NEW DELHI: In the high-stakes arena of the IPL playoffs, teams often measure success not only by victories but also by their ability to handle pressure and deliver when it matters most. However, for some teams, multiple defeats have marked their playoff journey with disappointment and heartbreak.
At the top of the list stands
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
(RCB), a team with a rich history in the IPL but a series of playoff exits that have left fans yearning for glory.
Despite featuring in 16 playoff matches, RCB has tasted defeat a staggering 10 times, showcasing their struggles to convert promising campaigns into championship triumphs.
Following closely behind is Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a team known for its consistency and experience in crunch situations. Despite their nine appearances in the IPL playoffs over 26 matches, CSK has encountered defeat on nine occasions, reflecting the fine margins that separate success from disappointment in the fiercely competitive world of T20 cricket.
Most defeats 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 known as Delhi Daredevils, have also grappled with playoff heartbreak, with nine defeats in 11 matches. Despite promising starts to several seasons, DC has faltered at crucial junctures, failing to capitalise on their potential and falling short when it matters most.
Mumbai Indians (MI), the most successful team in IPL history with multiple titles to their name, have also faced their fair share of playoff defeats. Despite featuring in 20 playoff matches, MI have succumbed to defeat on seven occasions, a reminder that even the most dominant teams can falter under pressure.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), known for their tenacity and fighting spirit, have also endured playoff setbacks, tasting defeat seven times in 12 matches. Despite their ability to punch above their weight and challenge the best teams in the league, SRH has struggled to replicate their regular-season success in the playoffs.
For RCB, the quest for IPL glory continues, fueled by the bitter taste of playoff defeats and the determination to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious on cricket's grandest stage.