In a remarkable and somewhat embarrassing turn of events, Rajasthan Royals fast bowler Sandeep Sharma etched his name into the record books by bowling the joint-longest over in Indian Premier League (IPL) history during a match against Delhi Capitals on April 16, 2025. The 31-year-old pacer, who had been performing admirably up until that point, faced a tumultuous final over that saw him deliver a total of 11 balls, which included four wides and a no-ball, ultimately conceding 19 runs.
At the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Sandeep began the over with a wide delivery outside off, followed by a dot ball. However, his troubles escalated quickly as he threw three consecutive wides before overstepping the crease for a no-ball. The onslaught continued as Tristan Stubbs capitalized on Sandeep's struggles, smashing him for a four and a six, further inflating the over's run count.
Despite the challenging over, Sandeep's overall figures for the match stood at 0/33 in four overs, having previously conceded only 14 runs in his first three overs without being hit for a boundary. The unfortunate over not only tarnished his performance but also contributed to the Capitals' total of 188/5, a score that marked the first time a team had failed to reach the 200-run mark in the first innings at this venue.
Interestingly, Sandeep is not alone in this dubious achievement. He joins the ranks of other bowlers who have also bowled 11-ball overs in IPL history. Earlier this season, Shardul Thakur achieved the same feat in his 13th over against Kolkata Knight Riders, while Mohammed Siraj and Tushar Deshpande also share this unwanted record from their respective matches against Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants in 2023.
As the match unfolded, it was clear that Sandeep's over would be a talking point for fans and analysts alike, raising questions about the pressures faced by bowlers in high-stakes situations. The Rajasthan Royals will undoubtedly hope that this incident does not overshadow the remainder of their IPL campaign. With the tournament still in its early stages, every match counts, and players must remain focused to avoid such blunders.
The IPL has a rich history of dramatic moments and record-breaking performances, and while Sandeep's over may not be the highlight he hoped for, it certainly adds to the narrative of the tournament. As teams vie for supremacy, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and perhaps even more records to be broken as the season progresses.
In conclusion, Sandeep Sharma's 11-ball over serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket, where even the most seasoned players can experience lapses in concentration. The Rajasthan Royals will look to bounce back from this incident and continue their pursuit of IPL glory, while Sandeep will aim to learn from this experience and improve his game moving forward.
