Since the IPL started, except for 2008, 2009, and 2016, the IPL Defending Champions have played in the opening match almost every season. Out of 15 such opening games featuring the IPL Defending Champions, they have won 7 times. That gives the IPL Defending Champions a win percentage of just 46.67 percent, which is actually less than 50 percent. So honestly, the IPL Defending Champions do not have a very strong record in opening matches. Below, we have listed all the IPL opening matches over the years, including the teams that played and the winners, along with some important context.

Notes

(1) (C) indicates the defending champion.
(2) RPS refers to Rising Pune Supergiants, a temporary franchise that played in the IPL during the 2016 and 2017 seasons while CSK and RR were suspended.
(3) DD refers to Delhi Daredevils, the franchise that existed from 2008 to 2018 before being renamed Delhi Capitals.
(4) In 2010, DC refers to Deccan Chargers, a franchise that existed from 2008 to 2012 and was later replaced by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013.

Why There Was No Defending Champion in 2008, 2009, and 2016

The Reason There Was No Defending Champion in 2008

The 2008 season was the very first edition of the IPL. Naturally, there was no defending champion that year. But many fans still wonder why the opening match was between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore. At that time, KKR had Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan as the team owner, which brought huge attention and glamour. On the other hand, Bangalore, the home city of RCB, was already known as India’s tech capital and a fast growing modern city. In the early days, the IPL was heavily driven by commercial and marketing considerations. There was no fixed tradition or structure like we see today. That is why KKR and RCB were chosen to play the opening match in 2008.

The Reason There Was No Defending Champion in 2009

The 2009 season was one of the most unique seasons in IPL history. It remains the only full season that was held entirely outside India. The tournament was moved to South Africa because the IPL schedule clashed with the Indian general elections, and there were serious security concerns.

Also, in the early years, there was no fixed tradition of having the defending champion play the opening match. Decisions were mainly based on commercial appeal. Rajasthan Royals, who were the champions in 2008, did not have the same commercial pull at that time. So for the 2009 opening match, the IPL featured Mumbai Indians, who had Sachin Tendulkar, and Chennai Super Kings, led by MS Dhoni. Rajasthan Royals played later on the same day in the second match.

The Reason There Was No Defending Champion in 2016

The reason there was no defending champion in the 2016 opening match goes back to 2013. That year, the IPL was hit by a major betting and spot fixing scandal, and both Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were linked to the controversy.

Gurunath Meiyappan, a senior CSK team official who was also related to the then BCCI president, was found by the court to be involved in illegal betting activities. Although the 2015 verdict stated that there was not enough strong evidence for major criminal punishment, he was banned for life from all cricket related activities. Meanwhile, CSK and RR were found guilty of failing to ensure the integrity of the competition. As a result, both franchises were suspended from the IPL for two years, which is why there was no defending champion in the 2016 opening match.

Do All Defending Champions Perform Poorly in Opening Matches

Not really. It is not true that every defending champion has struggled in the opening match.

In IPL history, six champion teams have played an opening match as defending champions. These teams are Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and the now defunct Deccan Chargers.

Among them, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad currently have a 100 percent record as defending champions in opening matches, although each team has played only one such match. Kolkata Knight Riders have played three opening matches as defending champions and won two, giving them a 67 percent win rate, which is the highest among teams with multiple appearances. Chennai Super Kings have played five and won three, giving them a solid 60 percent record. On the other hand, Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers have not won any opening match as defending champions, so their record stands at 0 percent. You can refer to the table below for full details.

Notes

(1) DD refers to Delhi Daredevils, the franchise that existed from 2008 to 2018 before being renamed Delhi Capitals.

Which Team Has the Best Overall Opening Match Record

If we look at all opening matches since the IPL began, a total of nine teams have featured in an opening game. After excluding the defunct Deccan Chargers and the temporary franchise Rising Pune Supergiant, we are left with seven active teams. If we further exclude Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have played only one opening match each and won it, KKR still remain the most successful team in opening matches.

KKR have played eight opening matches and won six, giving them an impressive 75 percent win rate. CSK come next with nine appearances and five wins, which gives them a 56 percent win rate. The remaining teams all have win percentages below 50 percent. RCB have played six opening matches and won two, which is a 33 percent record. MI have played eight and won two, giving them a 25 percent record.

In terms of total appearances in opening matches, CSK lead the chart with nine matches, followed by KKR and MI with eight each. So while the defending champion tag sounds powerful, history shows that the IPL opening match is never easy for anyone. That is what makes it exciting for fans every single season.

Notes

(1) RPS refers to Rising Pune Supergiants, a temporary franchise that played in the IPL during the 2016 and 2017 seasons while CSK and RR were suspended.
(2) DD refers to Delhi Daredevils, the franchise that existed from 2008 to 2018 before being renamed Delhi Capitals.
(3) In 2010, DC refers to Deccan Chargers, a franchise that existed from 2008 to 2012 and was later replaced by Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013.

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