A deep dive into the IPL teams that turned league stage dominance into playoff drama in Qualifier 1
Every IPL season is a long, bumpy ride. Teams fight hard across 14 games, dreaming of a top-two finish—because Qualifier 1 is the golden ticket. Win it, and you're straight into the final. Lose, and you still get another shot. Over the years, some sides have made Qualifier 1 their second home. But just being there doesn't guarantee glory. From dominant league runs to nerve-wracking knockouts, here are the teams that regularly punched their tickets to this high-stakes clash—and how they fared.
If Qualifier 1 had an address, it might read "c/o Chennai Super Kings." With seven appearances, CSK have habitually turned league consistency into playoff pressure. In 2023, they finished second with 17 points and a strong +0.652 NRR—and beat Gujarat Titans by 15 runs. Their 2021 campaign was even sharper: 18 points, second place, and a clutch win over Delhi.
From 2011 to 2019, CSK constantly hovered near the top. They ended first or second five times in that span, winning Qualifier 1 in 2011, 2013, and 2018. In 2015 and 2019, however, Mumbai proved too strong. Across their seven matches, CSK won five and lost just two—a record of pure dominance.
Mumbai may not have played as many Qualifier 1s as CSK, but they've made them count. Their 2020 season was near-flawless: top of the table with 18 points and a sky-high +1.107 NRR. They crushed Delhi in Qualifier 1 by 57 runs.
In 2019 and 2013, MI finished first, and while they beat CSK in the former, they stumbled in the latter. Their 2015 campaign was unique—they came second despite a negative NRR but bounced back to beat Chennai. Out of five appearances, Mumbai turned three into final berths—a clutch performer when it matters.
Kolkata Knight Riders don't visit Qualifier 1 often, but they leave a mark when they do. In 2012 and 2014, they finished second both times, riding high on form and momentum. Each of those years, they brushed aside heavyweights like Delhi and Punjab to storm into the final—and later lifted the trophy.
Most recently, in 2024, KKR topped the table again and dismantled Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets. Their record? Three games, three wins. Efficiency personified.
Gujarat's playoff history has two chapters. The Titans, IPL's new kids, topped the table in 2022 and 2023. In 2022, they made it look easy—a seven-wicket win over Rajasthan. But in 2023, CSK halted them in their tracks.
In 2016, the Gujarat Lions also finished first but suffered a tight defeat to RCB. Across their three Qualifier 1 journeys, Gujarat has one win and two losses. They are regular-season kings, but playoff nerves are still a factor.
Delhi Capitals (and formerly Daredevils) have flirted with success but never truly embraced it. They topped the table in 2012 and 2021 but still crashed out in Qualifier 1. Even in 2020, despite a solid second-place finish, Mumbai thrashed them.
With three appearances and three defeats, Delhi's record in Qualifier 1 reflects unfulfilled promise. It is big on numbers but low on knockout punch.
Royal Challengers Bangalore have tasted both sides. In 2011, they topped the league but lost to CSK. Five years later, they beat Gujarat to reach the final. Two games, one success.
Sunrisers Hyderabad has had two cracks, both ending in heartbreak—once against CSK in 2018 and again versus KKR in 2024. Rajasthan Royals made it in 2022 but were outplayed by Gujarat. Rising Pune Supergiant had one try in 2017 and won it, knocking out Mumbai.
