IPL Playoffs: Greatest Comebacks by Franchises From the Brink of Exit

Initial losses pushed these franchises to the brink of exit, but they made an epic comeback

Comebacks are one of the most significant elements in any sport. Who doesn’t like a team languishing at the bottom suddenly reaching the top? Absolute cinema! When it comes to the Indian Premier League (IPL), the tournament has witnessed some of the best comebacks T20 cricket has ever produced in the IPL’s 18 years of existence.

As the IPL gears up for the 2025 playoffs, we have listed our favourite team comebacks.

Kolkata Knight Riders (2014)

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) took four years to win their first IPL trophy in 2012, but in 2013, the team had a group stage exit. The next year, the team started the 2014 campaign with victory but lost the next six games. The management pushed Robin Uthappa to the top, and Kolkata won the seven games to reach the qualifier. Uthappa won the Orange Cap, and KKR lifted its second IPL trophy.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2024)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru may not have won an IPL title, but last season, they truly defied all odds to reach the qualifier. The team lost the first eight games, and a ninth defeat would’ve shown them the exit gate. However, the team bounced back and how, winning the next six consecutive games to reach the playoffs.

Chennai Super Kings (2012)

While Chennai did not win the 2012 IPL, their road to the final was like a movie script. Chennai had won two titles in a row, and therefore, they had the chance to win a third consecutive title. However, they started off with bleak performances, winning only five out of 12 games but somehow reached the playoffs by winning another three and did not look back. The team had more wins and reached the finale. Unfortunately, the Knight Riders shocked them and stopped Chennai from lifting its third consecutive IPL title.

Mumbai Indians (2015)

Mumbai Indians lifted their second IPL title in style. The team started off its 2015 IPL campaign with five losses in six games. However, the team quickly changed gears and entered the fast lane with five consecutive victories to reach the knockout stage. In the playoffs, they didn’t lose a single game and went on to defeat Chennai by 41 runs in the finale.