The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was packed with high-voltage drama, towering sixes, and record-breaking run chases. While batsmen on one hand celebrated centuries in abundance throughout the season, the sport also revealed its most ruthless side: the 'Nervous Nineties.' In the T20 format of cricket, when a batsman enters the 90s, the psychological pressure undergoes a complete transformation. The bat, swinging so freely just moments before, suddenly feels heavy; fielders converge on the boundaries; and the looming pressure of reaching a century often compels the batsman into making a mistake.
In IPL 2026—from young sensations to seasoned captains—several star players fell just short of the 100-run mark. Let's take a look at the top 5 batsmen who fell victim to the 'Nervous Nineties' the most number of times during IPL 2026..
5. Priyansh Arya (DC) - 1 time
This young star of domestic cricket grabbed plenty of headlines during IPL 2026 with his explosive batting and composed demeanor. He successfully cemented his spot in the star-studded top order of the Delhi Capitals. Despite having such a magnificent season, in one particular match—specifically while chasing his maiden IPL century—he succumbed to the pressure. Priyansh was scoring runs with great ease while in the 70s and 80s; however, the moment he crossed the 90-run mark, his scoring rate slowed down slightly. Due to this disruption in rhythm, he played a poor shot and squandered the opportunity to score a magnificent century.
4. KL Rahul (DC) - 1 time
After joining the Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2026, a newfound aggression was evident in KL Rahul's batting. He scored runs at an excellent strike rate this season; yet, he could not escape his old nemesis the 'curse of the 90s.' Rahul already holds the IPL record for being dismissed most frequently in the 'nervous nineties,' and this year, he added yet another innings to this unwanted list. Rahul had anchored the innings beautifully and was racing towards a century. At that very moment, a fierce in-swinger took the inside edge of his bat and crashed straight into the stumps.
3. Ishan Kishan (SRH) - 1 time
As the stand-in captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Ishan Kishan shouldered a significant responsibility this season. Opening the innings, his aggressive batting provided SRH with several explosive starts; however, in one particular innings, he came tantalizingly close to a century, only to fall just short. Scoring 91 runs against the Rajasthan Royals—and leading the team during a massive run-chase—Kishan completely dismantled the Rajasthan bowlers. Yet, standing on the very threshold of victory, while attempting to hit a six over deep mid-wicket, he ended up hitting the ball straight into the hands of a fielder.
2. Mitchell Marsh (LSG) - 2 times
IPL 2026 truly played a unique and cruel game with the Australian all-rounder. While most batsmen at a score of 90 typically get caught out or bowled, Marsh became the first player in IPL history to be run out on a score of 90—and that too, twice in a single season.
While scoring 90 runs (off 38 balls) against the Chennai Super Kings, Marsh was in tremendous form and racing towards a century; however, due to some brilliant fielding and a slight lack of coordination with his partner, he missed reaching the crease by a mere whisker.
96 runs (57 balls) vs Rajasthan Royals: In this match, he was playing the role of an anchor. While attempting to take a second run to retain the strike, he fell victim to a direct hit, bringing his magnificent innings to an end.
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (RR) - 3 times
The sensational 15-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi was undoubtedly the biggest discovery of IPL 2026; yet, during this season, he also had to endure the bitter experience of the pressure associated with reaching a major milestone—namely, a century. Suryavanshi batted fearlessly, but on three separate occasions, he fell just short of scoring his historic maiden IPL century. In doing so, he equaled the all-time record for the most dismissals in the 90s within a single IPL season.
- 93 Runs (38 balls) vs Lucknow Super Giants: A tremendous, explosive innings that came to an end when he struck a slower delivery straight into the hands of the long-on fielder.
- 96 Runs (47 balls) vs Gujarat Titans: While batting under pressure during a chase of a massive target, a momentary lapse in concentration caused the ball to take the outside edge of his bat and land safely in the wicketkeeper's gloves.
- 97 Runs (29 balls) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Eliminator): This was arguably the most heartbreaking moment of his dismissals. In a crucial knockout match, his magical innings fell just 3 runs short of a century when, attempting to seal the match with a six, he was caught out at the boundary.
Also Read: Five young players who took IPL 2026 by storm?
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