Early Exits: Teams Eliminated First in Each IPL Season

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

CSK became the first team to be Eliminated from IPL 2025 [Source: AP Photos]CSK became the first team to be Eliminated from IPL 2025 [Source: AP Photos]

The Indian Premier League has witnessed various teams face the disappointment of early elimination throughout its history. Here's a season-by-season look at which franchises were the first to bow out of playoff contention.

Season-by-Season First Eliminations

IPL 2008: Deccan Chargers became the first team to be eliminated in the inaugural IPL season, setting a precedent that would unfortunately repeat for them in later years.

IPL 2009: Kolkata Knight Riders were the first team eliminated, struggling to find their footing in the tournament's second edition held in South Africa.

IPL 2010: Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) faced the disappointment of being the first team mathematically out of contention.

IPL 2011: With the expansion to 10 teams, Deccan Chargers again faced the disappointment of being first eliminated, continuing their struggles.

IPL 2012: Deccan Chargers faced early elimination for the third time in their history, marking their final appearance in the IPL before being replaced.

IPL 2013: Pune Warriors India became the first team eliminated, struggling in a season that would ultimately be their last in the IPL.

IPL 2014: Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) couldn't avoid early elimination, beginning a difficult period for the franchise.

IPL 2015: Punjab Kings were again the first team eliminated, showing their inconsistency in the tournament.

IPL 2016: Rising Pune Supergiant had a difficult debut season, becoming the first team eliminated from playoff contention.

IPL 2017: Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced the disappointment of being first eliminated despite their star-studded lineup.

IPL 2018: Delhi Capitals again faced early elimination, prompting significant changes in their approach for future seasons.

IPL 2019: Royal Challengers Bengaluru struggled once more, becoming the first team eliminated despite individual brilliance from their star players.

IPL 2020: Chennai Super Kings faced an unprecedented early elimination, marking a rare low point for the normally consistent franchise.

IPL 2021: Sunrisers Hyderabad, after years of consistent performances, surprisingly became the first team eliminated.

IPL 2022: With the expansion back to 10 teams, Mumbai Indians unexpectedly became the first team eliminated despite their championship pedigree.

IPL 2023: Delhi Capitals struggled throughout the season, becoming the first team mathematically out of contention.

IPL 2024: Mumbai Indians faced early elimination for the second time in three years, suggesting a challenging period for the franchise.

IPL 2025 (Current Season): In a shocking turn of events, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings have become the first team eliminated this season, losing 8 of their 10 matches so far—an unprecedented second early exit for the traditionally consistent franchise.

Format and Fluctuations

The IPL has undergone structural changes throughout its history, expanding to 10 teams in 2011, contracting to 9 for the following two seasons, and returning to 10 teams from 2022 onward. These changes have impacted competitive dynamics, but haven't prevented even the most successful franchises from occasionally facing early elimination.

The list of first-eliminated teams includes both perennial underperformers and occasional champions, demonstrating the IPL's unpredictable nature where today's champions can become tomorrow's early exits.