Top 5 Teams With Most Last Place Finishes in IPL

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Delhi Capitals have the unique distinction of having finished last four times in the history of IPL. They were the lowest-ranked team in 2011, 2013, 2014, and 2018. Consistency problems during batting and bowling were common with the team during these seasons.

Frequent changes in leadership and team management also impacted them negatively. But after a rehaul in 2019, the franchise managed to reach the finals of IPL 2020 and is now a formidable side. The story of the franchise is inspirational for all struggling sides.

Also Read | Top 5 Teams With Most Wins Against a Single Team in IPL History

2. Punjab Kings - 3 Times

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Punjab Kings have been among the worst-performing teams in IPL and have been on the last place three times in the past. The team has finished last in 2010, 2015, and 2016. Although they have a good set of talented players, they have been lacking consistency. Failure to sustain success over consecutive seasons has been one of the major problems with them. They have become among the rarest teams to have failed in consecutive seasons.

3. Mumbai Indians – 2 Times

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Even though Mumbai Indians is among the most successful teams to play in the IPL, they have also tasted the flavor of finishing at the bottom of the league twice; in 2022 and 2024. Although Mumbai Indians have won several IPL championships in the past, they have shown weakness in their performance in recent times and finished last in the points table.

Rebuilding phase and injuries have been some of the factors behind these finishes. Nevertheless, it is expected that Mumbai Indians will recover from such situations through their excellent management.

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad – 2 Times

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Like the other three teams mentioned above, Sunrisers Hyderabad has also finished at the bottom of the IPL points table two times; in 2021 and 2023. Sunrisers Hyderabad has a reputation for having some of the best bowlers in the team.

But inconsistency in batting and changing players frequently in these seasons have affected SRH's performance negatively. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad has been able to bounce back from being poor in IPL by winning the 2016 season.

5. Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 2 Times

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru have two last-placed seasons in IPL, which were 2017 and 2019. Although it has a roster comprising some of the best cricketers ever to play in the tournament, it has often lacked depth with regard to bowlers.

In the year 2017, they only won three games, whereas their 2019 season was yet again an underperforming one. Nonetheless, RCB continues to be among the topmost franchises, and it has been able to perform well in many comeback matches.

Also Read | Top 5 Longest Winning Streaks by Captains in IPL History

Conclusion 

In any sport, finishing at the bottom of the league table always brings a feeling of disappointment. The teams listed above have shown in their own ways what they went through before turning things around and becoming the success stories we all know today.

Undeniably, finishing last in the IPL is always a very disappointing situation for any franchise. As observed with teams like Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, no matter how good you are, there is always going to be a challenging period.