Cricket

List of Teams That Changed Their Names in IPL

Complete list of IPL franchises that officially changed their names, including reasons, years, and impact on performance.

12 itemsUpdated Mar 25, 2026

Name changes in the IPL have often been strategic moves to refresh brand image, strengthen regional identity, attract new fans, or mark new ownership phases. Some rebrands coincided with improved performance and title success, while temporary name changes occurred during the two-year suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals in 2016-17.

#	Name	Year	Reason	Previous name
1	Delhi Daredevils → Delhi Capitals Rebranded in 2019 Changed under new co-ownership (JSW Group & GMR) to signal a fresh, aggressive approach. The new name brought better playoff consistency.	2019	Ownership change & image refresh	Delhi Daredevils
2	Kings XI Punjab → Punjab Kings Rebranded in 2021 Simplified name to strengthen regional Punjab identity and improve fan connect. Removed the 'XI' for a cleaner, modern look.	2021	Regional identity & brand reset	Kings XI Punjab
3	Deccan Chargers → Sunrisers Hyderabad Rebranded in 2013 Complete overhaul after Sun TV Network took over. New identity and orange kit brought the franchise its only IPL title in 2016.	2013	New ownership & fresh start	Deccan Chargers
4	Rising Pune Supergiant Temporary name 2016-2017 Created as replacement for suspended Chennai Super Kings. Used for two seasons before CSK returned.	2016-2017	CSK suspension	N/A (new franchise)
5	Gujarat Lions Temporary name 2016-2017 Replacement team for suspended Rajasthan Royals. Played two seasons and reached playoffs once.	2016-2017	RR suspension	N/A (new franchise)
6	Pune Warriors India Operated 2011-2013 No official change but franchise folded after poor performance and financial issues. Often grouped with rebranding history due to short lifespan.	2011-2013	Financial & performance issues	N/A
7	Kochi Tuskers Kerala Operated only in 2011 Short-lived franchise that folded due to ownership disputes. No name change but part of IPL's early franchise churn.	2011	Ownership disputes	N/A
8	Rising Pune Supergiants (minor spelling variation) 2016 season only Slight spelling adjustment from 'Supergiant' to 'Supergiants' in 2017 for branding consistency.	2016-2017	Branding consistency	Rising Pune Supergiant
9	Delhi Capitals (ongoing) Since 2019 Successful rebrand that helped the team reach playoffs more consistently under Rishabh Pant's captaincy.	2019 onwards	Long-term stability	Delhi Daredevils
10	Punjab Kings (ongoing) Since 2021 New name helped improve fan engagement and marketing in Punjab region.	2021 onwards	Modern branding	Kings XI Punjab
11	Sunrisers Hyderabad (ongoing) Since 2013 Most successful name change in IPL history, leading to 2016 title and consistent playoff appearances.	2013 onwards	Ownership takeover	Deccan Chargers
12	Overall IPL Franchise Rebranding Trend 2013-2021 period Majority of name changes happened between 2013 and 2021 as the league matured and new owners entered.	—	—	—

This list is compiled from verified public records and reference sources. Last verified: March 25, 2026.

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