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IPL Playoffs Record! Which Teams Have Qualified Most Times In History

Aakash Saini

5 teams with most IPL playoffs [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x]5 teams with most IPL playoffs [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x]

Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has redefined franchise-based cricket in terms of competition and elite-level talent. Over the past 18 years, few teams have managed to consistently rise above the rest with repeated appearances in the business end of the tournament.

Such appearances in the playoffs does not only reflect a team’s dominance but also their long-term planning and stability. Celebrating the elite history of the tournament, here is a look at five IPL franchises who have qualified the highest number of times in the playoffs.

5. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 7 times

Despite joining the IPL as recently as 2013, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise has reached the playoffs on seven occasions, surpassing even established teams like Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings in terms of consistent success. The SRH, under the leadership of Kumar Sangakkara, started off their IPL journey by finishing fourth back in 2013. Three seasons later, the ‘Orange Army’ lifted the coveted title in 2016 under the influence of David Warner, and made four successive finishes in the playoffs or beyond thereafter.

After undergoing a form slump between 2021 and 2023 editions of the tournament, SRH reached the finals of IPL 2024 to record their third final, and seventh overall finish in the playoffs.

4. Kolkata Knight Riders – 8 times

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have made it to the playoffs on eight occasions, and converted four of them into a spot in the finals, and three of them into title victories. Currently the third most successful franchise in the history of the IPL in terms of number of trophies, KKR reached their first-ever playoff back in 2011 by finishing fourth on the points table. Under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, KKR lifted the title in 2012 and 2014 respectively.

After barely losing out a spot in the top four in 2015, KKR finished either third or fourth on the points table three years in a row from 2016 till 2018. A runners-up finish in 2021 was followed by a couple of disappointing seasons, before Shreyas Iyer led them to their third trophy in 2024.

3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 10 times

“Been there, but haven’t done that” has been pretty much the story of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise since thier IPL induction back in 2008. Despite reaching the playoffs 10 times in their career, the third highest in IPL history, RCB’s trophy cabinet remains conspicuously devoid of silverware. RCB made it to the finals on three different occasions, doing so in 2009, 2011 and 2016, only to lose out to Deccan Chargers, CSK and Sunrisers Hyderabad in that particular order.

With six additional defeats in the playoffs (2010, 2015, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024), RCB’s winless run in the knockout stages now stands at nine.

2. Mumbai Indians – 11 times

Despite being a slow starter in the IPL, Mumbai Indians soon became the powerhouse of the tournament. The franchise has so far marked 11 finishes in playoffs or beyond, including seven under the leadership of Rohit Sharma alone.

Mumbai Indians reached their first final in 2010, and followed it up by finishing third in 2011 and 2012. With Rohit Sharma taking over as captain thereafter, Mumbai Indians won the title in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020, and made additional entries in the playoffs in 2014 and 2023. The franchise is actively in pursuit of its sixth title this IPL 2025 season, albeit under the leadership of Hardik Pandya.

1. Chennai Super Kings – 12 times

For the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), success is not merely expected, it is demanded. A season without a trophy is deemed underwhelming, while failing to reach the playoffs altogether sends shockwaves through their fervent fan base. Such lofty expectations stem from the towering legacy they have built over the course of the last 18 years.

Since their IPL debut in 2008, the MS Dhoni-starrer team has reached the playoffs on 12 occasions, an extraordinary feat considering they missed two full seasons in 2016 and 2017 due to suspension. Even more impressively, the franchise reached the finals on 10 of those instances and lifted the coveted trophy five times, cementing their reputation as one of the league’s most formidable and consistent sides.