Most Shocking Upsets in IPL Playoff Stages

No cricket tournament captures the imagination quite like the Indian Premier League (IPL). It's a festival of fast-paced action, electric crowds, and superstars on every side. But perhaps the most thrilling ingredient in the IPL recipe is its unpredictability — particularly in the playoff stages, where reputations often crumble and underdogs rise to the occasion.

Over the years, the IPL playoffs have delivered some of the most shocking upsets in T20 history. These are moments where heavy favourites falter, debutants shine, and unknown heroes deliver match-winning performances that turn the tide.

And if the early days of IPL 2025 are anything to go by — with Punjab Kings toppling Gujarat Titans on 25th March — we could be in for another season of surprising twists.

Let’s look back at 10 of the most stunning upsets in IPL playoff history — games that defied expectations and kept fans on the edge of their seats.

1. Rajasthan Royals Beat Chennai Super Kings – IPL Final (2008)

Context:

The inaugural IPL final saw the star-studded Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — featuring MS Dhoni, Matthew Hayden, and Muttiah Muralitharan — facing off against a youthful Rajasthan Royals (RR) team led by the enigmatic Shane Warne.

Why It Shocked Everyone:

No one gave the Royals a chance. They had no household names, little T20 pedigree, and were seen as a team built on potential rather than experience. Yet, they played fearlessly all season.

In the final, RR chased down CSK’s 163 in the last ball, with Sohail Tanvir and Warne guiding them home. Warne’s tactical brilliance and the raw enthusiasm of his young team turned this into one of the greatest underdog stories in cricket.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders Defeat Chennai Super Kings – IPL Final (2012)

Context:

CSK were IPL royalty by 2012. They were the defending champions and had won back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), on the other hand, had yet to make a serious playoff impact.

Why It Shocked Everyone:

When CSK posted 190 in the final, most thought the match was over. But then came Manvinder Bisla, a name few expected to feature heavily. His blistering 89 off 48 balls completely turned the match on its head and delivered KKR’s first IPL title.

It wasn’t just an upset — it was a reminder that the IPL always has space for unlikely heroes.

3. Sunrisers Hyderabad Upset Royal Challengers Bangalore – IPL Final (2016)

Context:

RCB’s line-up in 2016 read like a T20 dream: Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle — all in form, with Kohli scoring a record 973 runs that season.

Why It Shocked Everyone:

Despite SRH being underdogs, they put up 208 runs in the final. But the real shock came from their bowlers. RCB were cruising at 114/0 in 10 overs. What followed was a collapse orchestrated by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mustafizur Rahman, and Ben Cutting, who silenced one of the most powerful batting line-ups ever assembled.

Sunrisers held their nerve, winning by 8 runs — and showed that bowling still wins tournaments.

4. Mumbai Indians Stun Rising Pune Supergiant – IPL Final (2017)

Context:

Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) had defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) three times that season, including in Qualifier 1. MI, in the final, posted just 129 runs — a seemingly under-par score.

Why It Shocked Everyone:

What followed was a bowling masterclass. MI’s experienced attack — led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Johnson — choked the RPS batting order. Needing 11 off the last over, RPS fell just 1 run short.

It was one of the lowest totals successfully defended in an IPL final and an emphatic statement that no target is too small when your bowlers believe.

5. Delhi Capitals Knock Out Sunrisers Hyderabad – Eliminator (2019)

Context:

Historically, Delhi Capitals (DC) had a poor playoff record, while SRH had built a reputation as a strong, balanced side with a title win in 2016.

Why It Shocked Everyone:

DC chased 162 with confidence, thanks to Rishabh Pant’s brutal 49 off 21 balls, including 5 sixes. His fearless approach under pressure gave DC a breakthrough playoff win and helped reshape their identity from perennial underachievers to genuine contenders.

It was also a sign of the IPL’s changing guard — where youth began to dominate the big stages.

6. Chennai Super Kings Shock Delhi Capitals – Qualifier 1 (2021)

Context:

Delhi Capitals had dominated the 2021 league stage and were widely tipped to win their first title. CSK, meanwhile, were written off by critics due to an ageing squad.

Why It Shocked Everyone:

It all came down to MS Dhoni. In vintage fashion, the CSK skipper came in late and smashed 18 runs off just 6 balls, sealing the win in the final over. The calculated calm with which CSK hunted down 172 was Dhoni at his best — a reminder that form may be temporary, but class is permanent.

The upset wasn’t just about Delhi losing — it was about a team many had counted out stepping up when it mattered most.

7. Kolkata Knight Riders’ Last-Gasp Win Over Delhi Capitals – Qualifier 2 (2021)

Context:

Back-to-back playoff heartbreaks for Delhi — this time, they were up against a KKR side that had barely scraped into the playoffs.

Why It Shocked Everyone:

KKR had the match in the bag, then collapsed — losing 6 wickets for 7 runs. With nerves fraying and the game seemingly slipping, Rahul Tripathi smashed a six off Ravichandran Ashwin with 6 needed off 2 balls.

It was a clutch moment in a high-pressure game and a crushing upset for Delhi, who had again failed to capitalise on early season form.

8. Gujarat Titans Upset Rajasthan Royals – IPL Final (2022)

Context:

This was Gujarat Titans’ debut season, while Rajasthan Royals had dominated the league phase with Jos Buttler’s record-breaking run tally.

Why It Shocked Everyone:

GT’s bowlers — led by Rashid Khan and Hardik Pandya — choked Rajasthan’s powerful line-up, restricting them to just 130 in the final. Then, in a nerveless chase, Shubman Gill’s calm 45 guided the Titans home*.

Winning an IPL title in your first season is rare. Doing so against one of the strongest batting sides of the tournament made it one of the most remarkable final performances ever.

9. Mumbai Indians Edge Out Lucknow Super Giants – Eliminator (2023)

Context:

LSG were one of the most balanced sides in 2023, while Mumbai had been inconsistent and relied heavily on individual brilliance.

Why It Shocked Everyone:

Enter Akash Madhwal. The relatively unknown pacer stunned everyone with 5 wickets for just 5 runs, as Mumbai bundled out Lucknow for 101. It was one of the best bowling performances in IPL playoff history, and came from a player few had ever heard of before.

It was vintage MI — rising when it mattered most, producing stars under pressure.

10. Punjab Kings Early Win Over Gujarat Titans Sets 2025 Upset Tone

Context:

IPL 2025 began on 22nd March, and already, we have an upset on our hands. Punjab Kings, not widely tipped as title contenders, faced Gujarat Titans, the 2022 champions and consistent performers.

Why It Shocked Everyone:

Shreyas Iyer, back with a point to prove, smashed a sensational 97 off 42 balls*, lifting Punjab to a strong total. Despite Gujarat’s dangerous line-up, Punjab’s bowlers held their nerve and defended the total, winning by 11 runs on 25th March.

It’s still early days in IPL 2025, but this result shows that the tradition of playoff upsets may have already begun — and Punjab Kings have thrown their name into the mix.

Final Thoughts: In the IPL, Expect the Unexpected

The IPL playoffs are where form meets fire, and history has proven that no favourite is safe. Whether it’s Shane Warne’s Royals in 2008, Mumbai’s 1-run escape in 2017, or Gujarat’s rookie triumph in 2022 — every season brings its own drama, its own twist.

These upsets remind us that in the IPL:

• Experience can crumble.

• Pressure creates unlikely heroes.

• And every team, no matter the odds, has a shot at glory.

With IPL 2025 only just underway, and surprises already making headlines, fans would be wise to expect more drama. Because in this league, it’s not just about who’s stronger on paper — it’s about who rises when everything’s on the line.