In the high-stakes arena of the IPL playoffs, teams often also assess their ability to deal with pressure and come through in crunch matches as a measure of success other than just victory. Nevertheless some teams have experienced multiple defeats during their playoff campaigns which has turned them into sad stories.
At the pinnacle of this list is Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), an IPL team that has a rich history but has experienced different playoff elimination rounds which have created much desire from fans for more. RCB has been involved in 16 playoff matches but they have lost in 10 of those games making it clear how hard it has been for them to turn good seasons into championship wins.
Just behind them are Chennai Super Kings (CSK) who have always been known for being consistent and experienced when required. In nine appearances at the IPL playoffs in 26 encounters, CSK has lost all nine times implying that T20 cricket’s fine lines between triumph and disappointment are clearly observed here.
Most losses in IPL playoffs
- 10 – RCB (16 matches)
- 9 – CSK (26 matches)
- 9 – DC (11 matches)
- 7 – MI (20 matches)
- 7 – SRH (12 matches)
Delhi Capitals (DC), formerly called Delhi Daredevils have had their own share of suffering through playoff heartbreaks with only two victories out of eleven games played so far. Despite beginning some seasons on a high note, DC could not maintain momentum towards the end as they failed to live up to potential greatness.
Although Mumbai Indians (MI) are one of the most successful sides ever who have won several titles in Indian Premier League, they too got eliminated from this stage many times. MI’s record stands at seven losses from twenty attempts at playoffs indicating that even elite clubs can fall when playing under pressure.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is another example where tenacity and never say die spirit counts for nothing during playoffs, the team has lost seven times out of twelve matches. Although they have often overachieved and come close to defeating best sides in the competition, SRH have found it hard to replicate their regular season success at playoff stage.
RCB continues their quest for IPL glory with the bitter taste of playoff defeats still lingering, looking to overcome challenges and triumph on cricket’s biggest platform.
