Champions of the Chase: Who Ruled the IPL Over Years

There’s something magical about an Indian summer evening when the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on. Streets get quieter. Homes buzz with excitement. Families gather—fathers with chai, children in their favorite jerseys, neighbors turning into analysts—and all eyes fixate on the screen. The IPL has grown into more than just a cricket tournament. It’s a shared emotion, a rhythm of life during April and May, and an annual festival that brings millions together.

Since its inaugural season in 2008, the IPL has redefined cricket entertainment. It’s flashy, fast-paced, and full of drama. But beneath the glamour lies a story of fierce competition, unforgettable moments, and rising legends. And at the heart of it all lies a question that echoes every season:

Let’s break it down—by trophies, impact, emotion, and consistency.

As of the end of the 2024 season, a total of seven teams have lifted the IPL trophy. That’s out of more than 15 franchises that have competed since the league began.

Here’s the list of champions:

Seven teams have tasted glory. The rest—Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and others—have come close but never quite reached the summit. Some fell just short, others stumbled at crucial moments, and a few faded into history.

This is not a question that stats alone can answer. Being number one in IPL history can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s about the number of trophies. For others, it’s about consistency. For many, it’s about the emotional bond a team builds with its fans.

Here are three lenses to evaluate this:

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings both have five IPL titles to their name. That makes them joint record holders as of 2024.

They have been dominant forces across different eras, shaping the competitive landscape of the IPL. They’ve clashed in multiple finals, turning their rivalry into a saga of its own. Every encounter between MI and CSK is more than a match—it’s an occasion.
While Mumbai Indians have the same number of titles, Chennai Super Kings boast a more consistent record. They’ve qualified for the playoffs in 12 of the 14 seasons they’ve participated in.

Even during lean years or comeback seasons, CSK has found a way to fight their way back to the top. The team’s balance, belief, and the calming influence of their captain, MS Dhoni, have helped them remain a threat year after year.

In contrast, MI has had a more fluctuating run. They’ve either been brilliant or below average—missing the playoffs in several years even after title wins. So, if consistency is the key, CSK pulls slightly ahead.
Ask any IPL fan to name the team that stirs the deepest emotions, and chances are it’s Chennai Super Kings. It’s not just about yellow jerseys or Dhoni’s helicopter shots. It’s about resilience, loyalty, and belief.

In 2018, after serving a two-year suspension, CSK returned to the IPL. Critics doubted them. They were labeled "Dad’s Army" for having too many veterans. But they silenced everyone by winning the title. That comeback story touched millions.

Mumbai Indians may be a well-oiled machine, but CSK feels like a family—and for many fans, that’s what makes them number one.
This one is simple: both Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have won the IPL five times. They are tied at the top.

Here’s a recap of their victories:

These two teams have defined the league’s narrative. Their matchups in finals—especially in 2013 and 2019—are legendary. In 2019, Mumbai edged out CSK by just one run in a nail-biting finish, a moment that remains one of the most dramatic in IPL history.

Each of their title runs was marked by brilliance—whether it was MI’s depth and power-hitting or CSK’s calm under pressure and tactical mastery.

While MI and CSK have dominated, other teams have had their moments of glory too.

Under Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy, KKR won two titles in three years—2012 and 2014. They were fearless, well-drilled, and capable of magic on big nights. KKR became known for their solid middle-order and strong spin attack.

The 2016 season was SRH crowning moment. Led by David Warner, they played with passion and precision. Their bowling attack, featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mustafizur Rahman, was the tournament’s most feared.


The first IPL champions in 2008. Led by the late Shane Warne, RR were the ultimate underdogs. They didn’t have big names, but they played with flair and unity. That season remains a fairy tale in IPL lore.

They entered the IPL in 2022 and immediately made an impact by winning the title in their debut season. Under the leadership of Hardik Pandya, GT brought energy, freshness, and a winning mentality. They proved they weren’t just a one-season wonder by reaching the final again in 2023.

Each of these teams has contributed to the IPL’s richness. Their triumphs remind us that glory is never out of reach.Here’s a snapshot of how the big teams stack up:

There’s no denying that CSK and MI are IPL’s powerhouses, but every season offers new challengers and surprises. That’s what makes the IPL a living, breathing story.
With players like Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Tilak Varma taking center stage, the IPL is preparing for its next chapter. The baton is being passed from the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma to a younger, equally talented generation.

Franchises are also evolving. Data analytics, fitness protocols, and scouting networks are changing how teams are built. Yet the core remains the same—entertain, compete, and connect.

The hunger for that one elusive title still fuels teams like RCB, DC, and PBKS. Their stories remain incomplete, but the beauty of the IPL is that every season is a new chance to rewrite fate.
But the real story of the IPL isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people—the players who became legends, the fans who never gave up, and the memories that last long after the stadiums empty.

In the IPL, every match is a moment. Every team has a dream. And every fan plays their part.

Because this isn’t just cricket.

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