IPL 2025’s Biggest Upsets: When Underdogs Shocked the League

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is never short on surprises, and the 2025 season was a masterclass in unpredictability. Even the most seasoned fans, along with the experts who meticulously set India Premier League odds, were left stunned by the sheer number of unexpected results. This year, the tournament was defined by dramatic turnarounds and jaw-dropping upsets that rewrote expectations. Several underdogs defeated tournament favorites in IPL 2025 upsets that defied pre-match predictions. Low-ranked teams pulled off dramatic victories over top-tier franchises, delivering the kind of thrilling surprise wins IPL fans love to witness.

From thrilling last-over finishes to masterful bowling defenses of seemingly low totals, IPL 2025 delivered shock victories that reminded everyone why this league is revered around the world. These weren’t just isolated wins – they were bold statements, driven by individual brilliance, clever tactics, and fearless cricket. Fans and analysts alike were left reeling, debating what these surprise outcomes meant for the league’s power balance. In fact, the betting world is having a roller coaster ride; since the results are unpredictable, to get accurate odds, reliable platforms such as Stake must be your top choice. Below, we revisit the biggest shock wins of the season, with quick match summaries, standout performances, stats that turned heads, and reactions from fans and media that captured the emotional heartbeat of these unforgettable moments.

Biggest IPL 2025 Upsets So Far

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Defending 111 Runs

Punjab Kings (PBKS) posted a dramatic IPL 2025 upsets against two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a low-scoring thriller​. PBKS, who opened the batting, were bowled out for just 111 runs, seemingly giving KKR an easy run chase. Instead, Punjab’s bowlers produced a miracle. KKR collapsed from a comfortable 62/2 to 95 all out, giving PBKS a remarkable 16-run victory. It was the lowest ever defended total in IPL history, shattering a 14-year-old record (CSK had defended 116 in 2009).

• Scorecard: PBKS 111 (15.3 overs); KKR 95 (15.1 overs). Punjab won by 16 runs​.
• Bowling Heroes: Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal took 4/28 and pacer Marco Jansen grabbed 3 wickets, dismantling KKR’s batting lineup.
• Turning Point: KKR needed only 52 more runs with 8 wickets in hand, but Chahal’s spell triggered an unbelievable collapse​.
• Reaction: Commentator Harsha Bhogle hailed the finish as “simply one of the greatest unexpected IPL matches of the IPL”. Fans were stunned by the historic feat, as PBKS “created history” by defending such a low score.

Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings – Breaking a 15-Year Curse

Another major IPL 2025 upsets came when Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated the mighty Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk for the first time in 15 years​. CSK’s home ground had been a fortress since 2010 against Delhi, but IPL 2025 rewrote the script. Delhi posted a solid 183/6, led by captain KL Rahul’s 77 off 51 balls, and a late burst from Tristan Stubbs (24* off 12). In reply, CSK’s chase never gained momentum and they fell 25 runs short, handing DC a famous win on Chennai’s soil​.

• Historic Win: DC triumphed by 25 runs in Chennai, their first victory there against CSK since 2010.
• Standout Performance: KL Rahul anchored Delhi’s innings with a composed 77, which proved decisive.
• CSK Stumbles: Chennai lost early wickets and had trouble forming partnerships, sliding to their third consecutive loss of the season.
• Aftermath: Delhi accumulated to the top of the points table as CSK went down to a third successive loss.
• Reaction: Media touted it an “evening to remember” for Delhi​, while CSK fans were left stunned to see their Chepauk streak finally broken.

Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings – An Unlikely Captain Triumphs

In one of the season’s most unexpected IPL matches, Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated CSK by six runs under the captaincy of 23-year-old Riyan Parag​. With regular skipper Sanju Samson injured, Parag – the IPL’s youngest-ever captain – led RR to their first win of 2025, defending a total of 182/9 against the star-studded Super Kings. Chennai required 183 and reached 176/6, but were inches short in a nervy finish.

