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The unforgettable tales of IPL's seasonal strugglers, revealed!
In the high-octane world of IPL cricket, every team enters the arena with dreams of glory and aspirations of lifting the coveted trophy. However, amidst the euphoria and adrenaline, there lurks the harsh reality of early exits and dashed hopes.
In this special feature, we delve into the annals of IPL history to uncover the first teams to face the bitter sting of elimination in each season from 2008 to 2016. Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of triumphs, tribulations, and the indomitable spirit of cricket's underdogs.
In the inaugural IPL season, the Deccan Chargers found themselves battling against the odds. With 14 matches played, they secured only 2 victories, suffering defeats 12 times. Their campaign yielded a meagre 4 points, with a net run rate plummeting to (−0.467) and a disappointing league position of 8th.
The Kolkata Knight Riders entered the IPL arena with hopes as high as the towering skyscrapers of their home city. However, with 14 matches played, they managed to secure only 3 victories, losing 10 times and facing a no-result in one match. With 7 points in their kitty, a dismal net run rate of (−0.789), and a league position of 8th.
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PBKS logo
For the Punjab Kings (then KXIP), the IPL season of 2010 proved to be a tale of unfulfilled potential. With 14 matches played, they managed to secure 4 victories but tasted defeat 10 times. Their campaign garnered 8 points, with a net run rate of (−0.478) and a league position of 8th.
The Deccan Chargers showed signs of their potential throughout a season full of highs and lows. After 14 games, they won six spirited battles but also suffered eight losses. With a net run rate of 0.222 and a campaign total of 12 points, they finished sixth in the league.
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The Decan Chargers
The Deccan Chargers faced an uphill battle in the IPL season of 2012, plagued by inconsistency and missed opportunities. With 16 matches played, they secured 4 victories, suffering defeat 11 times and facing a no-result in one match. Their campaign garnered 9 points, with a net run rate of (−0.509) and a league position of 8th.
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Ajantha Mendis in PWI jersey vs. MI
The 2013 Indian Premier League season was a wild journey for the Pune Warriors. They played 16 games and won four of them, but they also lost twelve. They finished the season with eight points, a net run rate of (-1.006), and eighth place in the league.
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Kevin Pietersen in DD colours
The Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) had a difficult time becoming established in the IPL during a season characterised by disappointment and hopelessness. They have only managed two wins out of 14 games, losing twelve of them. Their season ended in 4 points, a net run rate of (−1.182), and an 8th league rank.
In the 2015 IPL season, the Punjab-based franchise had to deal with the painful blow of defeat once more. They have only managed three wins out of 14 games, losing eleven of them. Their season ended with 6 points, a net run rate of (−1.436), and an 8th-place league finish.
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IPL 2016: No rise, all tumble for Rising Pune Supergiants
The Rising Pune Supergiants showed glimmers of their real potential in their first IPL season. After 14 games, they won five of them with much effort and lost nine. Their season ended on an empty note as they just lost out on a postseason berth after yielding 10 points, a net run rate of 0.015, and a 7th-place league finish.