Aakash Chopra ranks IPL teams based on 2021-26 performances

Aakash Chopra analysed the performance of all ten IPL franchises across the 2021-26 period and ranked them based on win percentage and trophy success. The ranking considered consistency, playoff qualification records and championship wins to create a comprehensive assessment of each team's five-year trajectory.

The analysis revealed significant variations in win percentages and trophy success among the ten teams, with some franchises showing consistent excellence while others struggled to maintain momentum.

Gujarat Titans topped the rankings with the highest win percentage among all franchises. The franchise demonstrated remarkable consistency in the period under review, establishing themselves as the most reliable performers in terms of match outcomes.

"The team at No. 1 has won only one trophy, but they have played three finals. In their five-year history, they have qualified four times and played three finals. The team is the Gujarat Titans. Their win percentage is 59.49. No team has won matches more consistently than them in this decade," said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

RCB second as back-to-back champions

Royal Challengers Bangalore secured the second position in Chopra's rankings as the back-to-back champions of the period. Their strong playoff qualification record and trophy success placed them just behind Gujarat Titans in the overall assessment.

"The current champions are at No. 2, which means the team that has lifted two consecutive trophies, and that's RCB. They have qualified for the playoffs five times in the previous six years. Their win percentage is 58.69, which is just behind the Gujarat Titans," Chopra said.

Delhi Capitals third despite trophy drought

Delhi Capitals ranked third despite their trophy drought and inconsistent playoff qualification record. The franchise's 50 percent win rate masked deeper issues with their ability to convert regular season success into playoff appearances.

"The team at No. 3 is going to slightly shock you because they haven't won even one trophy. If you have won exactly 50 percent of your matches, haven't won a trophy, and qualified for the playoffs only once in the last six years, you have a problem. This is Delhi Capitals. It means that in the qualification matches, they come so near and then stay too far," Chopra said.

Rajasthan Royals occupied the fourth position with a 48.35 percent win rate. Despite reaching one final in 2022, the franchise failed to convert their playoff appearances into trophy success across the five-year period. Kolkata Knight Riders ranked fifth with a 48.31 percent win rate. The franchise's trophy win in 2024 came after a period of inconsistency, with limited playoff qualification between their 2021 final appearance and their championship success.

"You would be surprised that the team that comes next in terms of win percentage is the Rajasthan Royals. They haven't won a single trophy. They played one final in 2022 and have qualified for the playoffs three times. Their win percentage is 48.35," Chopra said.

"The Kolkata Knight Riders come after them in terms of win percentage. They have qualified twice. They played the final in 2021 and lifted the trophy in 2024, but haven't qualified apart from that. Their win percentage is 48.31," he added.

Everyone's favourite team at sixth position

Chennai Super Kings ranked sixth with a 47.72 percent win rate. Despite their two trophy wins during the period, the franchise's recent form decline affected their overall ranking position relative to other teams.

"Everyone's favorite team, the Chennai Super Kings, comes after that. Their win percentage is 47.72, and that's why they are below. They have qualified twice and won the trophy both times. The problem is that they have started losing now. They have been below par even though they have as many trophies as RCB in this decade," Chopra said.

Lucknow Super Giants ranked seventh with a 47.22 percent win rate. The franchise showed promise in their early seasons with playoff qualification in 2022 and 2023, but their performance deteriorated significantly in subsequent years.

"Then, another surprising one, the Lucknow Super Giants, because they have won 47.22 percent of their matches. They have qualified in two seasons, 2022 and 2023, but 2024 to 2026 hasn't been good. This team is above Hyderabad and Punjab in terms of win percentage," Chopra said.

Punjab Kings occupied the eighth position with a 47.12 percent win rate. Despite reaching one final during the period, the franchise struggled with consistency and qualified for the playoffs only once in six years.

"Punjab have played a final, but they come after Lucknow. Their win percentage is only 47.12. They have qualified just once. That's the other problem. They have qualified only once in six years," Chopra said.

Five time champions at the bottom

Sunrisers Hyderabad ranked ninth with a 42.04 percent win rate. The franchise's strategic changes in their playing approach failed to translate into improved match outcomes during the five-year assessment period.

"The Sunrisers Hyderabad, believe it or not, their win percentage is 42.04. This is a bit of a shocking news. They changed the playing approach, but have won just 42 percent of their matches. They have qualified twice for the playoffs," Chopra said.

Mumbai Indians ranked last with a 42.04 percent win rate, identical to Sunrisers Hyderabad. The five-time champions' limited playoff qualification and lack of trophy success during the 2021-26 period marked a significant decline from their historical dominance in the tournament.

"Only one team is left now, the five-time champions, it's the Mumbai Indians. Their win percentage is 42.04. Theirs and Hyderabad's is identical. They have also qualified only two times. Since SRH have played the final once, we have kept them above," Chopra said.