For all the fanfare and fireworks the IPL brings, there’s one truth that doesn’t always make the highlight reel: some teams just know how to lose big games. Getting to the final is tough but losing it stings harder, especially when it happens again… and again.
The league’s history is packed with heart-stopping thrillers, but behind the trophy celebrations are franchises that walked off the field with nothing but regret. And while winning makes the headlines, consistent failure under pressure leaves a longer trail, one that’s hard to shake.
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So, when we talk about IPL dominance, it’s also worth asking: who’s been on the wrong side of history the most?
CSK’s five heartbreaks top the charts; RCB trail with three
Chennai Super Kings, led by MS Dhoni, have been the face of IPL success. But they’ve also been on the losing side of six finals; 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019, more than any other team. It’s a stat that doesn’t get mentioned enough. For all the titles, there’s been just as much pain.
Royal Challengers Bangalore aren’t far behind. Their trophy cabinet is still empty despite three chances — 2009, 2011, and 2016 — all ending in heartbreak. For a franchise stacked with superstars, it’s a brutal record.
READ MORE: How has RCB performed in IPL finals?
Mumbai Indians? Five titles, just one final loss, 2010 to CSK. Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, fell to KKR in 2014, while Sunrisers Hyderabad lost to CSK in 2018. Delhi Capitals couldn’t get past MI in 2020. KKR themselves lost to CSK in 2021, and Rajasthan Royals couldn’t stop Gujarat Titans in 2022.
Speaking of Gujarat, they made back-to-back finals in their first two seasons, won in 2022, lost to CSK in 2023. Even Rising Pune Supergiants, in their brief run, reached the 2017 final, only to fall short against MI.
History remembers winners, but the IPL has no shortage of nearly men.
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Which team has lost the most IPL finals?
| Team | IPL Final Losses |
|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 5 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 3 |
| Mumbai Indians | 1 |
| Punjab Kings | 1 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 1 |
| Delhi Capitals | 1 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 1 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 1 |
| Gujarat Titans | 1 |
| Rising Pune Supergiants | 1 |