The IPL has been going on since 2008. Throughout the journey to date, the IPL has produced many memorable moments and matches for both the players and the viewers. Some seasons have been more interesting than others, in terms of considering the factors and excitement that led to that season’s end. The finals of the IPL and also the excitement related to the matches that had happened throughout that season Even though every season of the IPL brings lots of excitement and memorable innings and games along with it, some seasons just carry a lot more emotions and memories than others.
1. IPL 2018
This IPL was already interesting before its beginning due to the return of the Chennai Super Kings. As cream on top, the opening match paved the way for the most interesting IPL to ever be seen. Also, the new emerging players and massive changes made to teams made this IPL the most memorable to watch. Innings and performances such as Rashid Khan’s debut other factors, such as David Warner and Steve Smith being banned, also provided a sense of excitement to watch new players take on roles as senior members. Chennai Super Kings won the finals against Sun Risers Hyderabad, defeating them four times in a single season.
2. IPL 2016
The 2016 edition of the IPL carried a different sense of excitement with it due to the recent ban of the teams, which were the Rajasthan Royals and the fan favourites, the Chennai Super Kings. The new teams that were introduced two years ago were the Gujarat Lions and Rising Pune Supergiants. This was enough excitement, but the main attraction was the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Especially the legendary batting was done by Virat Kohli, who scored gigantically 978 runs in a single season, taking RCB to the finals single-handedly. Even though it was the Sunrisers who won, Gujarat’s matches proved to be equally eye-catching.
3. IPL 2013
The 2013 IPL season saw one of the greatest comebacks by any IPL team. This IPL also saw the highest number of runs scored by batsmen altogether. It was Chris Gayle’s 175* that sparkled apart from everything, but eventually, the orange cap was taken by Michael Hussey. This IPL is also responsible for setting up that iconic rivalry between the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. It was the Mumbai Indians who won the IPL by defeating the Chennai Super Kings in the final.
4. IPL 2011
The 2011 IPL season brought about the revelation of Chris Gayle’s powerful batting performances. This was also the season that marked the first team in the history of the IPL to defend the title and continuously wins consecutive titles. This season also saw the beauty of MS Dhoni’s captaincy, which he frequently used to outsmart the other players and win his team the IPL for the second time. His best was seen when Ashwin got Chris Gayle in the very first over of the finals and led the Chennai Super Kings to win the finals.
5. IPL 2010
After two good seasons, the IPL as a tournament had been growing extensively, and with the impact of new players, both Indian and foreign, More and more audiences were connecting with the game. This season first brought before everyone the clash between the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Both teams played each other in the finals, and it was the Chennai Super Kings who outplayed the Mumbai Indians. This set the tone between these two teams.
6. IPL 2014
This IPL is also called the most low-key IPL because the favourites were none of the big teams and instead the attention was more focused on the unexpected teams, with the most unlikely team being the Punjab Kings, at that time known as Kings XI Punjab. The new addition to their squad and the most exciting player is Glenn Maxwell. Even the final between the Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings was one of the most exciting finals that the IPL has ever produced.
7. IPL 2008
The first season of the IPL began the tournament, which is now the most-watched cricket tournament in the world. The first season started with sparkles thanks to McCullum’s 158* for Kolkata against Bangalore. India had already won the 2007 T20 World Cup. The tournament in the first season itself showed everyone the intensity that was to follow. The first season was won by the Rajasthan Royals, who haven’t won the tournament again.
8. IPL 2022
This was the first IPL that had 10 teams instead of the traditional 8 teams. The two new teams were the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. Both of these teams surely added flavour to the tournament, as both of these teams played very good cricket for their part, and both of the teams reached the playoffs. Gujarat even managed to win the IPL. Making them only second to the Rajasthan Royals to win in their opening season.
9. IPL 2021
The 2021 season of the IPL was the second to be played in the COVID-19 era. This was played in two parts, one in India and another in the UAE. These two parts were unfortunately created due to the COVID-19 outbreak in India, which suddenly took place. As this was divided into two parts, it affected the people who were caught in their homes for many months, and with the second part of the IPL remaining, everyone hoped for some entertainment to come. This helped the fact that Chennai, being the most loved team, showed a glimmer of form and won the IPL despite facing the unlikely finalists, the Kolkata Knight Riders.
10. IPL 2012
This season of the IPL was unique and interesting for its winner, as no one expected Kolkata to win their first-ever title in 2012. Also, no one expected that the Chennai Super Kings would not be able to defend their title once again and make a hat trick with their super-powered team. The most surprising team was the Delhi Capitals, at that time known as the Delhi Daredevils, who qualified ahead of the Chennai Super Kings at the points table.
