Cricket fans, we’ve all been there—sitting on the edge of our seats, biting our nails, and yelling at the TV as an IPL final unfolds like a Bollywood thriller. Some matches are good, some are great, and then there are those finals that etch themselves into cricketing folklore. Let’s relive five IPL final matches that you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
1. IPL 2019 – Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: A One-Run Classic
Picture this: It’s the last ball of the match, Chennai Super Kings need two runs to win, and Lasith Malinga, the veteran slinger, is steaming in. Heartbeats race, fans hold their breath, and then—boom! Malinga traps Shardul Thakur LBW. Mumbai Indians win by just one run!
Talk about a nail-biter. This was a classic that had everything—drama, tension, and a finish so close you could barely watch. If you ever want to introduce someone to IPL, just show them this match.
2. IPL 2016 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: Kohli’s Heartbreak
If there’s one IPL final that broke a million hearts, it’s this one. RCB, led by a red-hot Virat Kohli, was chasing their first-ever IPL trophy. The man was in God mode that season, scoring 973 runs—yes, almost 1,000!
But SRH had other plans. David Warner’s team put up a solid total, and then the unlikeliest of heroes, Ben Cutting, turned up with a game-changing cameo and crucial wickets. RCB fell short by just 8 runs, and Kohli’s dream run ended in heartbreak.
3. IPL 2014 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab: The Manish Pandey Show
Remember when Manish Pandey played one of the most underrated IPL final knocks ever? Chasing a massive 200, KKR needed something special, and Pandey delivered a stunning 94 off 50 balls.
This was a game where Punjab’s Wriddhiman Saha also smashed a century, but it just wasn’t enough. KKR chased the target down, lifting their second IPL trophy in three years. And Gautam Gambhir? That man led KKR like a general on a battlefield.
4. IPL 2011 – Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: CSK’s Dominance
Ah, peak MS Dhoni era. CSK was in unstoppable form, and they showed no mercy to RCB in the 2011 final. Murali Vijay played an absolute blinder—95 off 52 balls—and RCB never really recovered from the onslaught.
This final was less about tension and more about CSK showing why they were the kings of consistency. If you love watching one-sided dominance, this one’s for you.
5. IPL 2008 – Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings: The First-Ever Final
You never forget your first love, and IPL fans will never forget the first final. Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals, a team full of underdogs, pulled off one of the greatest upsets in cricket history.
Chasing 164, Yusuf Pathan’s all-round brilliance guided RR to a historic win. That moment when Warne lifted the trophy? Goosebumps. The IPL was officially born, and what a way to start!
Honorable Mentions: Because Some Matches Deserve a Shoutout
- IPL 2017 – MI vs RPS: Another one-run thriller!
- IPL 2023 – CSK vs GT: Dhoni’s last dance?
- IPL 2012 – KKR vs CSK: Bisla’s unexpected masterclass.
Final Thoughts: Which IPL Final Is Your Favorite?
So, there you have it—the top 5 IPL finals that every cricket fan must watch. Some brought joy, some brought heartbreak, but all of them made history.
Which one’s your favorite? Did we miss any epic final? Let us know in the comments!