How many teams have won back to back IPL titles?
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Consecutive IPL titles remain one of the rarest achievements in the tournament.
Winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) once is a significant achievement, but defending the title the following season has proven to be one of the toughest challenges in franchise cricket. Since the tournament began in 2008, several teams have won multiple trophies, but only a few have managed to retain them in consecutive seasons.
The IPL’s format, player auctions, injuries, and intense competition make sustained success difficult. Teams have returned the following year with strong squads but have failed to repeat their title-winning campaigns.
As of IPL 2026, only two franchises have successfully defended their title and won back-to-back championships. On that note, we take a look at teams with two back to back IPL titles.
Teams to win two back to back IPL titles
1. Chennai Super Kings (2010 and 2011)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the first team in IPL history to win consecutive titles when they lifted the trophy in 2010 and successfully defended it in 2011.
In the 2010 final, led by MS Dhoni, CSK defeated Mumbai Indians by 22 runs at DY Patil Stadium. Chennai posted 168/5 before restricting Mumbai to 146/9 to claim their maiden IPL title.
The following season, CSK put up an even more dominant performance. Playing at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, they defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 58 runs in the 2011 final. Chennai scored 205/5 and restricted RCB to 147/8, completing the first successful title defence in IPL history.
CSK also reached the 2012 final, giving them an opportunity to win three consecutive titles, but they were beaten by Kolkata Knight Riders.
2. Mumbai Indians (2019 and 2020)
Mumbai Indians became the second team to win back-to-back IPL titles after triumphing in 2019 and 2020.
The 2019 final produced one of the closest finishes in IPL history. Mumbai defeated Chennai Super Kings by just one run at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. After posting 149/8, MI restricted CSK to 148/7 to secure their fourth IPL title.
Mumbai carried that momentum into the 2020 season, which was played in the United Arab Emirates. Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, MI defeated Delhi Capitals by five wickets in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Chasing 157, Mumbai reached the target in 18.4 overs to retain the trophy and become the first franchise to win five IPL titles.
Since Mumbai’s triumph in 2020, no team has managed to defend an IPL title successfully. Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered the IPL 2026 season as defending champions after winning their maiden crown in 2025 and have reached the final against Gujarat Titans. As a result, the possibility of a successful title defence remains alive heading into the title clash.
When did Chennai Super Kings win consecutive IPL trophies?
Chennai Super Kings won the IPL in 2010 and successfully defended the title in 2011 under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
When did Mumbai Indians win back-to-back IPL titles?
Mumbai Indians won consecutive IPL championships in 2019 and 2020 under Rohit Sharma.
Who was the first team to defend an IPL title?
Chennai Super Kings became the first franchise to successfully defend the IPL trophy when they won the tournament in 2011, having lifted the title in 2010.
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Anubha Anandita Pathak is a sports enthusiast with a strong passion for cricket and basketball, shaped by her experience as a district-level basketball and kabaddi player. A loyal Golden State Warriors supporter, she closely follows Stephen Curry’s style of play. With on-ground reporting experience covering the Indian Super League and Karnataka’s hockey circuit, Anubha brings both perspective and passion to her storytelling.