Top 5 most shocking upsets in IPL Playoffs history

Published - 27 May 2026, 11:55 IST | Updated - 27 May 2026, 11:56 IST

Hyderabad: Mumbai Indians’ pose with the trophy after winning the Final match of IPL 2019 against Chennai Super Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, on May 12, 2019. Mumbai Indians won by 1 run. It also became the first team to win four Indian Premier League (IPL) titles. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)

The Indian Premier League has always been a stage for drama, pressure, and unforgettable finishes. While league-stage matches often produce exciting contests, the playoffs are where reputations are made and broken.

Several teams entered knockout matches as favourites only to suffer heartbreaking defeats under pressure. From one-run thrillers to unexpected comebacks, IPL history has witnessed some incredible upsets that changed the course of tournaments forever.

The Eliminator between Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Visakhapatnam turned out to be one of the most nerve-wracking matches in IPL history. SRH were expected to dominate a young Delhi side. Batting first, Hyderabad posted 162/8 in 20 overs. Martin Guptill provided a quick start with 36 runs off 19 balls, while Manish Pandey added a valuable 30. Delhi’s bowlers kept the scoring under control, with Ishant Sharma picking up two wickets and Keemo Paul delivering an impressive spell of 3/32.

Chasing 163, Delhi looked comfortable initially as Prithvi Shaw attacked fearlessly and smashed 56 off 38 deliveries. Rishabh Pant then changed the momentum further with a blistering 49 from just 21 balls. However, once both set batters departed, pressure mounted quickly. SRH bowlers brought the contest back into balance, and the game went down to the final over. With nerves at their peak, Keemo Paul calmly finished the chase with one ball remaining.