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When Anil Kumble shone bright in defeat — the rare IPL final ‘Player of the Match’ story

Poulomi Chakraborty

Anil Kumble's 2009 IPL final heroics (Source: @RCBTweets/x.com)Anil Kumble's 2009 IPL final heroics (Source: @RCBTweets/x.com)

After the Indian Premier League was introduced to international cricket, Indian cricket got a new way to be revolutionised. As T20 cricket spread its wings globally, the IPL emerged as a game-changing milestone, leaving an indelible mark on the format’s history.

The marquee tournament has produced legendary players and countless unforgettable moments. While the Player of the Match award usually honours the star performer from the winning side, the IPL has often rewritten that script, celebrating brilliance even in defeat.

In the 2009 edition of the cash-rich league, cricket witnessed a rare and historic moment: the Player of the Match award went to someone from the losing side. The superstar was none other than a legendary Indian spinner who turned the game on its head with his brilliance.

Anil Kumble dominates the 2009 IPL final with a spell to remember

Before 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the IPL trophy have always shared a bitter-sweet love story. After a forgettable inaugural season of 2008, the franchise had a great season in the next season. But the drama picked up when RCB faced Deccan Chargers in the final clash, and the cricket world witnessed a thriller.

After the Deccan Chargers put on a total of 143 runs, RCB needed 144 runs to secure their maiden IPL trophy. The dream seemed within reach, but fate had other plans. Earlier, it was Anil Kumble who stole the spotlight in the first innings with a stunning four-wicket haul that became the defining moment of the final.

In the first over, Kumble secured the crucial wicket of Adam Gilchrist in the very first over. He returned in the ninth to remove Andrew Symonds, tightening his grip on the game. As the pressure mounted, Kumble dismantled Rohit Sharma and Venugopal Rao, completing a stunning four-wicket haul on the grand stage of the IPL final.

Defeat can’t deny Kumble the biggest honor

Over the years, the game of cricket has never failed to reward the finest talents, as in every match, the best players are often awarded as the Player of the Match. Yet, the sport has a way of scripting surprises that go beyond the scoreboard, and the IPL is no exception.

In the 2009 final, Anil Kumble delivered a spellbinding 4/16, a performance worthy of glory. But as Deccan Chargers sealed a narrow six-run win, his brilliance stood out as a shining chapter amid defeat.

Even as the Deccan Chargers lifted the IPL trophy, Anil Kumble’s heroics refused to be overlooked. On the grand stage of the final, cricket bent its usual rules, rewarding him with the Player of the Match award for his extraordinary performance. With that, Anil Kumble remained the only player who won a POTM trophy in an IPL final game despite being from the losing side.