IPL 2017 celebrated a decade of the Indian Premier League, and expectations were sky-high. After a decade of innovation, drama and the rise of new heroes, fans looked forward to another season full of fast-paced cricket and memorable moments. The 2017 edition held a special place because it served up one of the closest, most nerve-wracking finals ever, a title decided by just one run.
The tournament mixed experience and youth. Established names brought star power, while new talents pushed for recognition. For cricket followers it was a season that reminded everyone why T20 — and the IPL in particular, is so gripping: short spells can swing games, small moments matter, and underdogs often have their day.
This article dives deep into IPL 2017: the full points table, how teams performed, the playoff road, the final, Orange and Purple Cap winners, key moments, what made this season unique, and helpful FAQs.
Also Read: IPL 2011 Points Table
IPL 2017 Summary Table
Tournament Name | Indian Premier League |
Season | 2017 |
Host Country | India |
Winner | Mumbai Indians |
Runner-Up | Rising Pune Supergiant |
Orange Cap Winner | David Warner (SRH) 641 runs |
Purple Cap Winner | Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) — 26 wkts |
Total Matches | 60 |
Final Venue | Rajiv Gandhi Intl. Stadium, Hyderabad |
Also Read: IPL 2008 Points Table
IPL 2017 Points Table & Team-by-Team Snapshot
Here is the final league-stage points table for IPL 2017:
Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Mumbai Indians (MI) | 14 | 10 | 4 | 20 | +0.784 |
2 | Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) | 14 | 9 | 5 | 18 | -0.176 |
3 | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | 14 | 8 | 5 | 17 | +0.599 |
4 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | 14 | 8 | 6 | 16 | +0.641 |
5 | Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) | 14 | 7 | 7 | 14 | -0.009 |
6 | Delhi Daredevils (DD) | 14 | 6 | 8 | 12 | -0.512 |
7 | Gujarat Lions (GL) | 14 | 4 | 10 | 8 | -0.412 |
8 | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | 14 | 3 | 11 | 6 | -1.299 |
Quick takeaways from the table:
- Mumbai Indians topped the table with consistent performances across batting and bowling.
- Rising Pune Supergiant were excellent in patches and finished second, eventually reaching the final.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad and KKR completed the top four, showcasing strong bowling and batting units respectively.
- RCB had a surprisingly poor season despite big names; this was one of their lower points in the decade.
Pre-season & Auction — Setting the Tone
Before the ball began to fly in 2017, the player auction and team strategies shaped expectations:
- Many teams focused on all-rounders and death-bowlers, aware T20 wins often hinge on late-innings bowling and finishing batsmen.
- Rising Pune built a balanced side with a mix of international leaders and Indian talent, while Mumbai stuck to a blend of match-winners and emerging talents.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad continued with a bowling-first approach and aggressive openers — a blueprint that had worked well for them previously.
These strategic decisions influenced match tactics and team selection throughout the season.
Also Read: IPL 2009 Points Table
Standout Teams: How the Top Four Reached the Playoffs
Mumbai Indians (MI): Top of the Table, Solid & Dangerous
Mumbai combined experienced campaigners with nervous-stopping young talent. Their batting depth was complemented by bowlers who could choke runs and take wickets. Rohit Sharma’s captaincy and a few standout match-winners made MI reliable across venues.
Key strengths:
- Depth in batting (multiple finishers and power hitters)
- Efficient bowling at the death
- Calmness under pressure
Also Read: IPL 2010 Points Table
Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS): The Near Champions
Pune were a spirited unit. They grew in confidence as the season progressed and played fearless cricket in the playoffs. They had batters who could accelerate and bowlers who could pull out magical spells.
Key strengths:
- Combative batting, especially in middle overs
- Key match-winning contributions from senior players
- Strong tactical leadership
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Bowlers Win Matches
SRH were a bowling-heavy team with excellent opening batting. David Warner’s power at the top combined with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing made SRH dangerous in both innings. Their strategy centered on building competitive scores and defending them with disciplined bowling.
Key strengths:
- A dependable opening pair
- Consistent wicket-taking bowlers
- Strong fielding unit
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Balanced & Competitive
KKR were consistent through the season. Their mix of overseas firepower and Indian talent made them tough opponents. KKR often relied on partnerships to set or chase targets, and they were hard to dismiss collectively.
Key strengths:
- Reliable partnerships
- Match-winning spinners and pace support
- Experience in crunch situations
League Stage: Memorable Matches & Turning Points
IPL 2017 had several matches that swung momentum or captured attention:
- High-pressure clashes between MI and other top teams showcased tight finishes and clever captaincy.
- RPS vs MI games were often close and gave Pune belief they could beat the best.
- SRH home games were notable because their bowlers often dominated at their venues, keeping them competitive despite a mid-table finish.
There were also standout individual performances during the league stages that set personal records and boosted team morale, and a series of tight finishes reinforced the notion that small moments — a dropped catch or a missed yorker — can decide matches.
Playoffs: The Road to the Final
The IPL playoff format rewards teams that finish in the top two with a double chance. In 2017, the playoffs were intense and nerve-wracking.
- Qualifier 1 (1 vs 2): The top two teams faced off, with the winner advancing straight to the final and the loser getting another chance via Qualifier 2. This meant the first qualifier had double importance.
- Eliminator (3 vs 4): The losing team here is immediately knocked out.
- Qualifier 2: The winner of the Eliminator plays the loser of Qualifier 1 for the second spot in the final.
Across these knockout matches, teams who managed pressure and executed skills under tight conditions moved on.
Note: IPL knockouts often feature tactical changes — captains use their best bowlers at different times, and teams that can adapt on the day tend to prevail.
The Final: A One-Run Classic
The IPL 2017 final at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, went down as one of the closest finals in IPL history.
