The Indian Premier League has carved out a reputation on the grounds of chaos, pressure, and exciting finishes. Through the years, there have been numerous moments in IPL finals which have marked the careers of many cricketers, as well as created memorable cricketing history. Whether it be nail-biting finishes or remarkable collapse, all such title matches form an integral part of the memories of the IPL fans. The top 5 finals in the history of IPL are considered so owing to the pressure, quality, and significance of the games.
These finals are different from other finals due to the context behind them. In some, there was the element of the underdog pulling off an amazing victory against the favorites. There were others in which the champions managed to come out of difficult situations successfully. However, several games ended due to a final ball finish. Most importantly, every one of those contests involved high-pressure play and outstanding individual performances.
Best 5 IPL Finals:
| Year | Finalists | Winner | Margin |
| 2019 | Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings | Mumbai Indians | 1 Run |
| 2023 | Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans | Chennai Super Kings | 5 Wickets |
| 2017 | Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiants | Mumbai Indians | 1 Run |
| 2008 | Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings | Rajasthan Royals | 3 Wickets |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 8 Runs |
1. Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2019
2019’s finale is the yardstick by which other finals will be measured for years to come. After Deepak Chahar and Imran Tahir put the brakes on their batting, Mumbai Indians managed to score just 149 runs for eight wickets. Kieron Pollard’s unbeaten knock of 41 ensured that Mumbai Indians had an admirable score to defend. While chasing, Chennai Super Kings found themselves completely dependent upon Shane Watson, whose injury hampered him as he scored an unbeaten 80 off 59 deliveries. The turning point of the game came in the last over when Chennai were in dire need of nine runs off six deliveries, with Watson getting himself run out before the final delivery. Lasith Malinga then delivered a slower ball that trapped Shardul Thakur LBW. Mumbai sealed a one-run win and lifted their fourth IPL trophy in one of the tightest finishes the tournament has seen.
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2. Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans, IPL 2023
However, the 2023 final had rain delays, revised run targets, and dramatic finishes. The Gujarat Titans scored a huge total of 214 for 4, thanks largely to Sai Sudharsan’s incredible 96 in 47 deliveries. Due to rain, Chennai’s chase target was lowered to 171 runs from 15 overs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system. The chase remained alive due to some quick scores by Devon Conway and Shivam Dube. Nonetheless, Gujarat again got back into the game following the dismissal of important batsmen in their team due to Mohit Sharma’s efforts at the end of the innings. Finally, the deciding moment came. With only 10 runs required from the last two balls, Ravindra Jadeja hit a six and a four to complete a last-ball win and secure CSK’s fifth IPL title under MS Dhoni.
3. Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiants, IPL 2017
The 2017 final proved that low-scoring games could still produce high tension. Mumbai Indians struggled badly and managed only 129/8. Krunal Pandya’s 47 held the innings together as Pune’s bowlers dominated throughout. Rising Pune Supergiant appeared in control during the chase with Steve Smith scoring 51. Yet Mumbai’s bowlers slowly shifted the pressure back. Mitchell Johnson’s final over changed the match completely. Pune needed 11 runs, but Johnson dismissed Manoj Tiwary and Smith in crucial moments. The game ended with Pune falling short by one run as Mumbai won their third title.
4. Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2008
The first IPL final delivered a perfect opening chapter for the tournament. Chennai Super Kings scored 163/5 with Suresh Raina leading the innings. Rajasthan Royals responded through Yusuf Pathan, who produced a complete all-round performance with 56 runs and three wickets. The chase remained tense until the final delivery. Shane Warne and Sohail Tanvir kept Rajasthan calm under pressure and completed the winning run on the last ball. Rajasthan’s victory completed one of the biggest underdog stories in T20 cricket and gave the IPL an unforgettable first champion.
5. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore, IPL 2016
The theme of the 2016 final lay in attack through batting and swift collapse. The high score of 208/7 by the Sunrisers Hyderabad team came on the back of the blistering performance of 69 by David Warner and some late hitting from Ben Cutting. The Royal Challengers Bangalore team answered the challenge, with Gayle smashing 76 and adding 54 runs in an opening partnership of 114 runs with Virat Kohli. It seemed RCB was heading for their first trophy. However, when both players were dismissed, the Hyderabad bowlers took control of the game. Ben Cutting’s all-round display and disciplined death bowling restricted RCB to 200/7, giving Sunrisers their maiden IPL trophy.
