Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has the lowest team score in the history of the IPL. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowled RCB out for only 49 runs at Eden Gardens in 2017. None of their players even made it to double figures, which shows how effective KKR’s bowling attack was that evening.
This record remains unbroken, demonstrating the unique nature of IPL cricket. Even though RCB had stars like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers on their team, they had trouble against KKR’s dogged bowling.
Lowest Team Scores in IPL | A Year-wise Breakdown
Year | Team | Score | Opponent | Venue |
2008 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 67 | Mumbai Indians | Mumbai |
2009 | Rajasthan Royals | 58 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Cape Town |
2010 | Deccan Chargers | 82 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Navi Mumbai |
2011 | Kochi Tuskers Kerala | 74 | Deccan Chargers | Kochi |
2012 | Mumbai Indians | 92 | Delhi Daredevils | Mumbai |
2013 | Chennai Super Kings | 79 | Mumbai Indians | Mumbai |
2014 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 70 | Rajasthan Royals | Abu Dhabi |
2015 | Kings XI Punjab | 88 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Bengaluru |
2016 | Mumbai Indians | 92 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Visakhapatnam |
2017 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 49 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata |
2018 | Mumbai Indians | 87 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mumbai |
2019 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 70 | Chennai Super Kings | Chennai |
2020 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 84/8 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Abu Dhabi |
2021 | Rajasthan Royals | 85 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sharjah |
2022 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 68 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mumbai |
2023 | Rajasthan Royals | 59 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | Jaipur |
2024 | Gujarat Titans | 89 | Delhi Capitals | Ahmedabad |
Why Do Teams Go All Out for Low Scores in IPL?
Consistent Challenges
Some teams, like the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and the Royal Challengers Bangalore, have been on this list more than once. This shows certain teams are historically prone to getting all out for low scores. The reason mostly is mental, as some of the teams panic and then lose the plot.
Pitch Conditions
The above table reveals that certain pitches in specific venues exhibit atypical behavior, deceiving bettors into taking their chances. An all-out batting attack flatters to deceive at Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Mohali.
Pressure
Fans and the media also exert a lot of pressure. Furthermore, the tournament’s nature bears responsibility. With multiple teams in the fray, teams with higher net run rates (NRR) qualify if the situation gets tight on the business end. This implies that teams must take the initiative to increase the NRR, primarily through aggressive batting. As predicted, this approach results in low scores, as unrestrained batting leads to numerous dismissals.
How To Avoid Low Team Scores in IPL?
In the high-pressure environment of the IPL, avoiding low team scores requires a combination of skill, strategy, and composure. Teams must focus on building strong partnerships, adapting to pitch conditions, and managing the pressure from fans and media. By employing smart tactics and maintaining a calm mindset, teams can improve their chances of putting up competitive totals.
Adapt to Different Conditions
Teams must carefully study how the pitch behaves before a game. The management must look closer at the previous game on this pitch and arrange the batting order accordingly. Some stadiums have two different strips of 22 yards—this is where the game is played. A last-minute strip change can be dangerous, so teams must prepare.
Strengthen the Middle Order
A strong middle order can keep an innings going after early losses, which keeps teams from being bowled out for little. Teams must find the right balance between someone who tonks the ball and someone who rotates strike.
Rotate Strike
Teams can score on pitches that are good for bowlers by changing strikes and keeping wickets. The goal is to maintain momentum by securing singles and twos.
Effective Bowling Plans
When bowling, teams should take advantage of the conditions, especially during the powerplay overs. If you are all out for a low score, deploy your aggressive bowlers. Try to defend the total on the board.
Final Thoughts
The IPL’s unpredictability makes it so thrilling, with moments of sheer brilliance and shocking collapses. While low scores can be attributed to pressure, pitch conditions, or tactical missteps, teams that adapt, stay composed, and execute their strategies effectively can avoid such setbacks. Ultimately, these ups and downs keep fans glued to the tournament, making the IPL a celebration of cricket’s unpredictable nature.
FAQs
Royal Challengers Bangalore holds the record for the lowest score, scoring only 49 against KKR in 2017.
Pitch conditions, exceptional bowling, and pressure situations are common reasons for low scores.
As of now, no team has come close to RCB’s 49. The next lowest is Rajasthan Royals’ 58 in 2008.