The Indian Premier League (IPL) has given cricket fans some of the most thrilling moments in the sport’s history. Among these, hitting 5 sixes in an over in IPL stands out as one of the rarest and most explosive feats. Only a handful of batters have achieved this milestone, turning matches on their heads in just six deliveries.
From Chris Gayle’s brutal power-hitting to Rinku Singh’s unbelievable last-over heroics, these moments are etched in IPL folklore. In this article, we look at every instance where a batter has smashed 5 sixes in an over in IPL history, including the latest entry from IPL 2025.
1. Chris Gayle vs Pune Warriors (2012) – The Original Destroyer
When we talk about who hit 5 sixes in an over in IPL, the first name that comes to mind is Chris Gayle. The “Universe Boss” was at his peak in IPL 2012, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
- Opponent Bowler: Rahul Sharma (Pune Warriors)
- Over: 13th over of RCB’s innings
- What Happened: After a single on the first ball, Gayle unleashed fury, hitting five consecutive sixes off leg-spinner Rahul Sharma.
- Result: Gayle finished with 81* off 48 balls, including eight sixes in total.
This was the first time in IPL history that a batter had hit five sixes in a single over, setting the benchmark for future power-hitters. This truly had a great impact on IPL cricket betting.
2. Rahul Tewatia vs Punjab Kings (2020) – The Unlikely Hero
Before IPL 2020, Rahul Tewatia was relatively unknown. But his unbelievable assault on Sheldon Cottrell changed everything.
- Opponent Bowler: Sheldon Cottrell (Punjab Kings)
- Over: 18th over of Rajasthan Royals’ chase (224 target)
- What Happened: Tewatia was struggling at 17 off 23 balls before he suddenly exploded, smashing five sixes in six balls (one was a single).
- Result: Tewatia’s 53 off 31 balls won Rajasthan Royals the game from an impossible position.
This remains one of the greatest turnarounds in IPL history, proving that T20 cricket can change in just one over.
3. Ravindra Jadeja vs RCB (2021) – The All-Rounder’s Masterclass
Ravindra Jadeja is known for his all-round skills, but in IPL 2021, he showed his destructive batting against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
- Opponent Bowler: Harshal Patel (RCB)
- Over: 20th over of CSK’s innings
- What Happened: Jadeja was on 26* off 21 balls before he went berserk, hitting five sixes in the final over.
- Result: His unbeaten 62 off 28 balls took CSK to 191, and he also took 3 wickets to win the game.
This over by Jadeja remains one of the most brutal finishes in IPL history, making Harshal Patel’s figures the joint-most expensive over (37 runs).
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4. Rinku Singh vs Gujarat Titans (2023) – The Miracle of Kolkata
One of the most dramatic moments in IPL history came in 2023, when Rinku Singh pulled off a miracle against Gujarat Titans.
- Opponent Bowler: Yash Dayal (Gujarat Titans)
- Over: 20th over of KKR’s chase (29 needed off 6 balls)
- What Happened: Rinku smashed five consecutive sixes to win the game from an impossible situation.
- Result: His 48* off 21 balls stunned everyone, making it one of the greatest IPL chases ever.
This innings made Rinku Singh an overnight sensation and proved that no target is impossible in T20 cricket.
5. Riyan Parag vs KKR (2025) – The Newest Entry
The latest addition to the 5 sixes in an over in IPL club is Riyan Parag in IPL 2025.
- Opponent Bowler: Moeen Ali (KKR)
- Over: 13th over of Rajasthan Royals’ chase (207 target)
- What Happened: Parag, leading RR as captain, smashed five sixes in the over, nearly pulling off a stunning chase.
- Result: He scored 95 off 45 balls but fell just short as RR lost by 1 run.
This innings proved Parag’s potential as a future superstar in the IPL.
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Why Is Hitting 5 Sixes in an Over So Rare?
Only five batters have achieved this feat in IPL history, and here’s why it’s so difficult:
- Bowlers Adapt: After 2-3 sixes, they change plans (wide yorkers, slower balls).
- Pressure: Batters often panic and mistime shots after a few big hits.
- Field Restrictions: In death overs, fielders are placed at boundary lines.
- Fitness: Hitting sixes consistently requires immense power and timing.
Despite these challenges, the batters who have done it have created unforgettable moments.
Which Bowlers Have Conceded 5 Sixes Most Frequently in IPL?
An analysis of IPL data reveals the bowlers who have suffered this fate:
- Rahul Sharma (Pune Warriors) – Gayle’s victim in 2012
- Sheldon Cottrell (Punjab Kings) – Tewatia’s target in 2020
- Harshal Patel (RCB) – Jadeja’s demolition in 2021
- Yash Dayal (Gujarat Titans) – Rinku’s miracle over in 2023
- Moeen Ali (KKR) – Parag’s assault in 2025
Interestingly, three of these five bowlers were international players, proving even experienced campaigners aren’t safe from such onslaughts. Spinners have been hit for 5 sixes three times compared to pacers’ two instances in IPL history.
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What’s the Psychological Impact on Bowlers After Such Overs?
Bowlers who concede 5 sixes often experience:
- Immediate drop in confidence affecting subsequent performances
- Need for specialized mental conditioning to recover
- Changes in bowling tactics (more variations, different lengths)
- Some like Yash Dayal have made strong comebacks post such incidents
Harshal Patel notably bounced back to become Purple Cap winner after Jadeja’s assault, showing resilience is possible.
How Do Captains React When 5 Sixes Are Hit in an Over?
Captaincy decisions during and after such overs:
- Immediate Changes: Most captains immediately remove the bowler from attack
- Field Adjustments: More boundary riders, changing angles
- Bowling Order: Avoiding same bowler in death overs subsequently
- Post-match Analysis: Reviewing bowling plans and matchups
MS Dhoni’s calm handling of Jadeja’s onslaught against his own team (RCB) while captaining CSK was particularly noteworthy.
