The Indian Premier League (IPL) has captivated millions for over a decade and a half, transforming T20 cricket into a global phenomenon. From its inaugural season in 2008 to the thrilling conclusion of the 2025 edition, each year has etched new stories of triumph, heartbreak, and unforgettable performances into the annals of cricket history.
As we stand in mid-2025, fresh off another exhilarating season, it's the perfect time to look back at every team that has hoisted the coveted IPL trophy. Who are the undisputed kings of the IPL? Which cities have celebrated the most? Let's take a walk down memory lane and revisit every champion.
The Inaugural Spark (2008-2012)
The IPL kicked off with a bang, and the early years set the stage for the intense rivalries and high-octane cricket we've come to expect.
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2008: Rajasthan Royals The unlikeliest of champions, Shane Warne's "underdogs" defied all odds, clinching the inaugural title by defeating Chennai Super Kings in a memorable final. It was a fairy tale start to the league, proving that collective spirit could trump individual brilliance.
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2009: Deccan Chargers The second season, held in South Africa, saw Adam Gilchrist's Deccan Chargers rise from the bottom of the table in 2008 to become champions, overcoming Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a tight final.
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2010: Chennai Super Kings The MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings secured their first IPL title, beating their arch-rivals Mumbai Indians in a captivating final. This marked the beginning of CSK's consistent dominance.
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2011: Chennai Super Kings CSK became the first team to successfully defend their title, once again defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final. Their formidable lineup and calm leadership cemented their status as a powerhouse.
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2012: Kolkata Knight Riders Gautam Gambhir's Kolkata Knight Riders broke CSK's winning streak, defeating them in a thrilling final to lift their maiden IPL trophy. The "Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo" chant finally found its ultimate rhythm.
The Era of Dominance (2013-2019)
This period saw the rise of two cricketing giants who would go on to define consistency and sheer winning prowess in the IPL.
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2013: Mumbai Indians Led by Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians claimed their first IPL title, defeating Chennai Super Kings in the final. This victory began MI's journey to becoming one of the most decorated teams.
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2014: Kolkata Knight Riders KKR, under Gautam Gambhir, secured their second title, overcoming Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in a high-scoring final. Bengaluru fans remember this season for the final being held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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2015: Mumbai Indians Mumbai Indians reasserted their dominance, winning their second title by beating Chennai Super Kings in the final, further intensifying their rivalry.
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2016: Sunrisers Hyderabad David Warner's Sunrisers Hyderabad lifted their first trophy, defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a memorable final at the Chinnaswamy, denying the home side glory despite Virat Kohli's sensational season.
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2017: Mumbai Indians Mumbai Indians secured their third title in a nail-biting finish against Rising Pune Supergiant, cementing their reputation as masters of tight contests.
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2018: Chennai Super Kings After a two-year suspension, Chennai Super Kings made a dramatic return, winning their third title under MS Dhoni, proving that experience and team spirit could overcome any hurdle.
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2019: Mumbai Indians In another thrilling final against Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians edged them out by just 1 run to claim their record fourth title, solidifying their status as the most successful franchise.
The Recent Chapters (2020-2025)
The league continued to evolve, adapting to new challenges and welcoming new champions, culminating in a historic moment for Bengaluru.
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2020: Mumbai Indians Amidst the global pandemic, the IPL was held in the UAE, where Mumbai Indians continued their unparalleled dominance, securing their fifth title by beating Delhi Capitals. They became the first team to win back-to-back championships.
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2021: Chennai Super Kings MS Dhoni's CSK once again showcased their timeless brilliance, clinching their fourth title after defeating Kolkata Knight Riders in the final held in Dubai.
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2022: Gujarat Titans The new entrants, Gujarat Titans, led by Hardik Pandya, made a dream debut by winning the trophy in their very first season, triumphing over Rajasthan Royals in their home ground, Ahmedabad.
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2023: Chennai Super Kings Chennai Super Kings equalled Mumbai Indians' record, winning their fifth IPL title in a dramatic rain-affected final against Gujarat Titans, with Ravindra Jadeja's heroics sealing the deal on the last ball.
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2024: Kolkata Knight Riders Under the astute leadership of Shreyas Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders delivered a dominant performance, winning their third IPL title by comprehensively defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.
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2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru The long wait is finally over! In a moment that sent waves of jubilation across Bengaluru and its passionate fan base, Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their maiden IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings in a hard-fought final. This historic win, coming after 18 years of unwavering support, marked a significant milestone for the franchise and its loyal followers.
The Most Decorated IPL Franchises (as of 2025)
As the dust settles on the 2025 season, two teams stand tall at the pinnacle of IPL success, while others continue to etch their names in history:
- 5 Titles: Mumbai Indians (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)
- 5 Titles: Chennai Super Kings (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)
- 3 Titles: Kolkata Knight Riders (2012, 2014, 2024)
- 1 Title: Rajasthan Royals (2008)
- 1 Title: Deccan Chargers (2009)
- 1 Title: Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016)
- 1 Title: Gujarat Titans (2022)
- 1 Title: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2025)
The IPL continues to be a cricketing carnival, delivering unparalleled excitement year after year. Each winning moment is a testament to incredible talent, strategic brilliance, and the sheer unpredictability that makes T20 cricket so thrilling. Here's to many more seasons of exhilarating action and new champions emerging from the fold!
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