In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), not every innings begins smoothly. Several teams have faced devastating starts, losing multiple wickets in the powerplay. However, some of the most greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses have turned disaster into competitive totals. Here are the Top 5 Greatest IPL Fightbacks After Early Collapses, ranked from five to one.
List of Greatest IPL Fightbacks After Early Collapses
5. Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians, 2017 – 128/7
The 2017 IPL match at Wankhede saw one of the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses by the Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils). After losing five wickets for just 24 runs, Delhi looked down and out. But their lower-order batsmen, particularly Chris Morris and Pat Cummins, staged a fighting recovery. With smart batting and calculated risks, they helped their team post 128/7 in 20 overs. While it wasn’t a winning total, the match was a perfect example of the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses, where grit triumphed over panic.
| Team | Opponent | Venue | Year |
| DC | MI | Wankhede | 2017 |
This game proved that even after an early disaster, a solid lower-order effort can create one of the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses.
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4. Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans, 2023 – 130/8
In another entry for Delhi Capitals, the 2023 match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad is etched as one of the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses. They were 23/5, thanks to a deadly spell by Mohammed Shami. But Aman Khan and Axar Patel refused to give up. Their controlled aggression pushed Delhi to a final score of 130/8. Though the score looked below par, it gave their bowlers something to defend and showed once again how teams can script the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses even from hopeless positions.
| Team | Opponent | Venue | Year |
| DC | GT | Ahmedabad | 2023 |
Their resolve reminded fans that never giving up often leads to the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses.
3. Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2025 – 133/7
Yet again, Delhi Capitals feature on this list for their ability to script the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses. In 2025, during a high-pressure away game at Hyderabad, Delhi lost half their side for just 25 runs. The pitch was tricky, and the SRH bowlers dominated early. However, a gritty stand between Tristan Stubbs and Ashutosh Sharma steered Delhi to 133/7. They played risk-free cricket initially and opened up later, proving how patience and partnership play crucial roles in crafting the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses.
| Team | Opponent | Venue | Year |
| DC | SRH | Hyderabad | 2025 |
This match once again showcased that the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses are often born from discipline and belief.
2. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, 2013 – 144/9
This 2013 fixture at Jaipur remains one of the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses, as Sunrisers Hyderabad stumbled to 29/5 early in the innings. On a difficult pitch, most top-order batters perished quickly. But Biplab Samantray and Darren Sammy launched a spirited counterattack. Their 50+ run partnership laid the foundation for a late burst, pushing the total to 144/9. While the Royals chased it down easily, SRH’s fightback still stood out as one of the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses, driven by sheer lower-order defiance.
| Team | Opponent | Venue | Year |
| SRH | RR | Jaipur | 2013 |
This recovery was one of the earlier examples in IPL history.
1. Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Gujarat Lions, 2016 – 159/6
Arguably the most iconic of the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses came in the 2016 Qualifier 1 between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Gujarat Lions at Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB were struggling at 29/5 in a do-or-die match. Enter AB de Villiers. The South African genius remained unbeaten on 79, anchoring the innings with precision and composure. With support from Iqbal Abdulla, RCB reached a match-winning total of 159/6. This incredible comeback sealed its place as the undisputed number one among the greatest IPL fightbacks after early collapses.
| Team | Opponent | Venue | Year |
| RCB | GT | Bengaluru | 2016 |
This performance by AB de Villiers didn’t just save the match; it became a benchmark for the IPL fightbacks after early collapses in tournament history.
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