IPL 2024: The Season of Thrilling Finishes and Record Breakers

By Ananya Garg

Updated on May 18, 2025
IST 12:24 pm

Cricket in India isn’t just a sport—it’s a heartbeat, a shared pulse that unites a billion dreams. And when it comes to the Indian Premier League (IPL), that heartbeat races faster, louder, and wilder. IPL 2024 was no exception. It was a season where every match felt like a Bollywood thriller—packed with cliffhangers, record-smashing knocks, and young guns like Yashasvi Jaiswal who lit up the stage like fireworks on Diwali. For every fan, from the starry-eyed 15-year-old to the seasoned 45-year-old, IPL 2024 was a rollercoaster that kept India on edge, match after match.

This wasn’t just another season of sixes and wickets. It was a saga of grit, glory, and goosebumps. From Yashasvi Jaiswal’s blazing bat to the Punjab Kings’ jaw-dropping defense of a meager 111 runs, IPL 2024 rewrote the script of what’s possible in T20 cricket. And let’s not forget the high-scoring slugfests, like the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Rajasthan Royals clash that racked up 528 runs—the second-highest match aggregate in IPL history. If cricket is a religion in India, IPL 2024 was its grand festival, and we were all devotees, glued to our screens, hearts in our throats.

In this blog, we’ll relive the magic of IPL 2024—its nail-biting finishes, the records that tumbled, and the young talents who became household names. So, grab your chai, settle in, and let’s dive into the season that had India holding its breath.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: The Rising Star of IPL 2024

If there’s one name that echoed through IPL 2024, it’s Yashasvi Jaiswal. The 22-year-old from Uttar Pradesh wasn’t just a player; he was a phenomenon. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals, Jaiswal amassed 435 runs in 15 innings at a blistering strike rate of 155.91. His bat wasn’t just hot—it was on fire. With an unbeaten 104 against Mumbai Indians and a gritty 67 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he became the heartbeat of Rajasthan’s campaign.

But Jaiswal’s journey is more than numbers. It’s a story of grit. Born in a small town, he moved to Mumbai at 10, sleeping in tents and selling pani puri to survive. His rise from the streets to the IPL stage is the stuff of dreams. In 2024, he didn’t just play; he conquered. His century against MI was a masterclass—104* off 60 balls, a knock that had fans chanting his name. And when Rajasthan needed him in the playoffs, he delivered back-to-back 40+ scores in the Eliminator and Qualifier 2. Though RR fell short of the final, Jaiswal’s star only shone brighter.

For Indian fans, Jaiswal is a mirror to our own aspirations. He’s the kid next door who dared to dream big—and delivered. His journey reminds us that with talent and tenacity, even the sky isn’t the limit.

Thrilling Finishes: Matches That Kept Us on Edge

IPL 2024 wasn’t just about runs and wickets; it was about heart-stopping drama. Take the Punjab Kings vs. Kolkata Knight Riders clash. PBKS defended a paltry 111 runs—the lowest total ever defended in IPL history. It was like watching David slay Goliath, ball by ball. KKR, with their star-studded lineup, crumbled under pressure, and PBKS’ bowlers turned the improbable into reality. For fans, it was a reminder that in T20, anything can happen—and it did.

Then there was the Rajasthan Royals vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad showdown. A run-fest that saw 528 runs scored, the second-highest aggregate in IPL history. It was a batting paradise, with sixes raining like confetti. RR chased down SRH’s mammoth total in a last-over thriller, leaving fans gasping for breath. These weren’t just matches; they were spectacles, each one a mini-epic that kept India glued to their screens.

And who can forget the Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings rivalry? In 2024, their clash lived up to the hype, with MI edging out CSK by a single run in a final-ball finish. It was cricket at its most exhilarating, a reminder of why IPL is the world’s most-watched T20 league.

Record Breakers: Stats That Rewrote History

IPL 2024 wasn’t just thrilling; it was record-breaking. Let’s start with the batsmen. Virat Kohli, the eternal run machine, continued his dominance, adding to his tally of 8,004 runs before the 2025 season began. Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma followed closely, with 6,669 and 6,628 runs respectively in their IPL careers up to that point. But it was the young guns who stole the show in 2024. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 435 runs at a strike rate of 155.91 made him the talk of the town, while Rinku Singh and Dhruv Jurel emerged as future stars.

On the bowling front, Yuzvendra Chahal reigned supreme, claiming wickets with his crafty spin to reach 205 scalps before the 2025 season. His mastery was on full display in 2024, bamboozling batsmen with his guile. Jasprit Bumrah, meanwhile, delivered pinpoint yorkers, playing a pivotal role for Mumbai Indians.

Then there were the team records. The Rajasthan Royals’ batting firepower was unmatched, with Jaiswal and Jos Buttler forming a lethal opening pair. Their 166-run partnership against Gujarat Titans was a season highlight. Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings’ defense of 111 runs set a new benchmark for grit and strategy.

Emerging Talents: The Future of Indian Cricket

IPL 2024 wasn’t just about the established stars; it was a launchpad for the next generation. Yashasvi Jaiswal led the charge, but he wasn’t alone. Rinku Singh, the finisher from Kolkata Knight Riders, became a fan favorite with his calm under pressure. His ability to chase down totals in the final overs earned him the nickname “The Finisher 2.0.”

Then there was Dhruv Jurel, the wicketkeeper-batsman from Rajasthan Royals. His glove work was sharp, and his batting fearless. At just 23, he’s already being tipped as a future India star. Tilak Varma, with his elegant strokeplay for Mumbai Indians, also caught the eye of selectors and fans alike.

These young talents didn’t just perform; they thrived under the IPL spotlight. For Indian cricket, it’s a sign of a bright future. With the likes of Jaiswal, Rinku, and Jurel coming through, the conveyor belt of talent shows no signs of slowing down.

The Impact Beyond the Boundary

IPL 2024 wasn’t just a sporting spectacle; it was a cultural phenomenon. From the electrifying atmosphere in packed stadiums to the viral moments on social media, the season captured the nation’s imagination. Memes, fan chants, and post-match debates flooded Twitter and Instagram, with #IPL2024 trending for weeks.

The season also highlighted the IPL’s role in shaping Indian cricket. Youngsters like Jaiswal and Rinku weren’t just playing for franchises; they were auditioning for national duty. With the T20 World Cup looming, their performances couldn’t have been timed better.

Off the field, the IPL continued to be a driver of change. Initiatives like the “Pink Ball” match raised awareness for breast cancer, while player auctions and mega deals kept the business pages buzzing. The IPL isn’t just cricket; it’s a movement, a celebration of sport, culture, and commerce.

Conclusion: A Season to Remember

IPL 2024 was more than a tournament; it was a carnival of cricket that left fans breathless. From Yashasvi Jaiswal’s heroics to the Punjab Kings’ historic defense, the season was a tapestry of unforgettable moments. It reminded us why we love the game—its unpredictability, its drama, its ability to turn dreams into reality.

As we look ahead to future seasons, one thing’s for sure: the bar has been set high. But if 2024 taught us anything, it’s that in the IPL, the best is always yet to come. So, what was your favorite IPL 2024 moment? Drop it in the comments below and let’s keep the cricket fever alive!