The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not just a cricket tournament; it’s a cricketing extravaganza that captures the hearts of millions around the globe. Amidst the sixes, acrobatic fielding, and nail-biting finishes, one aspect often is highly crucial even before the first ball is bowled – the toss. The IPL toss plays a very important role in the outcome of matches.
The coin toss has been an vital part of cricket, determining which team bats or bowls first. However, the IPL has added a twist to this age-old tradition. In most cricket formats, winning the toss gives a team the chance to take advantage of the conditions. But in T20 cricket, particularly the IPL, the significance of the toss is on another level.
Read More: Baap of IPL
In this article, we discuss the various factors involved for the toss in IPL matches. We also look at the most iconic IPL tosses in the history of the league.
IPL toss that made all the difference
|
Captains |
Outcome |
| Gautam Gambhir vs MS Dhoni – IPL 2010 Final | In the IPL 2010 Final between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings is remembered for its intensity. Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni won the toss and chose to bat. It turned out to be a game-changing decision as CSK eventually won the final. |
| Virat Kohli vs MS Dhoni – IPL 2016 Final | The 2016 IPL Final between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad had the toss at its center stage. Virat Kohli won the toss and opted to field. Unfortunately for RCB, it did not prove to be a winning decision as Sunrisers posted a formidable total and went on to win the title. |
| Sachin Tendulkar vs Adam Gilchrist – IPL 2008 Final | The first-ever IPL Final in 2008 featured a toss between two legendary cricketers, Sachin Tendulkar and Adam Gilchrist. Gilchrist won the toss and chose to bat, setting the tone for a historic match. Rajasthan Royals went on to win the final against the Chennai Super Kings. |
| Shane Warne vs Mahela Jayawardene – IPL 2008 Semis | In the semifinal of the inaugural IPL season, Rajasthan Royals’ captain Shane Warne won the toss and decided to chase against the Delhi Daredevils. The decision proved crucial as Rajasthan successfully chased down the target to reach the final and eventually win the championship. |
| Rohit Sharma vs. MS Dhoni – IPL 2019 Final | The toss in the IPL 2019 Final between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings became a talking point. MS Dhoni won the toss and chose to bat, but the Mumbai Indians bowlers put up a stellar performance to restrict CSK to a below-par total. Mumbai Indians went on to win the final in a thrilling encounter. |
| Gautam Gambhir vs. MS Dhoni – IPL 2012 Final | The 2012 IPL Final between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings featured a crucial toss. Gautam Gambhir won the toss and chose to bat, setting up a challenging total for CSK. KKR went on to win their first IPL title in a historic moment for the franchise. |
| Virender Sehwag vs. Adam Gilchrist – IPL 2014 | In an IPL encounter between Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the toss gained attention as Virender Sehwag decided to field first after winning it. This was a trend-setting decision as teams started preferring to chase in the T20 format, especially in IPL matches. |
| Rohit Sharma vs. MS Dhoni – IPL 2015 Qualifier | The 2015 IPL Qualifier between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings saw MS Dhoni winning the toss and opting to field. Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit Sharma, posted a formidable total, and CSK fell short in the chase. |
Strategic influence of an IPL toss
The IPL toss is more than a mere coin flip; it can decide the outcome of a match. With the advent of T20 cricket, teams are increasingly aware of the importance of setting a target or chasing in a high-pressure game. As such, the toss becomes plays a crucial role.
Read More: IPL full form
1. Setting a target vs. chasing
Teams winning the toss often face the challenge of setting a target or chasing. The decision lies on various factors, including the nature of the pitch, dew conditions, and the strength of the opposition. Teams with powerful batting line-ups may prefer to set a target, relying on their ability to post a daunting score. On the other hand, teams with strong bowling units may opt to chase.
2. Dew factor
The dew factor plays a significant role in the IPL toss equation, especially in matches held in the later stages of the tournament or in venues with dew-prone conditions. Bowlers often struggle to grip the ball, and fielding becomes challenging, giving an advantage to the team batting second. Teams winning the toss must factor in the dew conditions and make informed decisions to maximize their chances of success.
3. Psychological impact
The team winning the toss gains a psychological advantage. However, the team losing the toss can be put under pressure and may struggle to perform or play according to plan.
4. Captaincy dynamics
The IPL toss places added responsibility on team captains. Captains must possess a keen understanding of the game, the conditions, and their team’s strengths and weaknesses. During the toss, decision-making skills become a crucial aspect of a captain’s leadership. It can influence the team’s performance in the tournament.
Read More: IPL match pitch report
Iconic IPL toss moments
The IPL toss has witnessed some iconic moments. Some instances include captains predicting the toss outcome correctly or making unexpected choices. These moments add entertainment and unpredictability to the IPL.
The IPL has introduced innovative and entertaining toss ceremonies. The presentations add to the excitement, making the toss a spectacle in itself. From celebrity guests to unique props, the IPL has transformed the toss ceremony into an entertaining moment.
Controversies surrounding the IPL toss
Despite its significance, the IPL toss has not been without controversies. There have been instances of biased pitch reports, allegations of gamesmanship, and debates over the fairness of certain toss-related decisions. These controversies show how a toss can impact a match in the IPL.
Read More: Fastest century in IPL
Technology’s role in toss decision
With advancements in technology, teams now have access to sophisticated weather forecasts, pitch analysis tools, and historical data. These help one make informed decisions during the toss. The IPL toss now ignites the drama and thrill of T20 cricket, becoming a crucial moment in matches.