• Scorecard: RR 182/9; CSK 176/6. Rajasthan triumphed by 6 runs in an edge-of-the-seat thriller​.
• Key Players: RR's top order gave rapid runs to reach a good score, and their bowlers put pressure as CSK's middle order faltered in the death overs.
• Clutch Moments: Chennai had a faint chance in the last over, but the bowlers of Royals showed nerves and played their yorkers to leave CSK without the remaining runs.
• Fan Reactions: Rajasthan’s upset win under an unlikely captain captured fans’ imaginations. The victory in Parag’s captaincy debut prompted praise from pundits​, and RR supporters celebrated a memorable underdog triumph over a four-time champion.

Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans – Top Team Stunned

Table-leaders Gujarat Titans (GT) were served a stark reality check by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a mid-season encounter. Gujarat had come into the game as high-flying favorites, but Lucknow overran their daunting total of 180/6 without much trouble. LSG got to 186/4 in 19.3 overs, winning the game by six wickets on their home soil in Lucknow. The victory put the brakes on Gujarat's run and established that even the most powerful teams are not invincible.

• Result: LSG defeated GT by 6 wickets, chasing 181 successfully with three balls remaining.
• Batting Stars: Aiden Markram hammered a fiery 58 of 31 balls and Nicholas Pooran contributed a swift half-century of his own.
• GT’s Struggle: Although scoring a tough total of 180/6, Gujarat's bowlers failed to stop Lucknow's attacking batting during the chase.
• Significance: This defeat gave GT their first loss of the year, pushing them off the lead. Fans in Lucknow roared in delight, while experts noted that the “high-flying” Titans had been grounded by a determined LSG side​.

Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals – Undefeated Run Halted

Delhi Capitals’ dream start met a dramatic end at the hands of five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI). Delhi had won four matches in a row, but Mumbai changed Delhi’s winning streak with a 12-run victory. MI piled up 205/5 thanks to Tilak Varma’s 59 and Ryan Rickelton’s 41, then restricted DC to 193 all out in a thriller​. The chase came down to the wire, and in a bizarre finish, Delhi lost their last three wickets in three balls, all via run-outs.

• Match Summary: MI 205/5; DC 193 all out. Mumbai won by 12 runs, ending Delhi’s unbeaten streak.
• Capital Collapse: Karun Nair’s explosive 89 off 40 had kept DC in the hunt, but his departure triggered a meltdown as the tail imploded with a team hat-trick of run-outs​.
• MI’s Resilience: Mumbai’s bowlers held their nerve at the death. Young spinner Hrithik Shokeen (for example) bowled a tight final over to seal the win, rejuvenating MI’s campaign.
• Reaction: The result “rekindled” MI’s playoff hopes​ and left DC and their fans shell-shocked at how quickly an unbeaten run can unravel.

Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants – A Debut to Remember

In a game that brought out a new star, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi produced a sensational knock for Rajasthan Royals against Lucknow Super Giants. Suryavanshi opened the innings, hitting the first ball he encountered for six, going on to make 34 off 20. Though his team fell short by just two runs, the young sensation's showing was the subject of everyone's discussion in the cricketing fraternity.

• Scorecard: LSG 180/5; RR 178/5. Lucknow won by 2 runs.
• Debutant's Performance: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (34 off 20 balls).
• Significance: Suryavanshi turned out to be the youngest player in IPL history, displaying raw talent.

Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans – Iyer's Selfless Leadership

Punjab Kings (PBKS) stunned defending champions Gujarat Titans with a dominating performance, courtesy captain Shreyas Iyer. Iyer hit an unbeaten 97 but, in a display of selflessness, let his partner Shashank Singh take the team home, keeping the team's score ahead of personal achievement. PBKS scored 243/5, and although GT did their best, they could manage only 232/5.

• Scorecard: PBKS 243/5; GT 232/5. Punjab won by 11 runs.
• Captain's Contribution: Shreyas Iyer (97* off 42 balls).
• Team Impact: This victory marked a significant turnaround for PBKS, positioning them as serious contenders

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings – Breaking a 17-Year Jinx at Chepauk

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended a 17-year wait by beating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Chepauk Stadium—a ground where they had last won in 2008. RCB chose to bat and scored 196/7, with Rajat Patidar smashing a match-winning 51 off just 32 balls. Their bowlers then delivered a clinical show, left CSK at 146/8 and secured a record-breaking 50-run victory.

