The Indian Premier League (IPL) has never failed to provide exciting matches, particularly in the playoffs, where underdogs have frequently upset expectations. These shocking wins have made the league all the more intriguing, reminding people that in cricket, anything can happen. Let's take a look at some of the most shocking upsets in IPL playoff history. Most Shocking Upsets in IPL Playoffs Details Rajasthan Royals Defeat Chennai Super Kings Image Source : BCCI In the very first IPL final, the young Rajasthan Royals, captained by Shane Warne, played the strong Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with stars like MS Dhoni and Muttiah Muralitharan. As underdogs, the Royals overhauled CSK's score of 163 in the final ball, winning by three wickets. Warne's captaincy and the bravery of the team made this game one of the all-time greatest underdog tales in cricket. Also Read | Uncapped Players Who Shined in the First Week of IPL 2025 Kolkata Knight Riders Upset Chennai Super Kings Image Source : AFP The defending champions CSK were favorites to win the 2012 final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Following a strong 190, CSK appeared on course for the win. But KKR's Manvinder Bisla delivered a fantasy innings, with 89 from 48 deliveries, taking KKR to their inaugural IPL championship. The match demonstrated the unpredictability of the IPL and the rise of unlikely heroes. Sunrisers Hyderabad Defeat Royal Challengers Bangalore Image Source : BCCI Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), boasting a galaxy of stars like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, were favorites to win the 2016 final. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) scored a daunting 208. Though RCB got off to a solid start, SRH's bowlers, powered by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mustafizur Rahman, caused a collapse, helping their team win by 8 runs. This game highlighted how crucial bowling strength is for success in T20 cricket. Mumbai Indians Edge Out Rising Pune Supergiant Image Source : ESPN In a low-scoring final, Mumbai Indians (MI) could manage only 129 runs. Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), having beaten MI three times that season, were going to chase the target easily. But MI's bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mitchell Johnson, gave a masterclass, holding RPS to 128, and winning the game by a single run. The match turned out to be one of the most nail-biting finals in IPL history. Delhi Capitals Defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad Image Source : BCCI traditionally struggling in playoffs, Delhi Capitals (DC) took on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2019 Eliminator. Chasing 162, DC's Rishabh Pant was the key figure, scoring 49 off 21 balls. His pressure-seeing aggressive play took DC to a first-ever playoff win, changing the playoff dynamics of the team. Chennai Super Kings Surprise Delhi Capitals Image Source : BCCI Delhi Capitals, who dominated the 2021 league stage, encountered an old-hand Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Qualifier 1.CSCK's MS Dhoni, renowned for his finishing skills, scored 18 off 6 balls to help his team emerge victorious while running after 172.This match highlighted the importance of experience at critical moments. Kolkata Knight Riders' Last-Gasp Victory Over Delhi Capitals Image Source : BCCI In a high-pressure Qualifier 2, KKR looked to be cruising only to collapse unexpectedly. With six required off two deliveries, Rahul Tripathi dispatched a six off Ravichandran Ashwin to secure a thrilling win. This game underlined the temperament of T20 cricket and the need for temperament in pressure situations. Gujarat Titans Shock Rajasthan Royals Image Source : ESPN In their first season, Gujarat Titans played against Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 final. GT bowlers, coordinated by Hardik Pandya and Rashid Khan, held back RR to a score of 130. Shubman Gill's subdued 45 steered GT towards an easy victory, becoming one of the small group of teams to claim the title in the first season itself. Mumbai Indians Beat Lucknow Super Giants Image Source : Getty Images Mumbai Indians (MI), being inconsistent the whole season, played a well-balanced Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Eliminator. MI's Akash Madhwal put in an exceptional performance, claiming 5 wickets for only 5 runs, taking MI to an easy win. The match reflected MI's capacity to create match-winners in do-or-die matches. Punjab Kings Shock Gujarat Titans Image Source : IPL In a season match in early 2025, Punjab Kings, not generally thought of as title contenders, played the strong Gujarat Titans. Shreyas Iyer's 97 off 42 balls without loss led Punjab to a powerful score. Punjab's bowlers kept their cool despite Gujarat's powerful lineup, winning by 11 runs. This initial upset set the tone for a season of surprises. Also Read | IPL 2025's Biggest Moments & Controversies Till Match 12 Conclusion The IPL playoffs have always proved that no team is unbeatable. From last-ball thrillers to underdog wins, the knockout stages of the tournament are a reflection of the unpredictable and exciting nature of T20 cricket. As the 2025 season unfolds, fans can look forward to more surprises and moments of magic that capture the spirit of the IPL.