NEW DELHI: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have blazed their way into the IPL 2025 final, not just with dominant performances, but by shattering long-standing barriers and rewriting the history books along the way. Their emphatic 8-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 – with a staggering 60 balls to spare – summed up a season that’s been nothing short of transformational.
This is RCB’s first final in nine years and only their fourth in IPL history. Interestingly, the last time they reached the top two in the league stage was also in 2016 – a year that ended with a final appearance but no trophy. In 2025, the narrative is different: this time, RCB aren’t just aiming to win—they’re doing it while conquering their past.
Breaking the Jinx: A Season of Firsts
RCB’s campaign has been marked by overcoming long-standing hoodoos:
- First-ever league double over CSK, including a historic win at Chepauk—RCB’s first there in 17 years.
- First win at Wankhede in 10 years, with Kohli, Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma batting MI out of the game.
- Ended a six-year drought at Eden Gardens with a convincing win over KKR.
- Snapped a seven-year winless run in Delhi, Kohli’s hometown, against the Capitals.
- Chased down 228 against LSG in their final league match—the second-highest successful chase of the season, which sealed their place in the top two.
Each of these victories wasn’t just about points—they were symbolic. They showcased a team ready to shed the baggage of the past and chart a new course.
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Leadership, Consistency, and Firepower
Captain Rajat Patidar has led from the front, showing poise and tactical maturity. But the heartbeat of this RCB unit continues to be Virat Kohli, who is having one of his finest seasons. With over 600 runs and eight half-centuries, Kohli is once again setting the standard. Incredibly, RCB have not lost a single match while chasing when Kohli has scored a fifty this season. It’s the fifth time in his career he’s crossed 600 runs in an IPL season.
Backing him has been a power-packed batting unit—nine other players have scored fifties, including Tim David, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, and Patidar himself.
On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood leads with 21 wickets, while Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have picked up 15 each. Young leggie Suyash Sharma, along with Lungi Ngidi, Romario Shepherd, and Liam Livingstone, have made timely contributions.
Individual Brilliance Meets Team Excellence
- Jitesh Sharma’s 85 off 33 balls* against LSG is now the highest score at No. 6 or lower in IPL history.
- His 107-run partnership with Mayank Agarwal is the highest for RCB for the 5th wicket or lower in a chase—surpassing the 91-run stand between AB de Villiers and Iqbal Abdullah in IPL 2016.
- Phil Salt became the third fastest to 1000 IPL runs (576 balls), behind only Andre Russell and Travis Head.
- Nine different RCB players have won Player of the Match awards this season—testament to the team’s depth and balance.
Words from the Camp
RCB’s Director of Cricket Mo Bobat summed up the team’s mindset:
“We’re proud of the way we’ve played throughout the season. The way the group has taken on challenges—with bravery, composure, and aggressive intent—reflects the character we’ve built. We’ve ticked off a few important milestones on the way here, but this is obviously the one that matters most.”
He added,
“The playoffs are a time to trust in and enjoy your cricket. The final will be a great occasion—especially for our fans—and the players are very focused and determined to finish the job.”
RCB’s Road to the Final
- KKR vs RCB – RCB won by 7 wickets
- CSK vs RCB – RCB won by 50 runs
- RCB vs GT – GT won by 8 wickets
- MI vs RCB – RCB won by 12 runs
- RCB vs DC – DC won by 6 wickets
- RR vs RCB – RCB won by 9 wickets
- RCB vs PBKS – PBKS won by 5 wickets
- PBKS vs RCB – RCB won by 7 wickets
- RCB vs RR – RCB won by 11 runs
- DC vs RCB – RCB won by 6 wickets
- RCB vs CSK – RCB won by 2 runs
- RCB vs KKR – Washed out
- RCB vs SRH – SRH won by 42 runs
- LSG vs RCB – RCB won by 6 wickets
- Qualifier 1 – PBKS vs RCB – RCB won by 8 wickets
The Final Chapter Awaits
RCB have now entered uncharted territory—not just as finalists, but as record-breakers and myth-busters. Whether or not they lift the trophy, IPL 2025 has already become a landmark season for the men in red and gold.
But make no mistake—they aren’t done yet. One final game remains. One chance to make history complete.
