IPL 2021: Matches, Scores, and Highlights

If you tuned into cricket in 2021, you know the IPL turned into a roller‑coaster of drama, rain delays, and nail‑biting finishes. This guide gives you the quick stats, big moments, and why the season still matters for fans who love quick‑fire cricket.

How the tournament unfolded

The 2021 edition started in the UAE after COVID‑19 forced a shift from India. Ten teams battled in a double‑round robin, each playing 14 games. When the league moved back to India for the second half, the heat and occasional monsoon showers added extra twists. The top four teams – Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Kolkata Knight Riders – clinched playoff spots, setting up a high‑octane knockout.

Two games were abandoned because of rain, but the organizers used reserve days to keep the schedule on track. That flexibility paid off when the final landed at Dubai International Stadium, a venue that had already hosted a few league matches earlier in the season.

Standout players and moments

Rohit Sharma lifted the trophy for CSK after a thrilling final against Delhi Capitals. His 68‑run innings anchored a 202‑run total, and the win marked CSK’s fourth IPL title. Meanwhile, Shikhar Dhawan finished as the top run‑scorer with 618 runs, proving his consistency across both UAE and Indian legs.

On the bowling side, Faf du Plessis didn’t just score runs – his 23 wickets made him the highest wicket‑taker, an unusual feat for a captain‑player. Young gun Rashid Khan turned heads with his economy rate, delivering key breakthroughs for KKR when the opposition tried to chase big totals.

One of the most talked‑about moments came when Ravindra Jadeja hit a six off the final ball of a match against the Punjab Kings, sealing a win that pushed Delhi into the playoffs. That six is still replayed on social media as a perfect example of clutch performance.

The season also saw a few historic records. KL Rahul became the first player to hit a fifty in each of his first three IPL matches for Kings XI Punjab, and Andre Russell smashed a record 86‑meter six that flew out of the stadium.

If you’re curious about the numbers, CSK’s 202/5 in the final is still one of the highest scores in a title match. Delhi’s chase fell just short at 184, but their middle‑order partnership of 109 runs remains one of the best in IPL playoff history.

Fans also enjoyed the fan‑engagement side of the league. The “Super Fan” poll let supporters vote for the most vocal sections, and the winning group earned a meet‑and‑greet with their favourite players after the tournament wrapped up.

When it comes to viewership, IPL 2021 broke its own records, pulling in over 1.5 billion unique viewers worldwide. The blend of overseas venues, high‑stakes matches, and star power made it a must‑watch event for anyone who loves fast‑paced cricket.

So whether you’re looking back to relive the biggest hits, need quick scores for a trivia night, or want to see which players made history, IPL 2021 delivered the thrills that keep cricket fans coming back season after season.