The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular T20 cricket leagues in the world, with millions of fans tuning in to watch their favorite teams compete. However, as with any sport, there have been some major upsets over the years. From underdog teams pulling off miraculous victories to star-studded lineups crumbling under pressure, the IPL has seen it all. Here are the 10 biggest upsets in IPL history.
Rajasthan Royals beating Chennai Super Kings in the 2008 final
In the inaugural season of the IPL, the Chennai Super Kings were heavily favored to win the final against the Rajasthan Royals. However, the Royals, led by the legendary Shane Warne, put up a brilliant performance to pull off a shock victory and lift the trophy.
Kolkata Knight Riders beating Chennai Super Kings in the 2012 final.
The Chennai Super Kings were once again heavy favorites to win the final in 2012, but the Kolkata Knight Riders, led by Gautam Gambhir, put up a clinical display to win their maiden IPL title.
Mumbai Indians beating Chennai Super Kings in the 2013 final.
The Chennai Super Kings were seeking revenge against the Mumbai Indians in the 2013 final after losing to them in the league phase. However, the Mumbai Indians, led by Rohit Sharma, had other ideas and pulled off a stunning upset to win their first IPL title. Since then it has been a no-looking-back-journey for Mumbai Indians. Till 2023, MI has won 5 IPL titles and have become the most successful team in IPL.
Sunrisers Hyderabad beating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2016 final.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, were expected to win the final against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, the Sunrisers, led by David Warner, put up a brilliant bowling performance to restrict the star-studded RCB lineup and win their maiden IPL title. This was the closest RCB went to win the title after 2009. In 2009 they lost the final to Deccan Chargers lead by Adam Gilchrist.
Rising Pune Supergiants beating Mumbai Indians in the 2017 first qualifier.
The Mumbai Indians had finished top of the league table in 2017 and were expected to make it to the final. However, the Rising Pune Supergiants, led by Steve Smith, put up a brilliant performance to beat the defending champions in the first qualifier and secure their place in the final.
Kings XI Punjab beating Mumbai Indians in the 2020 league stage.
The Mumbai Indians were the defending champions in the 2020 season and had won five out of their seven matches heading into their clash against Kings XI Punjab. However, Kings XI Punjab, led by KL Rahul, put up a stunning batting display to chase down Mumbai’s mammoth total of 191 and secure a memorable victory.
Royal Challengers Bangalore beating Mumbai Indians in the 2021 first qualifier.
The Mumbai Indians were once again the favorites heading into the first qualifier of the 2021 season. However, the Royal Challengers Bangalore, led by Kohli and de Villiers, put up a brilliant all-round display to beat the defending champions and secure their place in the final.
Rajasthan Royals beating Kings XI Punjab in the 2021 league stage.
The Kings XI Punjab had been in brilliant form in the 2021 season and were expected to beat the struggling Rajasthan Royals. However, the Royals, led by Sanju Samson, put up a brilliant batting display to chase down a mammoth total of 221 and secure a stunning upset victory. This match will be known for Rahul Tewatia who changed the course of the game in one over and blistered 5 sixes of Sheldon Cotrell.
Sunrisers Hyderabad beating Delhi Capitals in the 2021 league stage.
The Delhi Capitals had been one of the best teams in the 2021 season and were expected to beat the struggling Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, the Sunrisers, led by Kane Williamson, put up a brilliant all-round display to beat the Capitals and secure a surprise victory.
Kolkata Knight Riders beating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2021 eliminator.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore were the favorites heading into the eliminator match against the Kolkata Knight Riders, who had struggled for consistency throughout the season. However, the Knight Riders, led by Eoin Morgan, put up a brilliant performance to beat the star-studded RCB lineup and secure their place in the playoffs.
These upsets serve as a reminder that in cricket, anything can happen on any given day. Underdogs can rise to the occasion and pull off stunning victories, while favorites can crumble under pressure. The IPL has provided some of the most thrilling moments in cricket history, with these upsets adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the league.
While some of these upsets may have been surprising at the time, in hindsight, they show the true nature of the IPL, where any team can win on their day. Fans can look forward to more thrilling upsets and surprises in the upcoming IPL 2023 season, where the battle for the trophy is sure to be as exciting as ever.
What is your favorite upset moment of IPL?
