These IPL teams had their moments of glory, but where are they now? A trip down memory lane!
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a spectacle of cricket, money, and drama. Each season, new stars emerge, rivalries deepen, and franchises pursue ultimate glory. As IPL 2025 approaches, ten teams stand ready, armed with million-pound signings and meticulously constructed squads. But if we rewind a few years, the league once appeared very different.
There was a time when Hyderabad had a different champion, Gujarat had another roaring lion, and Pune was home to two distinct teams. Some of these franchises lifted trophies, while others vanished after just a season or two. Their stories are filled with moments of brilliance, heartbreak, and controversy. Today, they exist merely as names in the history books. Let’s embark on a nostalgic journey back to the forgotten teams of the IPL.
The Deccan Chargers hold a special place among the now-defunct teams—they were IPL champions. Owned by Gayatri Reddy and T. Venkattram Reddy, the Hyderabad-based squad had a challenging start in 2008 but bounced back in 2009 to clinch the title under Adam Gilchrist. A young Rohit Sharma played a crucial role in their success as vice-captain.
However, financial difficulties and player bans led to their downfall. By 2012, the franchise was in turmoil, and the IPL governing body terminated them for breaching regulations. Sun TV Network later won the bid for a Hyderabad-based team, replacing the Deccan Chargers with Sunrisers Hyderabad, marking the end of an era.
Kochi Tuskers Kerala had the shortest IPL run, lasting just one season in 2011. Owned by Kochi Cricket Private Limited, they struggled with off-field issues, including disagreements over their home ground due to high entertainment taxes in Kerala. They eventually settled at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kochi.
On the field, they had a mixed campaign, finishing eighth. However, internal disputes among owners and financial mismanagement led to their downfall. The franchise failed to pay the mandatory bank guarantee, ignoring repeated warnings from the BCCI. Consequently, they were terminated in late 2011, making them one of the shortest-lived teams in IPL history.
Launched in 2011, Pune Warriors India was owned by the Sahara Group, which made one of the highest bids in IPL history, securing the franchise for 17.02 billion INR. Despite lofty expectations, the team struggled, winning only 12 out of 46 matches over three seasons.
Their most notorious moment occurred when Royal Challengers Bangalore scored a staggering 263 runs against them, driven by Chris Gayle’s record-breaking 175 runs. Off-field financial disputes with the BCCI intensified, leading Pune Warriors to withdraw after the 2013 season. By October of that year, the franchise was officially terminated, leaving a legacy of unfulfilled potential.
Unlike other defunct teams, Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) was always intended to be a temporary franchise. Introduced in 2016 alongside Gujarat Lions, RPSG replaced Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, who were banned for two seasons. Owned by the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, the team featured stars such as MS Dhoni and Steve Smith.
After a rocky start in 2016, they peaked in 2017, reaching the final against Mumbai Indians. In a thrilling contest, they lost by just one run. Despite their strong performances, their journey ended with the return of CSK and RR in 2018. While short-lived, RPSG provided fans with exciting cricket and unforgettable moments.
Like RPSG, the Gujarat Lions were a temporary team, representing Rajkot and filling in for the suspended franchises in 2016 and 2017. Owned by Intex Technologies, they had a remarkable debut, topping the league stage with nine victories. However, they stumbled in the playoffs, missing out on the final.
The 2017 season witnessed a significant decline, with only four wins in 14 matches. As CSK and RR returned in 2018, the Gujarat Lions vanished. In 2022, the Gujarat Titans took their place, ensuring that a Gujarat-based team remained, but the Lions are but a fleeting memory in the IPL’s evolving history.
