IPL 2025 | 5 most memorable IPL finals

Virat Kohli's nearly two-decade long agonising wait to lay hands on an IPL Trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be up against Shreyas Iyer's resolve to make first-time winners out of the tenacious Punjab Kings when the 18th season finale of the world's biggest T20 league unfolds in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

The summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium could witness thousands of fans donning jersey No.18 to support Kohli, who is in an IPL final for the fourth time overall.

Perennial finishers in the second half of the 10-team points table, Punjab Kings have staged a sensational turnaround with captain Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting at the helm.

Here we take a look at the five best IPL finals to date.

Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (2019)

One of the most gripping IPL finals, this encounter in Hyderabad saw Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians face off against an MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings. Batting first, MI put up 149 runs on the board, which looked as something easily achievable by Chennai's strong batting line-up.

However, the Mumbai bowlers were on their best that day, and barring three none of the CSK batters managed even double-digit scores while batting. Their innings ended at 148, just two runs short of the target.

Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals (2008)

The first-ever IPL final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai is not one fans will easily forget. A Share Warne-led Rajasthan Royals were up against Dhoni's CSK. Batting first, CSK put up 163 runs on the scoreboard.

RR took the match to the last ball and clinched the match away from the Chennai-based side. The man to thank for Warne's team was none other than Yusuf Pathan, who took 3 wickets in the four overs he bowled while leaking just 22 runs in the process. While batting, he scored 56 off 39 balls and was adjudged the player of the match.

Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2012)

Chennai hosted KKR at the Chepauk for the 2012 final, which when it began looked set for the home side to win. Their batters delivered a stunning performance, scoring 190 runs while giving just three wickets in the process.

In response, KKR opener Manvinder Bisla scored a stunning 89 in 48 balls while skipper Gautam Gambhir went back to the pavilion with a paltry score of 2. Proteas legend Jacques Kallis proved his mettle once again by churning out a crucial 69-run innings that would turn the tides in favour of the Kolkata-based side. KKR wrapped up the match with two balls to spare and SRK danced his way back to Kolkata with the trophy where Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee organised a grand celebration for the victory.

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2016)

A high-scoring final in 2016, this was the third time RCB were in a final after their heartbreaks in 2009 and 2011. With Bengaluru playing host, it looked all set for the Virat Kohli-led side to break the deadlock and get their hands on the coveted trophy.

SRH batted first with David Warner (69), Yuvraj Singh (38), and Ben Cutting (39) helping them reach a formidable total of 208/7. In response, RCB openers Chris Gayle (76 off 38) and Kohli (54 off 35) took the SRH bowlers to the cleaners. But their middle order failed, and RCB crumbled right at the grasp of victory—their innings got over at 200/7, and SRH won their first title till date.

Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiant (2017)

A low-scoring thriller, this final at Hyderabad saw Mumbai batting first and managing a score of only 129. While winning looked like cakewalk for the Pune side, the cricketing gods had other plans.

Despite impressive performances by Ajinkya Rahane (44) and Steve Smith (51), RPS' innings ended just a couple of runs short of the target owing to impressive bowling performances by another Aussie, Mitchell Johnson, who grabbed three wickets in the four overs he bowled.

(With PTI inputs)