Teams that have qualified the most number of times in IPL history
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen many franchises perform brilliantly since its inception in 2008. While some teams have managed to win multiple titles, some have missed out on winning the trophy despite performing well for several consecutive years. As IPL 2025 approaches its final stages and the top four teams have secured their playoff spots, let’s take a look at the five franchises that have qualified for the playoffs the most number of times.
1. Chennai Super Kings (12 times)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is synonymous with consistency and excellence. With 5 titles to their name, CSK have performed brilliantly many times in the history of the league. Out of their 11 playoff appearances, they have also been runners-up 5 times, which shows their ability to compete at the highest level. The team, led by the legendary MS Dhoni, has performed well in the last few years
2. Mumbai Indians (11 times)
5-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) are one of the most successful franchises in the league. With a strong squad under the captaincy of the legendary Rohit Sharma during their successful run, MI have consistently made it to the playoffs, especially during the 2013-2020 phase in which they won five championships. Apart from this, MI have also made 6 additional top-four appearances including a runner-up finish in the 2010 edition.
3. Royal Challengers (10 times)
One of the unluckiest teams in the IPL. Despite the massive fan support and the star power of Virat Kohli, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is the only team on this list without a title to its name. RCB reached the finals thrice – in 2009, 2011 and 2016 – but could not cross the finish line. Apart from this, Bangalore has made 7 additional playoff appearances, mostly finishing third or fourth, keeping their title hopes alive season after season.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (8 times)
The champions of the previous edition, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), have put up some of the best performances in the league so far. Despite their inconsistent start to the tournament, the team has worked hard and managed to make it to 8 playoffs. With the presence of T20 stalwarts like Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, KKR have won the title 3 times (2012, 2014 and 2025), cementing their position as one of the strongest teams in the league.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 7 times
The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) franchise has reached the playoffs on seven occasions, even surpassing established teams like Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings in terms of consistent success. The Kumar Sangakkara-led SRH began their IPL journey in 2013 by finishing fourth. Three seasons later, the ‘Orange Army’ under the influence of David Warner won the coveted title in 2016 and have since reached the playoffs or beyond four consecutive times. After going through a poor run of form between the 2021 and 2023 editions of the tournament, SRH reached the IPL 2024 final to secure their third final appearance in the playoffs and seventh overall.
