Top 5 most shocking upsets in IPL Playoffs history

The Indian Premier League has always been a stage for drama, pressure, and unforgettable finishes. While league-stage matches often produce exciting contests, the playoffs are where reputations are made and broken.

Several teams entered knockout matches as favourites only to suffer heartbreaking defeats under pressure. From one-run thrillers to unexpected comebacks, IPL history has witnessed some incredible upsets that changed the course of tournaments forever.

Here are the five biggest upsets ever witnessed in IPL playoffs:

DC vs SRH, 2019 Eliminator

The Eliminator between Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Visakhapatnam turned out to be one of the most nerve-wracking matches in IPL history. SRH were expected to dominate a young Delhi side. Batting first, Hyderabad posted 162/8 in 20 overs. Martin Guptill provided a quick start with 36 runs off 19 balls, while Manish Pandey added a valuable 30. Delhi’s bowlers kept the scoring under control, with Ishant Sharma picking up two wickets and Keemo Paul delivering an impressive spell of 3/32.

Chasing 163, Delhi looked comfortable initially as Prithvi Shaw attacked fearlessly and smashed 56 off 38 deliveries. Rishabh Pant then changed the momentum further with a blistering 49 from just 21 balls. However, once both set batters departed, pressure mounted quickly. SRH bowlers brought the contest back into balance, and the game went down to the final over. With nerves at their peak, Keemo Paul calmly finished the chase with one ball remaining.

CSK vs SRH, 2018 Qualifier 1

The 2018 Qualifier 1 between Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad was another playoff game that produced a surprising turnaround. SRH had one of the best bowling attacks in the tournament and defended low totals consistently throughout the season. Batting first, Hyderabad managed only 139/7 in 20 overs. Carlos Brathwaite played a fighting innings of 43 not out from 29 balls, helping SRH reach a competitive score. Dwayne Bravo was the standout bowler for CSK with figures of 2/25.

The chase appeared simple for Chennai, but SRH bowlers created panic by taking wickets regularly. Chennai kept losing batters at crucial moments, and Hyderabad slowly regained control of the contest. But Faf du Plessis stood firm under pressure and produced one of the finest playoff knocks in IPL history. His unbeaten 67 off 42 deliveries guided CSK to a dramatic two-wicket victory and secured a place in the final.

MI vs RPSG, 2017 Final

The 2017 IPL final between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants is remembered as one of the greatest finals ever played. Mumbai posted only 129/8 in their 20 overs, a total that looked far below par for a title clash. Krunal Pandya top-scored with 47 runs, while Pune bowlers Jaydev Unadkat, Adam Zampa, and Daniel Christian kept things tight.

With a modest target to chase, Rising Pune Supergiants were considered overwhelming favourites. Steve Smith anchored the innings with 51 off 50 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to support him. Mumbai’s bowlers delivered under immense pressure, especially Mitchell Johnson and Jasprit Bumrah. The match went right down to the final ball, with Pune needing four runs to win. Johnson held his nerve brilliantly and dismissed Manoj Tiwary to seal a stunning one-run victory for Mumbai Indians.

KKR vs CSK, 2012 Final

The IPL 2012 final at Chennai looked perfectly set for another Chennai Super Kings triumph. Playing at their home ground, CSK posted a commanding 190/3 thanks to brilliant innings from Michael Hussey and Suresh Raina. With the crowd behind them and a massive score on the board, Chennai appeared destined for a third consecutive title.

However, Kolkata Knight Riders scripted one of the greatest turnarounds in IPL history. Manvinder Bisla played the innings of his life, smashing 89 runs in a fearless counterattack. Jacques Kallis supported him perfectly with 69 runs as KKR chased down the target successfully. The victory gave Kolkata their maiden IPL trophy and denied CSK a historic hat-trick of titles.

MI vs CSK, 2019 Final

No list of IPL playoff upsets is complete without the unforgettable 2019 final between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Mumbai scored 149/8 batting first, with Kieron Pollard contributing a crucial unbeaten 41. Chennai’s bowlers, led by Deepak Chahar and Imran Tahir, kept Mumbai from posting a massive total. During the chase, Shane Watson produced a heroic innings despite battling pain and exhaustion. His 80-run knock almost carried CSK to victory. However, after Watson’s dismissal in the final over, the pressure shifted once again.

With nine runs needed from four balls, Lasith Malinga delivered one of the finest final overs in IPL history. His brilliant slower ball to dismiss Shardul Thakur on the last ball secured a thrilling one-run win for Mumbai Indians. The heartbreaking defeat for CSK and Mumbai’s incredible comeback made this final one of the most iconic playoff upsets ever witnessed in the IPL.