With the IPL 2025 playoffs just around the corner, the tension is reaching its peak. Over the years, the Indian Premier League has given fans plenty of memorable moments full of surprises at the fag end of the group stage. Generally, the fans have to wait till the last over of the group stage to know who will qualify for the IPL Playoffs.

Sometimes, it even goes to the final ball as well, to decide the fourth team to qualify.

From teams that regularly reach the playoffs to underdogs who’ve shocked everyone, the path to the final four has always been full of drama. 

Let's take a look at the IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2025.

Read Also | Most Wickets in IPL history

2008 | RR, KXIP, CSK, DD

2009 | DD, CSK, RCB, Deccan Chargers

2010 | MI, Deccan Chargers, CSK, RCB

Read Also | Most IPL Finals: Teams with most final appearances in IPL history

2011 | RCB, CSK, MI, KKR 

Read Also | IPL records: Most consecutive away wins in IPL history

2012 | DD, KKR, MI, CSK

2013 | CSK, MI, RR, SRH

2014 | KXIP, KKR, CSK, MI

2015 | CSK, MI, RCB, RR 

2016 | Gujarat Lions, RCB, SRH, KKR

2017 | MI, RPSG, SRH, KKR

2018 | SRH, CSK, KKR, RR

Read Also | SRH's poor performance and playoff hopes in IPL 2025: Can they rise?

2019 | MI, CSK, DC, SRH

2020 | MI, DC, SRH, RCB

2021 | DC, CSK, RCB, KKR

2022 | GT, RR, LSG, RCB

2023 | GT, LSG, CSK, MI

2024 | KKR, SRH, RR, RCB

2025 | GT, RCB, PBKS, MI

Since the inaugural season of IPL in 2008, it has delivered unforgettable final encounters. From Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings competing for the title in the first season, to Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru gearing up to win their first in IPL 2025, we have come a long way.

Here's how IPL Finals since 2008 looked like with the teams being a part of it:

The Ultimate Chronicle: IPL Finals since 2008

Take a look into the two teams emerging every season to fight for the IPL title since 2008-2005:

IPL 2008 (Winner: RR)

• Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings 
• CSK:163/5 | RR: 164/7
• P.O.T.M: Yusuf Pathan 56(33) & 3/22

IPL 2009 (Winner: DCH)

• Deccan Chargers vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru 
• DCH: 143/6 | RCB: 137/9
• P.O.T.M: Anil Kumble 4/16

Read Also: Most 50+ scores as a captain in IPL playoffs

IPL 2010 (Winner: CSK)

• Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings
• CSK: 168/5 | MI: 146/9
• P.O.T.M: Suresh Raina 57*(35) & 1/21

IPL 2011 (Winner: CSK)

• Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• CSK: 205/5 | RCB: 147/8
• P.O.T.M: Murali Vijay 95(52)

IPL 2012 (Winner: KKR)

• Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders
• CSK: 190/3 | KKR: 192/5
• P.O.T.M: Manvinder Bisla 89(48)

IPL 2013 (Winner: MI)

• Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings 
• MI: 148/9 | CSK: 125/9
• P.O.T.M: Kieron Pollard 60*(32) & 1/34

IPL 2014 (Winner: KKR)

• Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders 
• PBKS: 199/4 | KKR: 200/7
• P.O.T.M: Manish Pandey 94(50)

Read Also: Most sixes hit by any batter in IPL history

IPL 2015 (Winner: MI)

• Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings
• MI: 202/5 | CSK: 161/8
• P.O.T.M: Rohit Sharma 50(26)

IPL 2016 (Winner: SRH)

• Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• SRH: 208/7 | RCB: 200/7
• P.O.T.M: Ben Cutting 39*(15) & 2(35)

IPL 2017 (Winner: MI)

• Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiant
• MI: 129/8 | RSP: 128/6
• P.O.T.M: Krunal Pandya 47(38)

IPL 2018 (Winner: CSK)

• Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings 
• SRH: 178/6 | CSK: 181/2
• P.O.T.M: Shane Watson 107*(57)

IPL 2019 (Winner: MI)

• Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings 
• MI: 149/8 | CSK: 148/7
• P.O.T.M: Jasprit Bumrah 2/14

IPL 2020 (Winner: MI)

• Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians 
• DC: 156/7 | MI: 157/5
• P.O.T.M: Trent Boult 3/30

Read Also: Teams to finish last in IPL Points Table

IPL 2021 (Winner: CSK)

• Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders 
• CSK: 192/3 | KKR: 165/9
• P.O.T.M: Faf du Plessis 86(59)

IPL 2022 (Winner: GT)

• Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans
• RR: 130/9 | GT: 133/3
• P.O.T.M: Hardik Pandya 34(30) & 3/17

IPL 2023 (Winner: CSK)

• Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings 
• GT: 214/4 | CSK: 171/5 (15 ovs) DLS method
• P.O.T.M: Devon Conway 47(25)

IPL 2024 (Winner: KKR)

• Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders 
• SRH: 113 (18.3) | KKR: 114/2 (10.3)
• P.O.T.M: Mitchell Starc 2/14 & 2 catches

Read Also: Highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs

IPL 2025

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings 
• The final is set to take place on June 3, 2025. May the best team win.

In a crucial stage like IPL playoffs, captains are expected to not only lead their team but also deliver crucial performances. The ability to score big when the team need you the most sets certain leaders apart.

We bring you the most 50+ scoresas a captain in IPL playoffs. See how Shreyas Iyer is leading this elite group with being the exceptional captain that he is.

1. Shreyas Iyer (3 times) | DC, KKR, PBKS

Shreyas Iyer has swiftly risen as a captain who performs under pressure in IPL playoffs. He holds an exceptional record of being the only captain to lead 3 different franchises to the final (Delhi Capitals in 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, and Punjab Kings in 2025).

He has also delivered 50+ scores thrice for his team in IPL playoffs. Here's a breakdown of that:

• 65* vs MI (Final, IPL 2020): An unbeaten 65* off 50 balls in the vital match while captaining DC, which came off when the team's top-order collapsed early. Despite their defeat in that match, Iyer's knock helped them reach a hopeful total.
• 58* vs SRH (Qualifier 1, IPL 2024): A captain's knock of 58* runs (from 24 balls) that set the tone for KKR's successful victory in the Q1 and led them into the finals.
• 87* vs MI (Qualifier 2, IPL 2025): From handling Bumrah's brilliant yorkers and turning them into boundaries, to keeping the asking rate down with towering sixes, this man has done it all in this match under pressure! Iyer's 87* off 41 balls (featuring five 4s and eight 6s) took PBKS to the final after 11 long years.

Read Also: 5 batters with the most runs in IPL playoffs history

A 1⃣1⃣ year wait ends... 🥹#PBKS are in the #TATAIPL 2025 Final and who better than Captain Shreyas Iyer to take them through ❤

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/vIzPVlDqoC#PBKSvMI | #Qualifier2 | #TheLastMile | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/vILymKxqXp

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 1, 2025

2. Rohit Sharma (2 times) | MI

The five-time IPL winning captain, Rohit Sharma, holds a place with his 2 times delivering 50+ scores as a captain in IPL playoffs, playing for Mumbai Indians.

He scored both of them in Finals, contributing to MI's title-winning years. Here's a breakdown of that:

• 50 vs CSK (Final, IPL 2015): Helped MI set a strong total with his 50 runs off just 26 balls, showcasing his leadership in the team's title-winning efforts for the 2nd time in IPL.
• 68 vs DC (Final, IPL 2020): Played a captain's knock of 68 runs (from 51 balls) to control the chase and secure their 5th IPL title.

3. MS Dhoni (2 times) | CSK

One of the most successful captains in IPL history, MS Dhoni has played a significant role with the bat along with wicket-keeping and strategising overall. He scored 50+ knocks 2 times as a captain in IPL playoffs for Chennai Super Kings.

He scored both of them against MI, in different IPL seasons. Here's a breakdown of that:

• 51* vs MI (Eliminator, IPL 2012): Dhoni's explosive knock of 51* runs from just 20 balls helped CSK post a competitive total which eventually converted to a victory.
• 63* vs MI (Final, IPL 2013): In a hard-fought final against MI, his unbeaten 63 off 45 balls kept the hopes alive for CSK, but fell short of 23 runs in the end.

