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MI, CSK Still At The Top? What If IPL Was Played In The Premier League Format? 

Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant [X]Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni and Rishabh Pant [X]

The Indian Premier League is one of the most estemeed leagues in the cricketing world at present. The tournament has managed to bring together all the big stars of the world together and gift the fans enthralling action over the years. 

The IPL follows a format where the top four teams qualify for the play-offs. The top two teams get two chances to make it into the final. While the third and fourth team need to win three conseuctive gains to lift the trophy. The fans have seen this format being dominated by the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians, both having won the title five times. 

But, what if the IPL followed the English Premier League format? In the most estemeed league of the football world, the table toppers of the league stage are taken as the Champions. So, if the IPL was played in this format, would there have been a change in the MI-CSK domination? Would RCB have had a title by now?

Number of IPL titles of the teams if it followed the Premier League format 

Rajasthan Royals -2008

The inaugural edition of IPL was won by the Rajasthan Royals. Interestingly, they have not won the IPL title since then. If the league was played in the Premier League format, they still would have stayed at a single title in 17 years, as 2008 was the only time they topped the league table.

Number of actual IPL titles - 1 (2008)

Punjab Kings - 2014

The Punjab Kings have been one of those teams who have not yet won the IPL. However, if it was the PL format, then PBKS would have had the 2014 title under their belt. 

Number of actual IPL titles - 0

Sunrisers Hyderabad - 2018

The Hyderabad franchise has won the IPL title twice under different owners. However, in case of the Premier League format, SRH would have won the 2018 title only. 

Number of actual titles - 2 (2009 as Deccan Chargers and 2016)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru - 2011

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru is one of the most popular franchises in the tournament. However, they have been the centre of a lot of trolls becasue of their inability to win the tournament, despite having some of the biggest names of cricket at different times in their journey. But if the IPL would have been played in the Premier League format, RCB would have had registered one title so far in 2011. 

Number of actual titles - 0

 Kolkata Knight Riders - 2024

KKR with the IPL 2024 title [X]KKR with the IPL 2024 title [X]

The Kolkata Knight Riders are the reigning champions of the league. They won the title in the 2024 season and it was the third time they achieved this feat. Interetsingly, if IPL was played in the Premier League format, the latest win would have been the only title for the franchise. 

Number of actual titles - 3 (2012,2014 and 2024)

Gujarat Titans - 2022, 2023

One of the newer franchises in the tournament, Gujarat Titans had a great run in their first two stints in 2022 and 2023. They played the finals both the times, but managed to win only in 2022. However, if the Premier League format is taken into account they would have won both the titles.

Number of actual titles - 1 (2022)

Chennai Super Kings - 2013, 2015

CSK with the IPL 2023 Title [X]CSK with the IPL 2023 Title [X]

The Chennai Super Kings is the most successful team of the IPL. They have won the tournament five times, and have been in the finals on 10 occasions. However, if it was the Premier League format, CSK would have had only two titles in 2013 and 2015.

Number of actual titles - 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)

Delhi Capitals - 2009, 2012, 2021

The Delhi Capitals are also yet to win IPL title once. Interstingly, if the IPL was played in the Premier League format, they would have been the second most successful franchise with three titles. 

Number of actual titles - 0

Mumbai Indians - 2010, 2017, 2019, 2020

The Mumbai Indians are the joint most successful team of the IPL. Like CSK, they too have five titles under their belt. If this league would have been in the PL format, then MI would have enjoyed the title of the most successful team alone, although their trophy count would have decreased by one.

Number of actual titles - 5 (2013,2015,2017, 2019, 2020)

Note - The now disbanded team, Gujarat Lions were the table toppers in 2016.