The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a thrilling cricket event since it started in 2008. Many teams have participated in the league, creating unforgettable moments for fans. However, some IPL teams are no longer playing the IPL. In this article, we'll take a nostalgic journey through the top 10 defunct teams in the IPL, exploring their successes, challenges, and reasons for their disappearance. Let's delve into their journeys and remember the glory of these vanished teams.
1. Kochi Tuskers Kerala
Kochi Tuskers Kerala was a cricket team in the IPL representing the city of Kochi, Kerala. The team was added to the league in 2011. The team faced issues with its name initially, but these were later resolved. Unfortunately, due to disagreements among the team owners and failure to pay the required fees, the franchise was terminated before the 2012 season. The players were picked by other teams in an auction. However, the franchise owners wanted to return to the IPL instead of receiving compensation.
2. Pune Warriors India
Pune Warriors India, representing Pune City, joined the IPL in 2011 as a new team. The team was owned by Sahara Group and had some famous players like Yuvraj Singh and Sourav Ganguly. However, despite having potential, the team faced difficulties on and off the field, which led to their exit from the IPL after the 2013 season. The players from Pune Warriors India were then selected by other IPL teams.
3. Gujarat Lions
The Gujarat Lions team was added to the IPL as a replacement for Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, which were suspended for two years due to a spot-fixing scandal. Owned by Intex Technologies, the team made their IPL debut in 2016 under the captaincy of Suresh Raina. They had a decent first season; however their performance declined in the following season, and the team became defunct in 2017.
4. Deccan Chargers
The Deccan Chargers team represented the city of Hyderabad and was one of the original IPL franchises in 2008. Deccan Chargers achieved great success in the league, winning the IPL title in 2009 under the captaincy of Adam Gilchrist. The financial troubles and inconsistent performances plagued the team, leading to its termination in 2012. Later, the franchise was replaced by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. Despite its short-lived existence, Deccan Chargers left a mark in the tournament’s history.
5. Rising Pune Supergiant
Rising Pune Supergiant entered the league in 2016 as a replacement for Chennai Super Kings. CSK was suspended due to a spot-fixing scandal. Under the captaincy of Steve Smith, the Supergiant had a remarkable debut season in 2017, being the runners-up. However, the team was dissolved after just two seasons, as the original franchise teams, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, returned to the IPL.
6. Delhi Daredevils
Delhi Daredevils was a franchise cricket team in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing Delhi. Despite having talented players, Delhi Daredevils faced challenges in consistently succeeding in the tournament. In 2019, the name Delhi Daredevils was officially changed to Delhi Capitals to bring a fresh identity and rebrand the team. The change boosted the group and its performance in the IPL. Delhi Capitals is the continuation and rebranded version of Delhi Daredevils, representing Delhi in the IPL.
7. Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK), representing the city of Chennai in the Indian Premier League, has a solid fan base and has achieved significant success in the IPL. CSK has been known for its consistency, reaching the playoffs almost every season they played. However, in 2015, CSK and Rajasthan Royals, faced a two-year suspension due to a spot-fixing controversy. The team was brought back to the IPL in 2018, where they made a remarkable comeback and won the IPL title in the same year. CSK's consistent performances, loyal fan base, and numerous laurels make them one of the most successful teams in IPL history.
8. Rajasthan Royals
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) team in the IPL is known for nurturing young talent and playing an exciting brand of cricket. The team was dismissed from the IPL in 2015, along with CSK, for the spot-fixing controversy. After the suspension, Rajasthan Royals was brought back to the IPL in 2018. The team's return was celebrated, and they continue to compete in the IPL with renewed spirit.
9. Kings XI Punjab
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), now known as Punjab Kings, has been a part of the IPL since its inception in 2008. Over the years, Punjab Kings has had notable coaches like Anil Kumble and captains like KL Rahul, who have led the team with dedication and skill. Despite their efforts, the team has yet to win an IPL title, but they have reached the playoffs a few times. With a passionate fan base and talented players, Punjab Kings continues to strive for success in the IPL.
