Every IPL season has its fair share of drama, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments. But for one team each year, the pain hits early—they become the first to be eliminated from playoff contention. Let's take a closer look at this unwanted record and which franchises have suffered the most.
The Deccan Chargers hold a rather dubious distinction: they were the first team eliminated in three different IPL seasons. Even more striking, they achieved this in just five seasons of existence, making their record particularly harsh. Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals share this unfortunate milestone, also being first eliminated three times.
Even the biggest names in the league haven't been immune. Cricket giants like Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians have all crashed out first in at least one season. It's a reminder that in the high-stakes world of T20 cricket, no team is safe from an early exit.
The IPL 2026 season has already seen its first casualties. Lucknow Super Giants were officially eliminated on May 10 after a loss to Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium—a result that sealed their fate with three matches still to play. Hours later, Mumbai Indians followed suit, knocked out by defending champions RCB in Raipur. Both teams are stranded at just six points from 11 matches, with no path to the playoffs remaining.
On the flip side, some franchises have managed to avoid this embarrassment entirely. As of 2026, two current teams have never been the first side eliminated in IPL history. The Gujarat Titans, the newest entrant since their debut in 2022, have been remarkably consistent, reaching the final in each of their first two seasons. They've never come close to being the first team out. The Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural IPL champions, have had their share of difficult seasons over the years but have never been mathematically eliminated first.
Whether you're a fan of the early-exit teams or the consistent contenders, one thing is certain: every IPL season brings its own surprises, and the race for the playoffs is always full of twists and turns.