In a breathtaking display of dominance, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name in the annals of IPL history by becoming the first team to win all seven away matches in a single season during IPL 2025. Their latest triumph came against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the iconic Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, where stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma’s unbeaten 85 powered RCB to a sensational six-wicket victory while chasing a mammoth 228 with eight balls to spare.
This victory was not just a win; it was a statement. The successful chase marked RCB’s highest-ever in IPL history and stands as the third-highest successful chase in the tournament’s storied legacy. With this win, RCB solidified their position at second place on the points table with 19 points, level with Punjab Kings but trailing due to a net run rate of 0.30. This achievement also marks RCB’s best league-stage finish since 2016, setting the stage for an electrifying playoff campaign.
The chase was a masterclass in batting prowess. Virat Kohli and Phil Salt provided a fiery start in the powerplay, setting the tone for the middle order. Jitesh Sharma, stepping up as captain, led from the front with a match-defining knock, supported by Mayank Agarwal’s unbeaten 41. Their unbroken partnership ensured RCB crossed the finish line with composure, silencing the partisan Lucknow crowd.
Earlier in the day, LSG had posted a formidable 227/3, thanks to a blistering 118 from captain Rishabh Pant, whose aggressive stroke play threatened to take the game away from RCB. However, their bowling unit faltered under pressure, with pacer Will O’Rourke enduring a nightmare spell. Despite picking up two wickets, O’Rourke leaked 74 runs in his four overs, recording the third-most expensive bowling figures in IPL history, only behind Jofra Archer (0/76) and Mohammed Shami (0/75).
This historic chase also marked only the second successful 200-plus pursuit at the Lucknow venue, following Sunrisers Hyderabad’s chase of 206 against LSG on May 19 in a previous season. RCB’s feat adds to their growing reputation for pulling off extraordinary chases, with their record now featuring other iconic pursuits like 215 against South Australia in the 2011 CLT20 and 204 against Punjab Kings in 2010.
Reflecting on historical context, while teams like Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have also recorded seven away wins in a single IPL season (both in 2012), neither managed a perfect away record like RCB’s 7 out of 7 in 2025. This unparalleled consistency on the road underscores RCB’s transformation into a formidable force this season.
As the IPL 2025 playoffs beckon, this result has set up a blockbuster Qualifier 1 clash between RCB and Punjab Kings on Thursday. Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans will lock horns with Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator on Friday. With momentum on their side, RCB will look to carry their record-breaking form into the knockout stages.
For the record books, here are some key stats from this monumental match:
- Most Away Wins in IPL League Phase: 7/7 – RCB (2025), 7/8 – KKR (2012), 7/8 – MI (2012)
- Highest Successful IPL Run-Chases: 262 – PBKS vs KKR (Kolkata, 2024), 246 – SRH vs PBKS (Hyderabad, 2025), 228 – RCB vs LSG (Lucknow, 2025)
- Most Expensive IPL Bowling Spells: 0/76 – Jofra Archer (RR vs SRH, 2025), 0/75 – Mohammed Shami (SRH vs PBKS, 2025), 2/74 – Will O’Rourke (LSG vs RCB, 2025)
In conclusion, RCB’s journey in IPL 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular. With a perfect away record, a historic chase, and a team firing on all cylinders under Jitesh Sharma’s leadership, the question on every fan’s mind is: Can RCB finally clinch the elusive IPL title? Only time will tell, but for now, they are the team to beat.