Read Also: Most P.O.T.M Awards in IPL

4. David Warner (2 times) | SRH

David Warner was a dominant force at the top of the order for Sunrisers Hyderabad and an equally good captain. He delivered many impactful performances throughout, along with 50+ scores 2 times in playoffs.

He scored both of them in IPL 2016, the season when SRH became champions. Here's a breakdown of that:

• 93* vs GL (Qualifier 2, IPL 2016): A sensational match-winning knock of 93* runs off 58 balls when the team needed it the most. He single-handedly chased down and took the match out of a poor situation, securing the win.
• 69 vs RCB (Final, IPL 2016): A classy knock in the final of the same season, where his explosive 69 runs (off 38 balls) helped SRH set 208 runs on board. They successfully defended and lifted their maiden IPL title by winning that match.

While team victories are the ultimate goal in IPL, the 'Player of the Match' (P.O.T.M) award is the direct recognition of a player's game-changing performance.

Winning P.O.T.M a couple of times shows how a player has outshined the rest and truly dominated the game. We will now explore the players with most P.O.T.M awards in IPL.

Keep an eye out, as Rohit Sharma is remarkably close to reaching the top.

1. AB de Villiers (25 P.O.T.M Awards)

The "Mr. 360" of cricket, AB de Villiers, holds the most P.O.T.M awards in IPL history with 25 awards throughout his career with DC and primarily Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Whether it was fast paced fifties or scorching hundreds, his impact was undeniable. His IPL career spanned from 2008-2021, and yet no one could match his numbers in terms of Player of the match awards.

Read Also: Most sixes hit by any batter in IPL history

2. Chris Gayle (22 P.O.T.M Awards)

Whether it's the list of most sixes in IPL or highest individual scores, this West Indies legend always finds his spot in the top for all of them. Chris Gayle has the second-most P.O.T.M awards in IPL with 22 awards in total.

He played for franchises like KKR, PBKS, and RCB, and won multiple awards at his prime years like 2011 (smashed 2 centuries), 2012 (claimed the Orange Cap) and of course, 2013, where he scored the monumental 175* against PWI.

3. Rohit Sharma (21 P.O.T.M Awards)

Rohit Sharma is the Indian player with most P.O.T.M awards in IPL and the third-highest in this list. He received 21 awards and is just an award away to equal Gayle's number. 

Sharma received 2 P.O.T.M awards in IPL 2025; one for his 75* (45 balls) against CSK in league stage, and the other for his 81 runs off 50 balls against GT in IPL Eliminator.

As Mumbai Indians are set to play the Qualifier 2 this season, there's high chances of Rohit bagging another one (or maybe 2).

Read Also: 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium

4. Virat Kohli (19 P.O.T.M Awards)

One of the most consistent run-scorer and match-winner for RCB, Virat Kohli stands fourth with an impressive 19 P.O.T.M awards in IPL. He is like the heart of the team and doesn't need awards to measure his greatness.

Kohli has won a P.O.T.M award in IPL 2025 for his unbeaten 73 runs against Punjab Kings. He has scored 8 half-centuries so far this season and there might be another loading as RCB is set to play the Final.

Kohli received multiple P.O.T.M awards during the 2016 season where he scored the record-breaking 973 runs.

Read Also: IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs

5. David Warner (18 P.O.T.M Awards)

The Australian legend, David Warner, had an incredible journey in IPL. He was the key player of every franchise that he represented, such as Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He won 18 P.O.T.M awards in IPL.

He has also been a three-times orange cap winner (2015, 2017, 2019), which tells a lot about his career peak in IPL and the shower of P.O.T.M awards in those years.

6. MS Dhoni (18 P.O.T.M Awards)

The five-time IPL winning captain, MS Dhoni, equals the number of P.O.T.M awards as Warner with 18 awards in IPL. His unparallel impact, captaincy, and match finishing abilities has earned him this high count of awards.

In IPL 2025, Dhoni won the P.O.T.M award by delivering a match-winning knock of 26* runs off just 11 balls against LSG, which also made him the oldest player to win a P.O.T.M award in IPL history, at the age of 43 years and 280 days.

