Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans now sit at the center of the IPL’s shifting power structure. One side is built on role clarity and phase optimization; the other on top-order consistency and sustained attacking pressure. Different methods, same destination and now Qualifier 1 offers the clearest test yet of which model holds up better under playoff pressure.
The IPL’s evolving competitive balance is perhaps best reflected in how sustained dominance has become increasingly difficult. Across the first 14 editions, the league revolved largely around two dynasties: Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings combined for nine titles. Since the expansion to 10 teams in 2022, however, the league has entered a more fluid era. The last four seasons have produced four different champions – the first such sequence in IPL history.
No two sides have defined this phase more than Titans and Royal Challengers, who now meet in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala. Since 2022, Titans own a 46-28 win-loss record and Royal Challengers stand at 43-31, comfortably ahead of the rest of the field. The only other side above water in this period is Rajasthan Royals at 38-36. Ironically, the once-dominant Chennai and Mumbai sit at the bottom of these charts.
Teams with best win% in IPL since 2022
