Top 11 teams who have qualified for IPL playoffs most times

Only three teams have qualified for the IPL playoffs 10 or more than 10 times.

Indian Premier League (IPL) observed its first season in 2008 and has witnessed 18 editions so far. The tournament saw a battle between eight teams in its first season. However, the league currently witnesses a competition among 10 teams. Two teams were added to the tournament in the 2022 season.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are the most successful teams in the IPL. Both teams have won five IPL titles each. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are next with three trophies in their kitty. Teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Gujarat Titans (GT), and now-defunct Deccan Chargers (DCH) have captured the trophy once.

The format of IPL is such that all teams play 14 games during the league stage. At the conclusion of the league stage, the top four teams in the points table qualify for the playoffs. Also, the top two teams in the points table get two opportunities to qualify for the final during playoffs. On the other hand, the third and fourth placed teams have to win two games in a row to reach the final.

Over the years, some teams have delivered a consistent performance by reaching playoffs on many occasions. Only one team has reached playoffs more than 10 times, while two have reached playoffs on 10 occasions. Moreover, seven teams have entered the top four spots in more than five seasons. On that note, let’s glance at the top 11 teams who have qualified for the IPL playoffs on most occasions.

Top 11 teams who have qualified for IPL playoffs most times

11. Deccan Chargers- 2

Now defunct Deccan Chargers get the 11th spot on this list with two appearances in IPL playoffs. They were part of the tournament for five seasons from 2008 to 2012. During the tenure, they reached playoffs on two occasions – 2009 and 2010 editions. Deccan Charges also won the title in the IPL 2009.

10. Lucknow Super Giants- 2

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are one of the newest teams in IPL, who joined the tournament in the 2022 season. LSG have also reached playoffs in two editions so far. They reached the playoffs in their first season in 2022. Later, they also made it to the top four in the next season in 2023. However, the Super Giants could not reach the final in both seasons and lost the Eliminator matches.

9. Punjab Kings – 3

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been part of the tournament since the first season in 2008. The franchise was known as Kings XI Punjab till the 2020 season. Across the 18 editions, PBKS have reached the playoffs on three occasions in 2008, 2014, and 2025. PBKS have never won the title, but finished as the runners-up in the 2014 edition.

8. Gujarat Titans- 3

Gujarat Titans (GT) have also entered playoffs in three editions like PBKS. The Titans joined the league in the 2022 season and qualified for the playoffs in their first season. They also won the title in their debut season under skipper Hardik Pandya. GT also reached the playoffs in the 2023 season and IPL 2025.

7. Delhi Capitals – 6

Delhi Capitals (DC) have not won the IPL title so far, but have been a dominant side with six appearances in the IPL playoffs. They have been part of the tournament since the first edition in 2008. The franchise was known as Delhi Daredevils till the 2017 season but changed its name to Delhi Capitals in IPL 2018.

The Capitals have reached playoffs in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons. They finished as runners-up in IPL 2020 – the only season they reached the final after qualifying for the playoffs.

6. Rajasthan Royals – 6

One-time champions Rajasthan Royals (RR) grab the sixth spot on this list. RR have made their way into playoffs in six seasons – 2008, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2022, and 2024. RR won the title in the first season in 2008 after defeating CSK in the final.

They finished up as runners-up in IPL 2022. The Royals have been part of the league since the first season in 2008. However, they did not feature in two seasons – 2016 and 2017 – due to suspension.

5. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 7

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) joined the league in the 2013 season and can be termed a dominant team when it comes to reaching the playoffs. The Sunrisers have reached playoffs seven times in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2024. They also won the IPL title once in the 2016 edition. The one-time champions finished as runners-up in the 2018 and 2024 editions.

4. Kolkata Knight Riders – 8

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) capture the fourth spot in the list of teams to make it to the IPL playoffs most times. The three-time champions have made it to the playoffs eight times over the last 18 seasons.

The Knight Riders made it to the top four positions in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2024. They also won the title in three seasons in 2012, 2014, and 2024. Moreover, they ended as runners-up in the 2021 season.

3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 10

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) do not have any IPL title in their kitty, however, they are among the most consistent performers in the IPL. RCB have reached playoffs across 10 seasons and bag the third spot in this list. RCB entered playoffs in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025. The Royal Challengers finished up as runners-up in the 2009, 2011, and 2016 seasons.

2. Mumbai Indians – 11

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) capture the second spot with an equal number of 10 appearances in the IPL playoffs. MI have been part of the tournament since the first season in 2008. They made it to the top four in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2023 and 2025 seasons.

Out of these, they captured the trophy in the 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020 editions under skipper Rohit Sharma. MI also finished as runners-up in the 2010 season.

1. Chennai Super Kings- 12

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) steal the top spot on this list with the most number of times to make it to the IPL playoffs. The Super Kings have been part of the tournament since the first season in 2008, however, they did not play in the 2016 and 2017 seasons due to a temporary suspension.

The Men in Yellow made it to playoffs in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023 seasons. They also won the titles in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023 editions under MS Dhoni’s leadership. Moreover, CSK have also reached the IPL finals 10 times and are often termed as the most consistent team in the IPL history.

(All stats updated till 21st May, 2025)

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