Most Wins Against A Team In IPL

Soumyajit Dutta

Mumbai Indians and KKR [Source: AP Photos]Mumbai Indians and KKR [Source: AP Photos]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has thrived on fierce rivalries that blend regional pride, star power, and unforgettable moments. Over 18 seasons, certain matchups have evolved into one-sided affairs, with teams establishing psychological edges over their opponents. These rivalries are not just about bragging rights, they often shape playoff destinies and define legacies.

While some contests remain evenly poised, a few teams have consistently dominated specific opponents. This article explores the five most lopsided rivalries in IPL history, where one side has racked up multiple wins against another. 

5. Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (20 Wins)

KKR exploits RCB’s frailty against spin at Eden Gardens. KKR's most memorable win against RCB got to be the opening win of the tournament. 

On the inaugural night of the IPL, Brendon McCullum dazzled with an unbeaten 158, propelling KKR to a commanding 222/3. RCB's chase fell apart as they were bowled out for 82, handing KKR a massive 140-run victory.

4. Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (20 Wins)

The “El Clásico” of IPL favours Mumbai marginally. Lasith Malinga’s 37 wickets and Rohit’s six titles overshadow Dhoni’s four.

MI defeated CSK in all three IPL finals (2013, 2015, 2019), with Kieron Pollard being the difference-maker. Chennai Super Kings' most memorable win came in IPL 2018 at Mumbai, where they edged out Mumbai Indians by just 1 wicket in a thrilling last-over finish. 

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians’ most iconic win was in the IPL 2019 final at Hyderabad, where they defended 149 and clinched the title by just 1 run.

3. Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings (21 Wins)

KKR’s edge lies in their adaptability to Punjab’s pace-heavy approach. Sunil Narine and Andre Russell have been constant thorns in PBKS' winning path. Kolkata Knight Riders' most memorable win against Punjab Kings came in the IPL 2014 Qualifier on 28 May, where they secured a 28-run victory at Eden Gardens.

Another iconic win was in IPL 2023 on 8 May, when KKR chased down 180 to beat Punjab Kings by 5 wickets in Kolkata. Rinku Singh's brilliant 21-ball 46 guided KKR to victory off the final delivery, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

2. Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (21 Wins)

CSK’s mastery over RCB stems from their spin dominance at Chepauk and psychological edge in crunch games. Interestingly, RCB has never beaten CSK in a playoff match. Chennai Super Kings’ most iconic win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru came in the IPL 2011 final on 28 May, where they clinched the title by 58 runs in Chennai. 

Another memorable victory came on 25 April 2021, when CSK defeated RCB by 69 runs at Wankhede Stadium. Ravindra Jadeja’s stellar all-round performance single-handedly dismantled RCB.

1. Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders (24 Wins)

Mumbai Indians’ dominance over KKR is unparalleled, with a 70% win rate. Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya's tactical acumen against spin-heavy KKR attacks and Jasprit Bumrah’s death-over mastery have been pivotal in contributing to this wins including the recent win in the 12th match of IPL where KKR tumbled with MI's bowling attack and a stormy opening charge.

Mumbai Indians registered one of their most dominant wins over Kolkata Knight Riders on 9 May 2018 at Eden Gardens, crushing them by 102 runs.  In another memorable encounter on 16 April 2023 at Wankhede Stadium, MI chased down KKR’s target of 185 with 5 wickets in hand.