here let us take a look at the top five clutch performers in the IPL who consistently rise to pressure and deliver match-defining moments.

Here are the top five clutch players in high-pressure situations

Rahul Tewatia

Rahul Tewatia has built a reputation as one of the finest finishers in the IPL over the last few seasons. What makes him special is his calmness and self-belief even when the situation is stacked against him. His first iconic clutch moment came in IPL 2020 when, representing Rajasthan Royals (RR), he scored a sensational 53 off 31 balls, rescuing what looked like a lost chase. After struggling early in his innings, he exploded by smashing five sixes in one over off Sheldon Cottrell, turning the game around in dramatic fashion.

Tewatia stamped his clutch credentials again in IPL 2022, this time for Gujarat Titans (GT). With 12 runs needed off the final 2 balls, he shocked the cricketing world by hammering two consecutive sixes off Odean Smith. These moments cemented his legacy as one of the coolest and most reliable players under pressure in the IPL.

Rinku Singh

When it comes to modern-day IPL folklore, few moments shine brighter than Rinku Singh’s unbelievable heist in IPL 2023. Representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rinku walked into a near-impossible scenario, with 29 runs required off the last over against Gujarat Titans (GT). What followed was pure magic as he smashed five sixes in the last five balls off Yash Dayal to seal one of the greatest chases in T20 history.

Rinku’s finishing abilities have long been noted within the KKR camp, but this moment turned him into a household name. What stands out is his composure and clarity even when the target seems out of reach.

Kartik Tyagi

Kartik Tyagi’s clutch moment remains one of the finest last-over bowling displays in IPL history. In IPL 2021, while representing Rajasthan Royals (RR) against Punjab Kings (PBKS), he was handed the ball with PBKS needing just four runs off the final over.

Tyagi delivered a jaw-dropping performance, conceding only one run while picking up two wickets, including the crucial scalp of Nicholas Pooran. He held his nerve against established players like Aiden Markram, Fabian Allen and Deepak Hooda, securing a dramatic two-run win for RR.

Romario Shepherd

Romario Shepherd’s power-hitting has turned him into a sought-after T20 asset globally, and his IPL clutch moments are simply unforgettable. His first big impact came in IPL 2024, playing for Mumbai Indians (MI), when he smashed 32 runs in the last over bowled by Anrich Nortje, turning MI’s total into a match-winning one.

In IPL 2025, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Shepherd produced another whirlwind knock, against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as he hammered 33 runs in an over off Khaleel Ahmed and reached a stunning 14-ball fifty, one of the fastest in IPL history. His late assault shifted the momentum completely, guiding RCB to a memorable win and proving once again why he is considered a clutch monster.

Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma displayed one of the finest clutch knocks of IPL 2025 while leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a crucial encounter against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Chasing a mammoth 227, RCB lost early wickets and the chase seemed out of reach. But Jitesh, coming in during the deep end of the innings, played a breathtaking and match-winning knock.

He smashed an unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls, combining composure with fearless hitting. His partnership with Mayank Agarwal revived RCB, and his aggressive stroke play under immense pressure showcased his big-match temperament.