Which IPL Team Has Never won

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown to become one of the most exciting and lucrative cricket tournaments in the world, offering thrilling performances, close contests, and unforgettable moments. However, while some teams have consistently enjoyed success and lifted the IPL trophy, there are a few franchises that, despite featuring in every season, have never won the IPL trophy. These teams have talented players and passionate fan bases but have still struggled to cross the finish line.

Here, we take a look at the teams that have never won the IPL trophy, discuss the reasons for their struggles, and highlight key statistics from the last 16 seasons.

which IPL team has never won

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is one of the most popular franchises in IPL, with a fan base as passionate as any other in the league. Despite having a star-studded lineup featuring the likes of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, and Glenn Maxwell over the years, RCB has not managed to clinch the IPL trophy even once. They have reached the final three times (2009, 2011, 2016), but the elusive title continues to evade them.

One of the key reasons behind their failures is their unbalanced squad. While they have always had explosive batsmen, their bowling department has lacked consistency, costing them matches in crucial moments. As the old saying goes, “Batters win games, but bowlers win tournaments,” which has been a significant challenge for RCB throughout the IPL.

• RCB Stats (2008-2023):
  • Matches: 227
  • Wins: 119
  • Losses: 112
  • Playoff Qualifications: 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022

2. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals (DC), formerly known as Delhi Daredevils, is another team that has struggled to capture an IPL title. Despite boasting a strong lineup, including names like Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, and Kagiso Rabada in recent seasons, the franchise has failed to find consistency. Their best performances came in 2020, when they reached the final, only to lose to the Mumbai Indians.

Over the years, Delhi has been plagued by inconsistency and a lack of leadership. Even with strong players, their inability to form a cohesive unit has led to their downfall. Despite qualifying for the playoffs several times, they have never managed to win the final.

• DC Stats (2008-2023):
  • Matches: 227
  • Wins: 119
  • Losses: 112
  • Playoff Qualifications: 2008, 2009, 2012, 2019, 2020, 2021

3. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, is another team that has failed to lift the IPL trophy, despite playing in all 16 seasons. PBKS reached the IPL final once in 2014, where they were defeated by the Kolkata Knight Riders. However, since then, they have struggled to put together a consistent run and have often finished in the lower half of the table.

One of the primary reasons behind Punjab’s struggles has been their over-reliance on foreign players. Teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have succeeded by building a strong Indian core, something Punjab has lacked.

• PBKS Stats (2008-2023):
  • Matches: 236
  • Wins: 104
  • Losses: 125
  • Playoff Qualifications: 2008, 2014

Other Teams That Have Never Won the IPL Trophy

Apart from these three teams, a few other franchises have played in the IPL but have yet to win the trophy. Some of these teams no longer exist in the tournament, while others continue to search for success:

• Pune Warriors India (played three seasons)
• Kochi Tuskers Kerala (played one season)
• Rising Pune Supergiant (played two seasons)
• Gujarat Lions (played two seasons)
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) (currently active, played two seasons as of 2023)

Among these, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are the only active franchise that has a chance to break the curse and win their first title in the ongoing IPL season.