IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Epic Journey to the Finals

Welcome to an exhilarating tale of grit, talent, and unrelenting ambition as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stand on the cusp of history in the IPL 2025 Finals. Having secured a top-two finish, RCB will lock horns with Punjab Kings on June 3 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, aiming to clinch their long-awaited maiden IPL title. Let’s rewind and trace their remarkable path through a season of highs, lows, and unforgettable moments.

A Strong Start: Laying the Foundation

RCB kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign with a statement win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Chasing 175, Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 59 off 36, but it was Krunal Pandya’s match-winning spell of 3/29 that stole the show, earning him the Player of the Match. Their momentum continued against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK), where a dominant 50-run victory highlighted their depth. Rajat Patidar’s fiery 50 off 32 and Josh Hazlewood’s 3/21 sealed the deal.

However, the journey wasn’t without bumps. A setback against Gujarat Titans (GT) saw RCB falter while defending 169, with Mohammed Siraj haunting his former team with 3/19. But RCB bounced back against Mumbai Indians (MI), defending 221 in a 12-run thriller, thanks to Patidar’s explosive 64 off 32 and Kohli’s steady 67 off 42.

Mid-Season Challenges: Testing the Mettle

As the tournament progressed, RCB faced stern tests. A 6-wicket loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) exposed their vulnerabilities, with KL Rahul’s blistering 93 guiding DC to victory. However, RCB roared back with a 9-wicket demolition of Rajasthan Royals (RR), powered by openers Phil Salt (65 off 33) and Kohli (62*). A rain-affected defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a 14-over game dented their run, but revenge came swiftly with a 7-wicket triumph just days later, led by Kohli’s match-winning 73.

RCB’s consistency shone through with back-to-back victories over RR and DC. Against RR, Hazlewood’s 4/33 and Kohli’s 70 off 42 secured an 11-run win, while Krunal Pandya’s 73 off 47 powered a 6-wicket chase against DC. A nail-biting 2-run win over CSK at the Chinnaswamy Stadium—thanks to Romario Shepherd’s explosive 43 off 14—further solidified their credentials.

Final League Hurdles and Playoff Dominance

With qualification assured, RCB stumbled against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), crumbling by 42 runs while chasing a mammoth 288, powered by Travis Head’s 102 off 41. But they regrouped in their final league game, pulling off their highest-ever IPL chase of 228 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma’s unbeaten 85 off 33 earned him Player of the Match honors.

In Qualifier 1, RCB showcased their championship pedigree, demolishing PBKS by 8 wickets. Bowling out PBKS for a paltry 101, RCB’s disciplined attack paved the way for Phil Salt to seal the chase with an unbeaten 57 off 26, booking their spot in the IPL 2025 Finals.

The Road Ahead: A Date with Destiny

As RCB prepare to face Punjab Kings in the grand finale, their journey reflects a perfect blend of individual brilliance and team synergy. With Virat Kohli leading from the front—amassing over 600 runs this season—and a bowling attack spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood, RCB are primed for glory. Will this be the year they finally lift the coveted IPL trophy? Join us on June 3 as history unfolds in Ahmedabad.