IPL 2023: Top Ten Moments from League Stage

7. Sandeep Sharma’s no-ball against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Prasidh Krishna’s stress fracture injury benefited Sandeep Sharma as the latter got a chance to serve Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the former’s absence. Throughout the tournament, Sandeep looked decent with the ball and delivered some match-winning performances to Royals with his bowling efforts.

In his team’s three-wicket victory against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in match no. 17 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, the pacer defended seven runs off three deliveries and received appreciation from RR supporters. His excellent display in the CSK match strengthened his image as a death bowler and RR started using him as their death specialist.

Believing in Sandeep’s skills in match no 52, RR skipper, Sanju Samson, handed the ball to him to defend 16 runs while saving the score of 214. Like the game against CSK, Sandeep bowled the first five deliveries well. With SRH requiring five off the last ball, Royals were expected to take the game home. 

However, Sandeep bowled a no-ball to Abdul Samad, who got caught at long-off by Jos Buttler. Now, taking advantage of the extra delivery, Samad cleared the fence and took SRH across the line with four wickets in hand.