Match flow (high-level):
- Mumbai Indians posted a modest total, with contributions from the middle order that stitched the innings together. The scorecard didn’t read huge, but the innings had tense moments where the finishers managed to take MI to a defendable total under pressure.
- Rising Pune Supergiant responded strongly and looked set to chase the target; they had a promising start and momentum at various points in the chase.
- In the dying moments of the match, the game swung back and forth, and eventually MI held their nerve to win by the slimmest of margins, just one run.
Why the final mattered:
- It showcased how T20 is as much a game of nerve and tactics as it is about big hits.
- The final illustrated critical facets of T20: execution in the final overs, the impact of fielding decisions, and how a single ball can define legacy.
Individual Stars: Orange Cap (David Warner) & Purple Cap (Bhuvneshwar Kumar)
IPL 2017 Orange Cap Holder: David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad) 641 runs
David Warner produced a consistently excellent season for SRH. His aggressive starts gave SRH a strong foundation in many matches, while his ability to rotate strike and punish loose bowling made him the tournament’s leading run-getter. Warner’s innings often set the tone and gave his bowlers something to defend.
Why it mattered:
- Warner’s form meant SRH were competitive in almost every match.
- He combined flare with textbook shot selection, making his performance sustainable.
IPL 2017 Purple Cap Holder: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad) 26 wickets
Bhuvneshwar once again proved why he’s one of India’s most reliable swing bowlers. He picked up early wickets with the new ball and kept his economy under control. His skill at the death — executing yorkers and slower balls — was invaluable in tight games.
Why it mattered:
- Bhuvneshwar’s consistent wicket-taking kept pressure on opponents.
- His role in the final and key playoff matches reinforced the adage that bowlers win championships.
Other Noteworthy Performers
- Krunal Pandya (MI): Emerged as a clutch performer with timely contributions with both bat and ball.
- Hardik Pandya (MI): Showed his value as a power-hitter and a reliable fast-bowling option in the middle overs.
- Steve Smith (RPS): Provided the leadership and crucial runs that helped Pune reach the final.
- Chris Gayle & others: Even when some big names had off days, they could turn matches around with single innings of explosive batting.
Tactical Insights: What Teams Got Right
- Depth in Batting: Teams that could bat deep (finishers who can hit big) often won close matches. MI’s batting depth was a competitive advantage.
- Death Bowling: Executing yorkers and variations in the final overs stripped many chases of momentum. Teams with reliable death bowlers often edged tight encounters.
- Rotation & Fielding: Quick singles and sharp fielding were decisive. Dropped catches or misfields frequently cost teams crucial runs.
- Adaptability: Captains who adapted to pitch and weather conditions — changing bowling plans mid-game or shuffling batting order — had higher success.
Crowd, TV, and Commercial Aspects
IPL 2017 continued to be a massive draw for fans. Stadiums filled up for big-ticket matches, and TV viewership remained healthy. The tournament’s blend of entertainment — opening acts, celebrity presence, and fan engagement — kept IPL’s brand value high. Advertisers found the league an effective way to connect with a massive, engaged audience.
What’s Unique About IPL 2017?
- A One-Run Final: Few finals are decided by margins this slim; it created a lasting memory for fans.
- Balanced Storylines: The season balanced sensational batting (the Orange Cap) with bowling excellence (the Purple Cap), showing T20 requires both.
- A Mix of Youth & Experience: Emerging players made their mark while veterans provided stability, a balance that many teams aim for.
- Tactical Maturity: Captains and coaches showed evolving tactical maturity in fields such as rotation, bowling changes and matchups.
Legacy & Impact: What IPL 2017 Left Behind
IPL 2017’s legacy is multi-fold:
- For Mumbai Indians, it cemented their reputation as a franchise capable of performing in clutch moments and building squads with long-term depth.
- For Rising Pune Supergiant, the final run was bittersweet but proved the value of building a team around clarity of roles.
- David Warner’s stint reaffirmed that a strong start in the powerplay often translates to match-winning positions.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s season reinforced how crucial a top-class swing bowler is, even in T20 formats.
Many players used this season as a springboard for future success, and teams re-evaluated roster construction and strategy based on what worked in 2017.
Final Words
IPL 2017 was not just a tournament; it was a masterclass in tension, execution, and the importance of small margins. The one-run final is a shorthand for how tightly matched teams were, and how every decision — a bowling change, a fielding placement, a single — could tilt the balance.
Fans who watched the season can point to games where young players announced themselves and established stars reminded everyone of their class. The tournament reinforced the IPL’s role as a central stage for T20 cricket, where careers are made, teams are defined, and memories are created.
Common Questions Asked
Mumbai Indians won IPL 2017, beating Rising Pune Supergiant in an ultra-close final by just one run. It was a dramatic finish that highlighted the pressure and fine margins of T20 knockouts.
David Warner (SRH) won the Orange Cap with 641 runs. His consistent, aggressive starts at the top of the order gave Sunrisers Hyderabad the momentum in many matches.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) claimed the Purple Cap with 26 wickets. His ability to swing the ball early and deliver precise yorkers at the death made him one of the most trusted bowlers of the season.
The final took place at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, and Mumbai Indians won by a single-run margin — one of the narrowest finals in IPL history.
Mumbai Indians, Rising Pune Supergiant, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders qualified for the playoffs. These teams showed balance between batting and bowling and handled the pressure of knockout stages well.
Yes, David Warner had multiple match-winning knocks and Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced key wicket-taking spells. Around the tournament there were several standout performances that swung games, from middle-order finishers to death-over specialists.
Key lessons included valuing depth in batting, investing in reliable death bowlers, and prioritizing fielding standards. The season showed that teams with flexible roles and clear strategies tend to win close matches.