Every season, ten teams take part in a season of the Indian Premier League. Only four teams make the playoffs every year. Every team has some of the best players in the world, which is why it is tough to make it through the next round. But then, there are some teams that have made the habit of playing in the in the playoffs.
In this article, we will talk about the teams that have qualified for the playoffs most of the time. To win the championship, you need players who can perform consistently, which is why some teams have done well over the years. So let’s check out which teams have played the most number of playoffs in the IPL.
List of Teams with the Most Playoff Appearances in the IPL
10. Lucknow Super Giants – 2 Times
Lucknow Super Giants made their IPL debut in 2022, which made this a 10-team tournament. They had a pretty good debut season and made it to the playoffs. Then, in 2023, they again made it to the playoffs by finishing third on the group stage. But unfortunately, they couldn’t make it to the top four in 2024. Hence, LSG have made it into the top four twice.
Playoff appearances: 2022, 2023
9. Punjab Kings – 2 Times
Punjab Kings are one of the few IPL franchises that have been playing since the start but have not won the title until now. Not just titles; they have found it hard to make it to the top four. Notably, PBKS made it to the top in 2008, and then it took them six seasons. Under George Bailey, they played the final in 2014. But since then, they have not qualified for the playoffs in the last 10 seasons.
Playoff appearances: 2008, 2014
8. Gujarat Titans – 2 Times
Gujarat Titans also made their IPL debut in 2022, along with LSG. GT made history when they won their debut season under Hardik Pandya in 2022. Then they also played in the finals of the 2023 season but lost to Chennai Super Kings. But in 2024, they couldn’t make it to the playoffs and have made two appearances in three seasons so far.
Playoff appearances: 2022, 2023
7. Delhi Capitals – 3 Times
Delhi Capitals have also not performed as per the expectations of the fans. They are one of the oldest franchises that have been around since the very start. They also played in the 2020 finals but lost against Mumbai Indians. So far, DC have made it to the playoffs or top four six times. They finished the first two seasons in the top four. Their last playoff season was in 2021.
Playoff appearances: 2008, 2009, 2012, 2019, 2020, 2021
6. Rajasthan Royals – 6 Times
Rajasthan Royals made history when Shane Warne led them to the title in the inaugural season in 2008. RR beat CSK to clinch the title in the very first season. But after winning the first season, they couldn’t make it to the playoffs for the next four seasons until 2013. RR were suspended for two seasons in 2016 and 2017. They played their second final in 2022 but lost against Gujarat Titans. Overall, they have qualified for the top four six times.
Playoff appearances: 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2022, 2024
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 7 Times
Sunrisers Hyderabad made their IPL debut in 2013 and made it to the top four in the very first edition. Then, they went on to lift the title in 2016 under Kane Williamson. Later, in 2018, they played yet another final but lost against Mumbai Indians. Overall, SRH have made the playoffs seven times. Their latest appearance came in 2024.
Playoff appearances: 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2024
4. Kolkata Knight Riders – 8 Times
Kolkata Knight Riders are one of the most successful IPL teams. After MI and CSK, they are the only team to win the title twice, as they did it in 2012 and 2014 under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. Apart from that, they played the final of 2021 under Eoin Morgan. Overall, KKR have played a total of 8 playoff seasons, including one in 2024.
Playoff appearances: 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2024
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 9 Times
Royal Challengers Bengaluru can be considered one of the unluckiest teams in Indian Premier League history. They have been playing since the very first season in 2008. RCB have also played three finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, respectively, but they have not won the title. Apart from that, RCB have also played some knockout games. Overall, RCB have qualified for nine playoff seasons.
Playoff appearances: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024
2. Mumbai Indians – 10 Times
Mumbai Indians are one of the two teams to win IPL titles five times. MI made their first IPL playoff appearance in 2010 and played in the finals but lost against CSK. In 2013, MI won its first title. After that, they won the titles in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. MI have played in six finals and won five of them. They have beaten CSK three times and RPS and DC in one final each. Overall, MI have made it to ten playoffs in the IPL.
Playoff appearances: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023
1. Chennai Super Kings – 12 Times
Chennai Super Kings have also won five titles in the IPL. But still, they are considered the most successful IPL team because they have been the most consistent IPL team ever. CSK have played 15 seasons and have qualified for the playoffs in 12 seasons. Apart from that, CSK have made the finals of the IPL ten times, which is a record. They have won five titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, respectively.
Playoff appearances: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023