With the Royal Challengers Bengaluru winning the IPL 2025 title by defeating the Punjab Kings by 20 runs in an eye-watering final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, they have now ended their 18-year drought of going trophyless. Once considered the most unlucky team on the fixtures, it has now done what everyone has been eying for. This was the fourth time the Royal Challengers Bengaluru advanced to the finals. Besides being called the most unlucky team of IPL, here are the 3 most unlucky players of IPL history, failing every time they entered the finals.
Yuzvendra Chahal – 3 Final Losses (2016, 2022, 2025)
- 2016 – Royal Challengers Bangalore
- 2022 – Rajasthan Royals
- 2025 – Punjab Kings
India’s premier leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has been a match-winner throughout his IPL journey. However, the title has always slipped through his fingers. From the heartbreak of the 2016 final with RCB, the narrow miss with Rajasthan Royals in 2022, to the recent defeat with Punjab Kings in 2025, Chahal has seen it all. Despite strong individual performances, the final hurdle has remained unconquered. Chahal has breached the 200 wicket mark in IPL and is the highest wicket taker of the IPL history.
Mohit Sharma – 3 Final Losses (2013, 2015, 2023)
- 2013 – Chennai Super Kings
- 2015 – Chennai Super Kings
- 2023 – Gujarat Titans
Veteran pacer Mohit Sharma has been a loyal IPL soldier. Twice with Chennai Super Kings (2013 and 2015) and once with Gujarat Titans in 2023, Mohit made it to the finals — only to fall short. His 2023 performance was particularly painful, as he bowled the last over in a nail-biting defeat to CSK, the very franchise he once represented.
Rahul Tripathi – 3 Final Losses (2017, 2021, 2024)
- 2017 – Rising Pune Supergiant
- 2021 – Kolkata Knight Riders
- 2024 – Sunrisers Hyderabad
Rahul Tripathi’s journey is a classic case of consistent playoff presence but no ultimate glory. He’s been part of three runner-up squads: the heartbreak against Mumbai Indians in 2017, the 2021 defeat to CSK with KKR, and another painful loss with SRH in 2024. Tripathi’s aggressive top-order batting has been a highlight, but the title still eludes him.
