One venue, two trophies – these IPL sides made certain stadiums their favourite hunting ground
There's something magical about returning to a place that evokes good memories. Some teams simply find their rhythm on certain pitches. The crowd, the atmosphere, the ground beneath their spikes – it all clicks. In the high-pressure world of IPL finals, that familiarity can make a significant difference. Over the years, a few teams have made specific venues feel like home—even if they technically weren't.
In this throwback, we revisit three iconic grounds where two IPL teams have doubled down on glory. From last-ball thrillers to dominant victories, the stories of these repeat wins demonstrate that sometimes, lightning does strike twice.
Let's rewind to 2017. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad had never hosted a more dramatic IPL final. The Mumbai Indians, with just 129 on the board, appeared to be on the back foot. However, as the game progressed, they dug in, held their nerve, and squeezed out a one-run victory over the Rising Pune Supergiant.
Credit: Firstpost
Fast forward to 2019 – same venue, same result. Another one-run miracle, this time against the Chennai Super Kings. Jasprit Bumrah's brilliance in the death overs and Malinga's last-ball strike made it yet another final to remember.
Same team. Same venue. Same one-run finish. Coincidence? Hardly.
Credit: MI
M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, a.k.a Chepauk, is typically Chennai's fortress. But good luck telling that to the Kolkata Knight Riders. In 2012, while chasing a formidable 191 against CSK in their own backyard, KKR kept their composure and secured a 5-wicket victory. Manvinder Bisla's explosive 89 was pivotal in helping them achieve this win against the odds.
Credit: ESPN
Fast forward to 2024, over a decade later, KKR returned to Chennai for another final. This time, they made light work of the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Bowling first, they dismissed SRH for just 113 runs. In response, they sped through the chase in a mere 10.3 overs, clinching their third IPL title effortlessly.
From chasing big totals to dispatching teams with ease, KKR's record at Chepauk reads two finals and two wins—chalk and cheese, both in style and timeline.
Credit: Al Jazeera
With its colossal stands and deafening roars, Eden Gardens has witnessed many high-voltage matches. In 2013, the Mumbai Indians faced off against the Chennai Super Kings in their first-ever final at the venue. MI posted a modest 148 but defended it as if their lives depended on it. CSK folded at 125, and Mumbai secured their first IPL title.
Credit: Crictracker
Two years later, in 2015, Mumbai returned to Eden, this time with flair. Riding on Rohit Sharma's sparkling 50, they amassed 202 and then saw off CSK by 41 runs. From gritty defence to full-blown domination, MI made Eden their happy place.
Credit: Crictracker
All three stories share a common thread – the ability to adapt to circumstances, learn from previous battles, and perform when it matters most. Whether it's Mumbai's calm under pressure in Hyderabad, their confidence in Kolkata, or KKR's flair in Chennai – these teams transformed stadiums into stages where they knew their script by heart.
As the IPL juggernaut continues, one wonders which team will next claim a venue and convert it into their trophy room.
One thing's for sure – history does repeat itself in the IPL. And often, in precisely the same place.
