In an interesting twist of fate, the protagonists of the only tied match in IPL 2025 found themselves facing almost identical scenarios against two different teams on the very same day, just two days after their exhilarating encounter.
Let’s rewind to Wednesday night, when Mitchell Starc started his final over with Rajasthan Royals (RR) needing nine runs to win. The tension was palpable, with two specialist batters—Shimron Hetmyer and Dhruv Jurel—at the crease. The ball was reversing just a touch, and Starc, with his laser-focus, nailed a couple of perfect yorkers, ultimately forcing the game into a tie. This thrilling finish set the stage for a Super Over, where Starc sealed the win for his team, thanks in part to some frantic running between the wickets from Hetmyer and Jurel, both in regular play and in extra time.
Fast forward to late Sunday evening, when Starc found himself back in the thick of things, bowling the final over again, but this time, with Gujarat Titans (GT) chasing ten runs to win. The first yorker was narrowly missed, and Rahul Tewatia made no mistake, flicking it over midwicket for a six. The next yorker was accurate, but it took a slight inside edge, finding its way past short fine leg, which ended the game in just two balls. Starc, well aware of the fickle nature of cricket, knew all too well how the game could change in the blink of an eye.
Hetmyer and Jurel, still haunted by the eerie déjà vu of needing nine runs in the final over for the second consecutive match, were once again faced with the challenge of taking on a bowler known for his deadly yorkers. You can’t nail every yorker, but Avesh Khan did just enough to leave RR heartbroken again. In a moment that could have been the turning point, Hetmyer, when trying to flick a near-perfect yorker, found the one fielder stationed at short fine leg. This ball, which was set for the stumps with the field deep on the off-side, would’ve gone for four had Hetmyer connected just a few feet either side of the fielder.
Avesh’s strategy was clear—stick to the yorker. But even for him, it was a twist of fate. His night had begun on an unexpected note, getting hammered for a six by a 14-year-old the first time he bowled to him. The first over went for 13 runs, and then, as the match unfolded, Avesh was tasked with finishing his three remaining overs in the last five. With only 46 runs needed from these overs, Avesh had to step up to ensure he could bowl those crucial overs in the final stages.
Avesh’s strategy became clearer during the 16th over, where he attempted six yorkers, successfully landing two, narrowly missing two, and just missing the others by a bit more. Despite the occasional miss, he managed to keep his cool, which is often a rare trait in the heat of the IPL battle. By the time he started his 18th over, RR needed just 25 runs with eight wickets still intact. The pressure was mounting, but Avesh, with his trademark yorkers, was still calm and composed, knowing that his success at the death overs was his biggest asset.
But why don’t bowlers attempt more yorkers? That’s a question many fans ask, and Avesh’s performance sheds light on this. Since 2021, only Jasprit Bumrah has bowled more yorkers than Avesh, with 137 to Avesh’s 126. Yet, even Bumrah, known for his precision, opts for the yorker less frequently at the death. Avesh, on the other hand, has executed 88 yorkers in death overs, a testament to his belief in the yorker as his go-to delivery.
When you look deeper, you’ll realize why yorkers aren’t always a bowler’s first choice. Avesh hits one yorker in four attempts overall, and only about 30% of his yorkers in death overs land exactly where he wants them. Bumrah’s numbers are a little better—hitting 30% overall and 33% in the death overs. However, the missed yorkers often turn into full tosses or half-volleys, which are easier for batsmen to score from.
But what really sets apart a successful yorker from a failed one is the quality of the hitting, as well as the fielding restrictions. In IPL 2023, Mohit Sharma almost nailed every yorker in the final, with the wet ball, but a minor miss on the final delivery cost him. Avesh, however, makes his intentions clear. He focuses not just on the yorker, but also on the line of the delivery, aligning it with the field. If the batter shifts his stance, Avesh adjusts his line accordingly. This tactical precision earned him the crucial wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, and Hetmyer in this match.
“I focus entirely on execution,” said Avesh after the match. “When I’m playing, I don’t feel the pressure of whether I’ll get hit for a six or a four. I just focus on the delivery I’ve decided to bowl. I back my yorker, whether it’s 15 runs required or 20 runs.”
This mindset of complete focus on execution, rather than worrying about the outcome, is what makes Avesh such a reliable bowler in the IPL. He doesn’t get caught up in the result; instead, he trusts his preparation and skill. As he added, “When I saw Hetmyer shuffle across to the off side, I knew the stump line was the way to go. Fortunately, it worked out.”
The confidence and composure Avesh exhibits, especially in high-pressure situations, are things that come with experience and consistent performance. As he reflected on the match, it was clear that he didn’t let the final result cloud his judgment. In the world of IPL, where every over counts, being able to execute under pressure is invaluable, and Avesh Khan’s success with the yorker at the death proves this.
In the end, it wasn’t just Avesh’s skill with the yorker that made the difference, but his ability to stay focused on the task at hand, block out the noise, and deliver when it mattered the most. For fans and cricketers alike, his performance is a lesson in the importance of preparation, execution, and mental toughness in the high-stakes world of IPL cricket.
As Avesh himself said, “In this format, it’s all about backing your skill and staying calm under pressure. The result doesn’t always go your way, but the focus on execution is what counts in the end.” This insight, born from years of experience in the IPL, serves as a reminder of how the game can change in an instant—and how staying grounded in the moment can be the key to success.
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