• Scorecard: RCB 196/7; CSK 146/8. Bengaluru won by 50 runs.
• Standout Player: Rajat Patidar (51 off 32 balls).
• Fan Reaction: RCB fans called it "revenge served cold," whereas CSK fans cried over the Chepauk collapse that was as rare as it gets.
• Significance: Brought an end to a 17-year losing run at one of the most fearsome home grounds in the IPL.

Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders – Debutants Lead MI to First Win

Mumbai Indians (MI) logged their season's first victory in style, thrashing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 8 wickets at Wankhede. Debutant Ashwani Kumar supported by a fiery spell of 4/24, dismantling KKR's middle order and restricting them to 121. Chasing, another debutant—Ryan Rickelton—kept the innings afloat with an unbeaten 62.

• Scorecard: KKR 116 all out; MI 121/2 (12.5 overs). Mumbai won by 8 wickets.
• Key Performers: Ashwani Kumar (4/24), Ryan Rickelton (62* off 41).
• Turning Point: Ashwani’s twin strikes in one over dismantled KKR’s recovery hopes.
• Fan Reaction: The Wankhede crowd erupted, embracing the fresh talent that gave MI a much-needed lift.
• Significance: Youngsters stole the spotlight and reinvigorated MI’s otherwise shaky campaign.

Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants – Mukesh Kumar’s Redemption Spell

Delhi Capitals (DC) dismantled Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by a rout of 8-wickets led by match-winning performance by Mukesh Kumar. Having allowed just 12 runs from his initial over, Mukesh returned to claim Mitchell Marsh bowled off by a toe-shattering yorker, producing a collapse in the middle-order. LSG were restricted at 159/6, and Delhi completed the chase in 17.5 overs with KL Rahul's guide.

• Scorecard: LSG 156/6; DC 160/2 (17.5 overs). Delhi won by 8 wickets.
• Bowling Highlight: Mukesh Kumar (4/33).
• Batting Contributions: KL Rahul (46* off 26).
• Fan Reaction: Delhi fans cheered Mukesh's "comeback of the season," admiring his grit under pressure..
• Significance: Solidified DC's position in the top four while revealing weaknesses in LSG's middle order.

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals – Record Total, Commanding Win

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) shocked Rajasthan Royals (RR) with a behemoth total of 286/6, inspired by Ishan Kishan's 106 not out and Travis Head's 67. It was the second-highest team score in IPL history. RR replied fighting hard with 70 from Dhruv Jurel and 66 by Sanju Samson, but they were undone at 242/6 and SRH clinched a 44-run win. Jofra Archer also had a tumultuous outing as he gave 76 runs without an over being completed.

• Scorecard: SRH 286/6 (20); RR 242/6 (20). SRH won by 44 runs.
• Batting Highlight: Travis Head's attacking 67 and Ishan Kishan's unscathed 106 struck the note.
• Bowling Highlight: Jofra Archer's difficult day — gave away 76 in 4 overs, the most costly spell in IPL history.
• Fan Reaction: SRH’s explosive innings left fans in awe, while Archer’s spell sparked debate over his form.
• Significance: SRH registered the second-highest total in IPL history; RR’s 242 became the highest total ever in a losing cause.

Conclusion

IPL 2025 has proven that in this league, nothing is guaranteed. The biggest IPL 2025 upsets of the season – from historic low-score defenses to top teams being toppled – have only added to the tournament’s legend. These surprise wins IPL underscore why the IPL is so beloved: every match can produce a new twist. Fans witnessed underdogs rising to the occasion and giants faltering when it mattered most.

In the end, it’s this unpredictability that breathes life into the IPL. The drama, the surprise heroes, and the heart-stopping finishes make each match a tale to remember. Whether you're a die-hard fan, a first-time viewer, or tracking every twist on platforms like Stake, the excitement is universal. It's not just cricket – it's about emotion, tactics, and the thrill of the unexpected. That's what keeps fans stuck to their screens and pundits revising their forecasts season after season. The IPL isn’t just a tournament; it’s a rollercoaster of hope, heartbreak, and sheer joy – and that’s what makes it truly iconic.