Punjab Kings, who are trying to win their first title, will face a tough challenge from five-time champions Mumbai Indians in the Qualifier 2 of the IPL 2025 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings suffered a crushing defeat over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the first qualifier, which would have certainly shaken their confidence. While Mumbai Indians took another step towards their sixth title by defeating title favourites Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator. The winner will confirm their fixture in the final of the tournament against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3.

Also Read: Most sixes hit by any batter in IPL history

Now, both PBKS and MI are set to play their last league match of the season. PBKS, who have qualified for playoffs after 11 years, finished ahead in the points table and get the top-two spot. On the other hand, the five-time champions MI also looked in dominant form in the later stage of the tournament and qualified for the playoffs despite having a poor start in the season. 

From possible playing XIs to head-to-head record, here is everything you need to know about the Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians Qualifier 2 in IPL 2025.

Match Details

• Match: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians 
• Tournament: IPL 2025, Qualifier 2
• Date: 1 June 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Streaming Details

Cricket fans from India can watch the Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians Qualifier 2 on Star Sports TV Channels on Television. They can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar for free.

Pitch Report

The surface of the Narendra Modi Stadium looks good for batting where we can expect a 200-plus total getting scored easily in the first innings. It also has a good bounce where the fast bowlers can get the movement. Out of 42 IPL matches played at this ground, the team batting first and bowling have won 21 matches each. The average score batting first at this ground in 176 runs.

Weather Report

The weather forecast for the Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians Qualifier 2 is predominantly fine, with no rain anticipated to disrupt play on a hot and humid day. The wind speed is expected to be between 15 and 30 km/h on match day, while the temperature could range between 27 and 36 degrees Celsius. The humidity is predicted to be around 51-64%.

PBKS vs MI: Head-to-Head Record

Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians have faced each other 33 times in the IPL history so far. Out of these 33 matches, MI won 17 times while PBKS defeated them on 16 occasions.

PBKS vs MI Recent Performances

Also Read: IPL 2025: How many times have the teams that lost Qualifier 1 become champions?

Possible XIs

Punjab Kings: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson

Impact Subs: Yuzvendra Chahal

Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (c), Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Richard Gleeson

Impact Subs: Ashwani Kumar

Fantasy Team Prediction

Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis, Jonny Bairstow, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shreyas Iyer (vc), Priyansh Arya, Hardik Pandya, Marcus Stoinis, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar.

Royal Challengers Bangalore reached the final by defeating Punjab Kings in the first qualifier of IPL 2025. Punjab Kings lost the qualifier but their chances of winning the title are not over. 

Also Read: RCB in IPL final: Seasons when RCB qualified for IPL finals

First playoffs system implemented in 2011

The playoffs system was implemented for the first time in 2011, in which Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and Final match are played. If the team winning Qualifier 1 reaches the final, then the losing team gets another chance.

The team that wins the Eliminator plays against the team that loses Qualifier 1 and the team that wins this match plays the Final.

Do you know how many times the teams that lost the qualifiers have won the title? Let us take you through the history of the playoffs of the cash rich league.

How many times has the team that lost Qualifier 1 reached the final?

IPL 2024 runner-up team Sunrisers Hyderabad also made it to the finals by winning Qualifier-1 and then Qualifier-2. So far it has happened 11 times that the team that lost Qualifier-1 has reached the final. That is, it has won Qualifier-2. See which teams have reached the finals after losing Qualifier-1 in which season.

• 2011: RCB
• 2013: MI
• 2014: PBKS
• 2015: CSK
• 2017: MI
• 2018: SRH
• 2019: MI
• 2020: DC
• 2022: RR
• 2023: GT
• 2024: SRH

Also Read: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 Eliminator Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction

Which team won the IPL title after losing Qualifier 1?

Before Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians is the only team that has won the IPL trophy even after losing Qualifier 1. Out of 11 seasons, it has happened only twice that the team that lost the qualifier has won the title, while the remaining 9 times such teams have lost in the final.

• 2017: MI won the trophy by defeating RPS in the final.
• 2013: MI won the trophy by defeating CSK in the final

Punjab Kings can become the second IPL team to win the title after losing Qualifier 1. On the other hand, Bangalore has reached the IPL 2025 finals earlier also after winning Qualifier 1 but had to face defeat. The good news is that out of 14 times, the teams that won Qualifier 1 have won the title 11 times.