IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Quest for First Title in Fourth Final
In a moment that has sent waves of excitement through their passionate fanbase, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have stormed into the IPL 2025 final, marking their fourth appearance in the title clash. Nearly a decade after their last final in 2016, RCB secured a commanding victory over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, earning a direct ticket to the grand showdown. With this win, they are set to face Punjab Kings once again on Tuesday at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, as both teams vie for their maiden IPL trophy.
The journey to the final was nothing short of spectacular for RCB. In a display of sheer dominance, their bowling unit dismantled Punjab Kings, bundling them out for a meager 101 runs in 18.3 overs. Spearheaded by the fiery pace of Mohammed Siraj, who claimed 3/19, and supported by the guile of spinner Yuzvendra Chahal with 2/17, RCB showcased a ruthless edge. The chase was a mere formality, completed in just 10 overs without losing a wicket. Opener Phil Salt led the charge with a blistering unbeaten 57 off 26 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes, underlining RCB’s intent to dominate from start to finish.
Despite this momentum, history looms large over RCB as they prepare for the final. The Bengaluru-based franchise, one of the most popular teams in the IPL, has reached the summit clash on three previous occasions but has heartbreakingly fallen short each time. Let’s revisit their journey in IPL finals and dissect where things went wrong:
2009 Final vs. Deccan Chargers (Johannesburg): In their maiden final appearance during the IPL’s South African edition, RCB faced Adam Gilchrist’s Deccan Chargers. Chasing a modest target of 144 runs, RCB faltered under pressure, finishing at 137/9 and losing by just 6 runs. A late collapse, despite a valiant effort from Rahul Dravid, cost them dearly.
2011 Final vs. Chennai Super Kings (Chennai): RCB’s second final saw them up against a formidable Chennai Super Kings side led by MS Dhoni. CSK posted a daunting 205/5, powered by Murali Vijay’s 95. In response, RCB could only manage 147/8, losing by a massive 58 runs as their batting crumbled against CSK’s disciplined attack.
2016 Final vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad (Bengaluru): Hosting the final at their home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB locked horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad in a thrilling encounter. SRH set a challenging 208/7, thanks to David Warner’s 69 and Ben Cutting’s late cameo. Despite a fiery start led by Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle, RCB finished at 200/7, falling agonizingly short by 8 runs in a match that still haunts fans.
As RCB gear up for their fourth final in 2025, the question on everyone’s mind is: can they finally break the jinx? Under the leadership of a rejuvenated Faf du Plessis and with a balanced squad featuring explosive batters like Salt and Kohli, alongside a potent bowling attack, RCB look better equipped than ever. Their opponent, Punjab Kings, also chasing their first IPL title, will be eager to overturn their Qualifier 1 defeat and pose a stern challenge.
Tuesday’s final promises to be a blockbuster. With RCB’s passionate ‘12th Man Army’ cheering them on, both in the stadium and across the globe, this could be the chapter where years of near-misses are finally laid to rest. Will 2025 be the year RCB lifts the coveted IPL trophy and rewrites their legacy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the cricketing world will be watching with bated breath.