RCB in IPL Finals History:
Among the most talked about teams in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stands again on the brink of glory. Despite reaching the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, they failed to grasp the title. A generation has passed since the inception of IPL, yet RCB is still in pursuit of their first trophy.
This season, RCB has showcased remarkable performance, shattering records in its path. They became the first team in the 18-year history of IPL to win all away games. The famous Kannada slogan 'Ee Sala Cup Namde', meaning 'this year the cup is ours', resonates more than ever among RCB fans.
After defeating Punjab Kings in the first qualifier on May 29, RCB secured a spot in the IPL 2025 finals. Hopes soar high, as RCB, under new captain Rajat Patidar, stands at the threshold of making history.
However, history for RCB is filled with 'ifs and buts'. These old pages remind them of their past defeats in IPL finals. Can Captain Patidar lead RCB to shed their 'choker' tag, or will this final be reminiscent of their previous ones? They've often fallen short on the grandest stage, haunted by their bleak record.
RCB's Narrow 2009 IPL Final Loss
The Indian Premier League's journey began in 2008, with Rajasthan Royals clinching the title over Chennai Super Kings. RCB's first shot at the final came in 2009 against Deccan Chargers on May 24 in Johannesburg. Despite Adam Gilchrist's side setting a target of 143/6, RCB couldn't surpass it, ending 137/9, losing by 6 runs. Kohli scored 7 runs, while Captain Anil Kumble took 4 wickets for 16 runs. Though the 143-run target seemed achievable, RCB crumbled under the final's pressure.
2011's Final: RCB vs. CSK
RCB returned to the final in 2011 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, on May 28. Chennai, batting first, piled 205/5, thanks to Murali Vijay's 95, the match's 'Player of the Match'. In response, under Daniel Vettori, RCB managed 147/8, with Virat Kohli contributing 35 runs and Saurabh Tiwary top-scoring with 42.
Source: aajtak
2016's Heart-wrenching Finale
The 2016 IPL season saw Virat Kohli shine, scoring 973 runs in 16 matches with an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03. In the final, RCB, led by Kohli, faced Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 29 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. SRH scored 208/7 with David Warner's 69 runs. During the chase, RCB reached 114 in 10.3 overs and seemed destined to win. But from there, wickets fell rapidly. Chris Gayle (76) and Kohli (54) departed, and RCB's innings fell apart, losing by 8 runs.It’s clear that RCB has often been close to being IPL champions, yet the final hurdle remains elusive. This season poses the question: Can they remove the 'choker' tag, or will history repeat itself once more?
Past IPL Champions:
Source: aajtak
