How many times has a Qualifier 1 loser won the IPL?

As the IPL 2026 playoffs surge forward, anticipation is building over whether Royal Challengers Bengaluru can defend their crown or if Gujarat Titans or Rajasthan Royals will seize the throne. RCB have already stormed into the final with a commanding 92‑run victory over the Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala. 

The playoff format, however, offers a lifeline to the losing side of Qualifier 1, giving them a chance to regroup and strike back in Qualifier 2.

That is the challenge now facing Gujarat Titans. They must overcome Rajasthan Royals, who arrive buoyed by a 47‑run triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator. The clash at the Maharaj Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh, will decide who earns the right to face RCB in the final.

History shows that losing Qualifier 1 is not necessarily the end of the road, though it rarely leads to ultimate glory. Only twice has a team rebounded from defeat in Qualifier 1 to lift the IPL trophy. 

How many times has a Qualifier 1 loser won the IPL?

1. IPL 2013

In 2013, Mumbai Indians were humbled by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Qualifier 1, bowled out for 144 chasing 192. They recovered to beat Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2, then avenged their earlier loss by defeating CSK in the final to claim their maiden title. 

2. IPL 2017

Four years later, in 2017, Mumbai again stumbled in Qualifier 1, losing to Rising Pune Supergiant by 20 runs. They regrouped to beat Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 2 and then edged RPS by a single run in a nerve‑shredding final to secure their third crown.

If Gujarat Titans manage to overcome Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 and then topple RCB in the final, they will become only the second franchise to win the IPL after losing Qualifier 1, and it will mark just the third such occurrence in the tournament’s history.