In a jaw-dropping IPL 2025 clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), Avesh Khan was the star of the show, turning the game upside down with a brilliant death-over spell. Although he conceded 37 runs in his spell, Avesh delivered a match-defining 18th over and then defended just nine runs in the final over, sealing a stunning two-run win for LSG.
His lethal yorkers and composed execution under pressure reminded many of Mitchell Starc’s brilliance for Delhi Capitals. But Avesh dismissed the comparisons, saying, “I don’t want to become Mitchell Starc, I want to become a good Avesh Khan.”
He emphasized his commitment to personal growth and focus on execution, stating, “I always try to back every single delivery I bowl and execute yorkers which are my strength. I always think it’s better to take 10 extra seconds to bowl; it will help me execute better.” His ability to deliver under high pressure earned him the Player of the Match award.
Turning Point in the Final Overs
RR looked comfortably placed with 46 runs needed off the final five overs and eight wickets in hand. Even after Riyan Parag and Yashasvi Jaiswal took Avesh for 13 runs in the 16th over, the match seemed tilted towards Rajasthan. However, Avesh bounced back in the 18th over, removing set batters and drastically shifting the momentum. He entered the final over with just nine runs to defend against big-hitters like Shimron Hetmyer.
Sharing his approach, Avesh said, “I never bowl looking at the scoreboard. I just focus on my execution. When it became clear that I have to defend nine runs, I knew that if they don’t get a boundary in the first three balls, the game will swing our way and the batters will come under pressure.” True to his words, Avesh maintained tight lines and held his nerve to seal the win.
Drama in the Final Moments
The tension peaked when David Miller, known as one of the safest fielders in world cricket, dropped an easy catch off Shubham Dubey with just two balls left.
Reflecting on the moment, Avesh shared, “As soon as it went up in the air and I saw that Miller is the catcher I thought, ‘of course he is going to catch this’. But then when he dropped I was thinking, oh no I have to defend four runs now.” Despite the dropped catch, Avesh focused on the task, adding, “I then told myself, ‘Avesh, you just have to bowl a yorker on middle and leg, nothing else’.”
His ice-cool mindset and precise execution ultimately led LSG to a thrilling and unlikely victory.
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