Cricket is a game of uncertainties, but nothing beats an IPL final that keeps you on the edge of your seat till the very last ball. Over the years, we’ve witnessed some absolute nail-biters, where fortunes swung like a pendulum, and the drama unfolded like a Bollywood thriller.
Let’s relive some of the most thrilling IPL finals that had fans biting their nails, shouting at their screens, and celebrating like there’s no tomorrow!
1. IPL 2019 – Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings
One Run. That’s All It Took!
If there’s ever a match that defined “down to the wire,” this was it. Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is already a legendary rivalry, but in 2019, they took it up a notch.
MI batted first and posted 149/8—not a massive total, but with pressure mounting, anything could happen. CSK, with the unstoppable Shane Watson, seemed to have things under control. But then came Lasith Malinga, proving why he’s one of the greatest death bowlers in history.
Last ball. 2 runs needed. Malinga, cool as ever, bowled a pinpoint yorker to dismiss Shardul Thakur LBW. And just like that, Mumbai Indians won by a single run, sealing their fourth IPL title in the most dramatic fashion possible!
2. IPL 2016 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Heartbreak of 200 Runs
Ask any RCB fan, and they’ll tell you—the 2016 final still stings.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), led by David Warner, put up a mammoth 208/7. It was a high total, but hey, RCB had Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers—two of the biggest match-winners.
Enter Chris Gayle, who went berserk, smashing 76 off 38 balls. With Kohli also playing a crucial knock, it looked like RCB had it in the bag. But cricket, as always, had other plans.
Ben Cutting’s magical spell and some tight death bowling by Bhuvneshwar Kumar turned the game around, and RCB fell short by just 8 runs. It was their third final loss, and the dream of winning their first IPL remained unfulfilled.
3. IPL 2008 – Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings
The First-Ever IPL Final – A Fairytale Ending
The very first IPL final in 2008 had everything—underdogs vs favorites, last-over drama, and a young captain named MS Dhoni trying to make history.
Rajasthan Royals (RR), led by the charismatic Shane Warne, were the tournament’s surprise package. CSK batted first and put up 163/5, a decent total for a final.
RR’s chase wasn’t easy. Wickets kept falling, and the game came down to the last ball, with 1 run needed. Sohail Tanvir kept his cool, and RR pulled off an unbelievable win, becoming the first-ever IPL champions. The fairy tale was complete!
4. IPL 2022 – Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals
A New Champion is Born!
It was the debut season for Gujarat Titans (GT), and what a dream run they had! Nobody expected them to dominate, but under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, they stormed into the finals against Rajasthan Royals.
Rajasthan posted a modest 130/9, with GT’s bowlers proving too hot to handle. But a small total in a final? Always tricky!
Shubman Gill played a calm, composed innings, and GT chased the target with ease. It wasn’t a last-ball thriller, but it was historic, as GT became champions in their very first season—something only a few teams in sports history have achieved.
5. IPL 2012 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings
Bisla’s Night of Glory
On paper, CSK should’ve won this one. They had the experience, the home crowd, and a solid total of 190/3. But IPL finals have a way of creating unexpected heroes.
Enter Manvinder Bisla. Not the biggest name, not the most feared batsman, but on that night, he played the innings of his life—89 off 48 balls.
Gautam Gambhir’s KKR chased down the target in the final over, clinching their first-ever IPL title. It was a night that made every KKR fan believe, and a match that will be remembered for years.
FAQs: Your IPL Final Questions Answered
1. Which IPL final had the closest margin?
IPL 2019 between MI and CSK was decided by just 1 run—the closest ever!
2. Which team has won the most IPL finals?
As of IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are tied with 5 titles each.
3. Has an IPL final ever gone to a Super Over?
Surprisingly, no IPL final has ever gone to a Super Over yet, but with the way things are going, it’s only a matter of time!
4. Which was the highest-scoring IPL final?
The 2016 IPL final between RCB and SRH saw a combined total of 408 runs, making it the highest-scoring thriller.
5. Who is the most successful captain in IPL history?
MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma are the most successful IPL captains, having led their teams to multiple titles.
Final Thoughts: Why We Love IPL Finals
An IPL final is not just a game—it’s an emotion. The tension, the unpredictable twists, the moments that turn players into legends—it’s what makes the IPL one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
Which IPL final is your favorite? Did your team make the list? Let’s discuss in the comments! 🏏🔥
