IPL teams have received an extra benefit in the playoffs matches since the year 2012. The top two teams in the standings receive two chances to play in the final. Even if they lose in the Qualifier 1 match, the losing team gets an opportunity in the Qualifier 2 match to make it to the summit clash.
Since the BCCI introduced this system, on a majority of the occasions, the top two teams in the points table have played in the final as well. However, here’s a list of three such IPL teams which finished in the Top 2 of the points table but they lost both Qualifiers and failed to make it to the final.
1. One of the defunct IPL teams – Gujarat Lions, 2016
Gujarat Lions represented the Rajkot city in the Indian Premier League. The Lions impressed straightaway in their debut season and topped the points table. They took on the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Qualifier 1 match, where AB de Villiers’ special knock helped the RCB team win the game.
In the Qualifier 2 match, the Lions lost against the Sunrisers Hyderabad and became the second team to crash out of the playoffs despite finishing first.
2. Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2012
Delhi Daredevils finished at the top of the points table in the 2012 edition of the Indian Premier League. The Delhi-based franchise lost against the second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders in the Qualifier 1, and then the Chennai Super Kings defeated them in Qualifier 2 after winning the Eliminator match.
3. Delhi Capitals, IPL 2021
Delhi Daredevils rebranded themselves as Delhi Capitals in 2019. They finished at the helm of the points table in 2021. Once again, DC lost against the Chennai Super Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders in the playoffs and crashed out of the competition before the final.
