Ranking five greatest IPL finals of all time

The Indian Premier League (IPL) completed 19 years, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets to win the 19th edition. With all the hype around the summit clash, it turned out to be a fairly one‑sided affair as RCB thrashed GT to clinch consecutive titles. 

While this year’s final lacked drama, the IPL has delivered several nerve‑racking summit clashes in its 19‑year history. Here’s a look at the top five greatest finals in the tournament’s journey:

5. 2008 (CSK vs RR)

The inaugural final between MS Dhoni’s CSK and Shane Warne’s RR takes fifth spot. Batting first, CSK posted 163/5, powered by Suresh Raina’s 30‑ball 43.

In reply, Yusuf Pathan’s fifty kept RR ahead before the contest went down to the last over. Lakshmipathy Balaji tried to defend seven runs, but RR clinched victory by three wickets, scoring the winning single off the final ball.

4. 2014 (KXIP vs KKR)

At No. 4 is the 2014 final between Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Kolkata Knight Riders. Batting first, KXIP piled up 199, but Manish Pandey’s blistering 50‑ball 94 kept KKR in the hunt.

With five needed in the final over, Piyush Chawla smashed the third delivery for a boundary, sealing KKR’s second IPL crown.

3. 2017 (RPS vs MI)

Third place goes to the thriller between Rising Pune Supergiant and Mumbai Indians in Hyderabad. MI managed only 129 batting first, but their bowlers turned the tide. Mitchell Johnson (3/26) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/26) kept RPS under pressure.

With 11 needed off the last over, Steve Smith (51*) and Manoj Tiwary looked set to finish the job. Johnson, however, dismissed both in a dramatic final over, giving MI an improbable one‑run win.

2. 2023 (GT vs CSK)

The 2023 final remains the only one to spill into a reserve day. Persistent rain in Ahmedabad forced the clash from May 28 to May 29.

Batting first, GT posted 214, courtesy of Sai Sudharsan’s sparkling 47‑ball 96. Rain then revised CSK’s chase to 171 in 15 overs. 

With 13 needed off the last six balls, Mohit Sharma bowled four brilliant deliveries, but Ravindra Jadeja finished with a six and a four off the last two to hand CSK a famous win.

1. 2019 (MI vs CSK)

The 2019 final stands as the most tense and unforgettable in IPL history. MI scraped to 149, thanks largely to Kieron Pollard’s 41* off 25. In reply, Shane Watson produced a heroic 80, taking CSK close.

With nine needed off the last over and five wickets in hand, Lasith Malinga delivered a death‑bowling masterclass. He conceded just seven runs, restricting CSK to 148 and handing MI another one‑run victory in a final for the ages.