Leading the pack all season, yet falling short in the knockouts- IPL's story of close calls
Finishing at the top of the IPL table is a dream. It means consistency, dominance, and momentum. But the playoffs? That's a different beast. Many teams have ruled the league, only to fall short of glory. Here's a look at sides who led the points table — and then watched the trophy slip away.
Gujarat Titans were unstoppable in 2023. They played 14 matches, won 10, and lost only 4. They finished first with 20 points and a powerful net run rate of +0.809. But in the final, their run came to a halt. Chennai Super Kings chased down a stiff target in a rain-hit thriller. GT ruled the league stage but couldn't hold their nerve when it truly mattered.
Delhi Capitals looked solid in 2021. They played 14 games, winning 10 and losing 4. Their 20 points and a net run rate of +0.418 gave them the top spot. However, they couldn't reach the final. After losing in Qualifier 1, they had another shot in Qualifier 2 — but KKR ended their campaign. A third time finishing first, but still no title.
In 2018, Sunrisers Hyderabad played 14 matches. They won 9, lost 5, and topped the table with 18 points. Their net run rate was a healthy +0.284. Their journey took them to the final. But CSK, the seasoned campaigners, proved too strong. Hyderabad's consistent run ended in disappointment under pressure.
2016 – GL
Gujarat Lions surprised everyone in 2016. They played 14 matches, won 9, and lost 5. Their 18 points placed them first, despite a negative net run rate of -0.374. But things went downhill in the playoffs. After losing in Qualifier 1, they were knocked out by Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2. A season that started brightly ended before the final.
Chennai Super Kings were again on top in 2015. With nine wins from 14 matches, they had 18 points and a solid net run rate of +0.709. It was another dominant season for Dhoni's men. But the final was one to forget. Mumbai Indians outplayed them to snatch the title. CSK had reached the summit — but fell just short of the crown.
Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) had their best-ever season in 2014. They won 11 out of 14 games, finished with 22 points, and a stunning net run rate of +0.968. They cruised to the final. But KKR, riding on Manish Pandey's heroics, denied them the silverware. Punjab's dominant league run couldn't fetch them the ultimate prize.
2013 – CSK
Another year, another strong CSK campaign. In 2013, they played 16 games (including playoffs), won 11, and finished top with 22 points. Their net run rate was +0.530. They reached the final comfortably. But once again, it was the Mumbai Indians who had the last laugh—a season of excellence ended in another final defeat.
Delhi was exciting in 2012. They played 16 matches, won 11, and secured 22 points. Their net run rate was +0.617—among the best that season. However, their playoff hopes crashed. They lost to CSK in Qualifier 2 after slipping earlier in the first qualifier. Another top-table finish was wasted in the knockouts.
Royal Challengers Bangaluru were flying in 2011. In 14 matches, they won 9, lost 4, and had one no-result. That gave them 19 points and a +0.326 NRR. Led by Chris Gayle's fireworks, they looked like the favourites. But in the final, CSK crushed their hopes. Once again, finishing first didn't guarantee a happy ending.
Mumbai Indians were a powerhouse in 2010. They played 14 games, won 10, and finished with 20 points. Their net run rate was an outstanding +1.084. They looked like champions in waiting. But CSK had other ideas. In the final, Dhoni's men shut down Mumbai's dream. A nearly perfect campaign was undone on the last night.
Delhi Daredevils were dominant in 2009. They won 10 out of 14 matches, bagged 20 points, and had a net run rate of +0.31. But in the semi-final, Deccan Chargers stunned them. The team that bossed the league couldn't even reach the final. It was another painful reminder — the league stage is only half the story.
