The Eliminator may not crown a champion, but it often reveals one
The IPL Eliminator. Just the name sparks tension. It’s the one match with no second chances. Win, and you’re still in the race. Lose, and it’s curtains. Over the years, this knockout clash has seen teams collapse under pressure—and others rise heroically. For some franchises, the Eliminator has become familiar territory. It’s where legacies are forged or forgotten. Let’s explore the teams that have stared down the Eliminator the most.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have played the most Eliminators — five in total — and boast a strong record. Despite early setbacks, they’ve turned things around in recent years. Their journey began in 2011, losing to MI. In 2016, they again stumbled, this time against SRH. However, from 2017 onwards, they roared back — defeating SRH (D/L method), Rajasthan Royals in 2018, and Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2021. KKR’s record in Eliminators stands at three wins and two losses, reflecting their growth into knockout specialists.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also featured in five Eliminators. Their breakthrough came in 2016 when they beat KKR and won the title. But it’s been a bumpy ride otherwise. In 2013, they lost to Rajasthan Royals. In 2017, they were eliminated by KKR. In 2019, they fought hard but fell short against Delhi Capitals. They redeemed themselves in 2020, defeating RCB. With two wins and three losses, SRH’s Eliminator story has been one of highs and heartbreaks.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have had their share of Eliminator thrillers — five appearances but an up-and-down record. They started strong in 2015, thumping RR by 71 runs. However, the next few years brought disappointment — losing to SRH in 2020, to KKR in 2021, and most recently to RR in 2024. They did register a morale-boosting win in 2022 against Lucknow Super Giants. With two wins and three losses, RCB continues to search for consistency in crunch matches.
Mumbai Indians (MI), known for their five IPL titles, have appeared in four Eliminators. In 2011, they kicked things off with a win over KKR. But the following two editions brought defeats to Chennai Super Kings—once in 2012 and again in 2014. They returned to winning ways in 2023, dismantling LSG with an 81-run victory. Their Eliminator record stands at two wins and two losses, proving that even giants can stumble but know how to bounce back.
Rajasthan Royals (RR), the inaugural IPL champions, have also featured in four Eliminators. They won their first one in 2013 against SRH, displaying grit. In 2015, they were crushed by RCB. The 2018 campaign saw them fall short against KKR. But in 2024, they bounced back to knock out RCB by four wickets—a statement win. RR continues to punch above their weight with two wins and two losses, often surprising stronger squads.
Interestingly, only once in IPL history has a team gone from playing the Eliminator to winning the title — Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. The path is gruelling, requiring three consecutive wins in the playoffs. Most teams falter, making SRH’s feat unique and inspiring. It remains one of the most remarkable title runs in IPL history.
