Indian Premier League (IPL) is the grandest and toughest T20 league in the world and performing in it consistently has been difficult for the teams. When all IPL teams begin a new season, the clearest apparent aim is to capture the title, however, to achieve it, they must first make it to the finals. Making it to the finals over and over again is a challenging feat, but a few sides have accomplished to do so.
Over 13 seasons, we have seen several sides make it to the last stage and clinch the trophy, but there are some teams who we have seen perform consistently. On that note, let’s take a look at the five teams with the most IPL Finals appearances.
#5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (2)
Sunrisers Hyderabad made their IPL debut in the 2013 season and have been one of the most consistent sides since then. They made it to the playoffs in their inaugural season, but failed to reach the knockouts in the next two years.
Their golden run started from the 2016 season, where they reached the finals for the first time and went on to clinch their maiden title defeating heavyweights Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Hyderabad-based franchise then qualified for the playoffs in every season until 2020 and became the only team to do so.
Their five consecutive playoff appearances between 2016-2020 also included a runner-up finish in 2018 where they lost to Chennai Super Kings.
#4. Kolkata Knight Riders (2)
Kolkata Knight Riders had a poor start in their IPL campaign as they failed to make it to the playoffs in the first three seasons. However, the tables turned for them after they appointed Gautam Gambhir as their skipper for the 2011 IPL, and he guided KKR to their first knockout appearance.
He followed it by leading KKR to the title in 2012 and 2014 as they defeated Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) respectively. Those were also the only two times when KKR featured in the finals and thus becoming the only team to have a 100% record at the final stage.
#3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (3)
Royal Challengers Bangalore holds an unusual record of appearing in the most IPL finals without winning a trophy. After a disappointing performance in the inaugural season, they turned things around in IPL 2009 by reaching the finals for the first time, but were defeated by Deccan Chargers.
They once again made it to the last hurdle in 2011 as they faced another defeat against Chennai Super Kings. After a dismal run in the next four seasons, they finally reached their third IPL Final in 2016 and were looking like the favorites to clinch the title.
Unfortunately, RCB suffered another heartbreak as they were crushed by Sunrisers Hyderabad to increase their wait for the maiden trophy.
#2. Mumbai Indians appeared in 6 IPL Finals
Mumbai Indians are the most successful team in the history of the IPL and the majority of the credit for their success goes to Rohit Sharma. MI made their first final appearance in 2010 but suffered a defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings which was their only loss in an IPL final.
After mediocre performances in the next two seasons, Rohit Sharma was appointed as the skipper midway in 2013 and went on to etch Mumbai’s name in the record books. Under Rohit, Mumbai Indians reached the IPL finals in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 and won all of them, making them the team with the most IPL titles.
#1. Chennai Super Kings appeared in 8 IPL Finals
Chennai Super Kings are the most consistent team in the IPL with 10 playoff appearances in 11 seasons. MS Dhoni has been the brigadier for them as he has been leading them since the start.
CSK made reached the finals in the inaugural edition but were defeated by the underdogs Rajasthan Royals. They then made it to four consecutive final from 2010-2013 and came out on top in IPL 2010 and 2011 becoming the first team to retain the title.
They then appeared in the finals of 2015, 2018, and 2019 but were victorious only in IPL 2018 as they defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad to clinch their third title. IPL 2020 was the only season where CSK didn’t manage to qualify for the playoffs which shows the dominance they have over the league.
