RCB Storms Into IPL Final After 9 Years: A Dream Reignited

For RCB supporters, the wait has been long—nine years of close calls, heartbreak, and die-hard loyalty. But at last, the dream is alive once again! RCB has made it to the IPL 2025 final, their fourth in the league's history after emerging runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016.

A Dominant Performance in Qualifier 1

RCB's path to the final was set on a dominant win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1. The game, at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, Mullanpur, witnessed RCB bowlers tear PBKS apart for 101 runs off 14.1 overs.

The bowling attack was led by Suyash Sharma (3/17), Josh Hazlewood (3/21), and Yash Dayal (2/26), who ensured PBKS never found their footing. In response, RCB chased down the target in just 10 overs, with Phil Salt smashing an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls.

Rajat Patidar’s Leadership and Kohli’s Influence

It has been a unique season for RCB, not only because of their revival but also because of Rajat Patidar's captaincy in his first season as skipper. Although Virat Kohli is still the pillar of the team, Patidar's attacking style and strategic thinking have been instrumental in RCB's success.

Kohli, RCB's most reliable performer, has done it again, leading from the front and making sure the side is still in lockstep towards their ultimate target—winning their maiden IPL trophy.

RCB's Road to the Final

RCB's league-stage campaign was stunning, reaching the top two with nine wins from 14 matches. Their victories over CSK, MI, RR, and LSG demonstrated the team's capability to overwhelm in pressure situations.

With a balanced team, RCB has depended upon Phil Salt's explosive batting, Hazlewood's clinical bowling, and Yash Dayal's death-over accuracy. Their capacity to come back from behind has been a signature aspect of their season. 

The Final Confrontation

RCB will now confront the winner of Qualifier 2 (PBKS vs Mumbai Indians/Gujarat Titans) in the final of IPL 2025 on June 3 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

This is RCB's golden opportunity to end their trophy drought and finally win the IPL title. With their bowling department firing on all cylinders and batting unit in top class, the Bengaluru franchise is all set to make history.

Will RCB finally lift their first-ever IPL trophy? The world will have to wait till June 3, 2025. Till then, the fans could simply bask in the glory of watching their team where they belong—the final!