What Are the Statistical Patterns in 5-Six Overs?
Key data points from all five instances:
Batter | Year | Over Number | Bowler Type | Runs in Over | Match Result |
Gayle | 2012 | 13th | Leg-spin | 31 | RCB won |
Tewatia | 2020 | 18th | Left-arm pace | 30 | RR won |
Jadeja | 2021 | 20th | Right-arm medium | 37 | CSK won |
Rinku | 2023 | 20th | Left-arm medium | 31 | KKR won |
Parag | 2025 | 13th | Off-spin | 30 | KKR won |
Three of five instances came in death overs (18-20), showing high-risk periods for bowlers.
Which IPL Teams Have Suffered Most 5-Six Overs?
Team-wise distribution of these incidents:
- Pune Warriors (now defunct) – 1 time
- Punjab Kings – 1 time
- Royal Challengers Bangalore – 1 time
- Gujarat Titans – 1 time
- Kolkata Knight Riders – 1 time
Interestingly, no team has conceded 5 sixes twice, showing how rare these occurrences are.
What Makes Certain Bowlers Vulnerable to Such Attacks?
Common traits among targeted bowlers:
- Predictable Lengths: Bowling in hitting zones consistently
- Lack of Variations: Not changing pace or trajectory enough
- Matchup Disadvantages: Facing power-hitters at wrong stages
- Pressure Situations: Bowling in high-leverage moments
Bowlers who rely heavily on one type of delivery (like Rahul Sharma’s leg-spin) become predictable targets.
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How Do Batters Prepare for Such Explosive Overs?
Techniques used by successful hitters:
- Pre-Meditation: Anticipating lengths based on bowler tendencies
- Strong Base: Maintaining balance while going for big shots
- Target Selection: Identifying weaker bowlers in opposition
- Situation Awareness: Knowing when to take risks
Rinku Singh revealed he practiced specific ramp shots anticipating Yash Dayal’s yorkers before his famous over.
What Are the Fielding Team’s Options During Such Overs?
Possible counter-strategies:
- Bowling Changes: Immediate replacement if possible
- Wide Lines: Bowling outside off or leg stump
- Slower Balls: Radical pace variations
- Yorkers: Attempting blockhole deliveries
Most teams now have specialized “death over specialists” to avoid such situations.
How Do Broadcasters Capture These Historic Moments?
Production techniques used:
- Special Camera Angles: Ultra-motion replays from multiple views
- Real-time Graphics: Showing distance and speed of each six
- Audio Enhancements: Capturing crowd reactions clearly
- Statistical Overlays: Comparing with previous big overs
The Rinku Singh over had 27 camera cuts in broadcast, showing its dramatic nature.
What Are the Commercial Impacts of Such Performances?
After-effects for players involved:
- Sponsorship Boosts: Rinku got 3 new deals post his innings
- Auction Value Increases: Tewatia’s price rose 500% next season
- Social Media Growth: Parag gained 1.2M followers in 2 days
- Merchandise Sales: Special edition jerseys for milestone makers
These moments often become career-defining for emerging players.
How Do Fantasy Cricket Players Benefit From Such Overs?
Impact on fantasy points:
- Instant Point Surge: 50+ points just from one over
- Captaincy Bonuses: Doubling of already huge points
- Differential Picks: Lesser-owned players becoming match-winners
- Last-minute Substitutions: Changing team based on momentum
Many fantasy players specifically track “six hitters” for such explosive potential.
What Are the Ground Dimensions in These Instances?
Venue analysis of all five matches:
- Bengaluru (Gayle): 72m straight boundaries
- Sharjah (Tewatia): 60m square boundaries
- Mumbai (Jadeja): 65m average boundaries
- Ahmedabad (Rinku): 75m straight but short square
- Kolkata (Parag): 68m all-round
Smaller grounds like Sharjah clearly help, but even larger venues saw this feat. Meet the Hottest IPL Cheer Girls.
How Do Coaches Analyze Such Overs Post-Match?
Technical breakdown approaches:
- Ball Tracking: Studying release points and lengths
- Batter Positioning: Footwork and backlift analysis
- Field Placement Reviews: Checking positioning errors
- Pressure Metrics: Assessing mental factors
Teams now have dedicated analysts to prevent repeat occurrences.
What’s the Fan Reaction During Such Overs?
Stadium behaviors observed:
- Progressive Cheering: Getting louder with each six
- Disbelief: Silence after fourth-six followed by eruption
- Mobile Recording: Everyone capturing potential history
- Chanting: Custom cheers developing instantly
The Rinku Singh over saw the loudest recorded decibel levels at Narendra Modi Stadium.
How Do Bowlers Recover From Such Nightmares?
Rehabilitation processes:
- Technical Tweaks: Adding new variations
- Mental Conditioning: Sports psychology sessions
- Gradual Reintroduction: Lower-pressure situations first
- Peer Support: Teammate encouragement systems
Yash Dayal’s successful comeback for RCB in 2025 shows that proper handling can reverse damage.
Will We See More 5-Six Overs in the Future?
With T20 cricket evolving, more batters are developing the ability to clear boundaries at will. Players like, Jitesh Sharma, Shivam Dube, and Abhishek Sharma have the power to join this elite list soon.
Conclusion
Hitting 5 sixes in an over in IPL is one of the toughest challenges in cricket. The five batters who have done it—Gayle, Tewatia, Jadeja, Rinku, and Parag—have given fans some of the most thrilling moments in IPL history.
Who will be the next to join this elite club? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: when it happens, it will be unforgettable.
