Bengaluru (Karnataka): Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) produced a clinical performance in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 playoffs, defeating table-toppers Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets to seal their place in the final. This marks RCB’s fourth final appearance and their first in nine years, with the last one coming in 2016.
RCB’s dominant showing at this stage is the culmination of a historic and consistent campaign, characterized by standout performances, strategic leadership, and key individual contributions across the board.
“We’re proud of how we’ve approached this season—with bravery, composure, and aggressive intent. This final is what matters most now,” said Mo Bobat, RCB’s Director of Cricket.
Captaincy, Kohli’s Form, and a Deep Batting Line-up
Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB’s tactical acumen has been matched by world-class performances. Virat Kohli has been in imperious form, amassing over 600 runs and eight half-centuries, making IPL 2025 the fifth season in which he has crossed the 600-run mark—a record in the tournament’s history.
Notably, RCB has won every match this season when Kohli scored a fifty while batting second.
The team’s batting depth has been unmatched. Ten different players—including Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, and Patidar—have scored half-centuries this season, a first in IPL history.
Bowling Firepower and Balanced Attack
On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood leads the charts with 21 wickets, supported ably by Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (15 each), Suyash Sharma (8), and contributions from the likes of Lungi Ngidi, Romario Shepherd, and Liam Livingstone.
RCB’s depth in both batting and bowling has been pivotal in their consistency.
Breaking Long-standing Jinxes
IPL 2025 has also seen RCB break multiple long-standing barriers:
- First-ever league double over CSK, including a historic win at Chepauk after 17 years.
- First win at Wankhede vs MI in 10 years.
- Victory at Eden Gardens vs KKR after six years.
- Broke a seven-year jinx by beating Delhi Capitals in Kohli’s hometown.
- Registered RCB’s highest-ever run chase (228 vs LSG), second-highest successful chase of the season.
Milestone Moments and Records
RCB’s dominance is evident from several landmark achievements:
- Biggest win in an IPL playoff match, defeating PBKS with 60 balls to spare.
- Jitesh Sharma’s 85 off 33* vs LSG is the highest score at No. 6 or lower in IPL history.
- 107-run stand between Jitesh Sharma and Mayank Agarwal is RCB’s highest for 5th wicket or lower in a chase.
- Phil Salt became the third-fastest to 1,000 IPL runs (576 balls), behind only Andre Russell (545) and Travis Head (575).
- Nine different RCB players have earned Player of the Match awards, the most by a team in a single IPL season.
RCB’s Road to the Final – Match Results
| Match | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KKR vs RCB | RCB won by 7 wickets |
| 2 | CSK vs RCB | RCB won by 50 runs |
| 3 | RCB vs GT | GT won by 8 wickets |
| 4 | MI vs RCB | RCB won by 12 runs |
| 5 | RCB vs DC | DC won by 6 wickets |
| 6 | RR vs RCB | RCB won by 9 wickets |
| 7 | RCB vs PBKS | PBKS won by 5 wickets |
| 8 | PBKS vs RCB | RCB won by 7 wickets |
| 9 | RCB vs RR | RCB won by 11 runs |
| 10 | DC vs RCB | RCB won by 6 wickets |
| 11 | RCB vs CSK | RCB won by 2 runs |
| 12 | RCB vs KKR | Washed out |
| 13 | RCB vs SRH | SRH won by 42 runs |
| 14 | LSG vs RCB | RCB won by 6 wickets |
| Qualifier 1 | PBKS vs RCB | RCB won by 8 wickets |
Final Awaits: Will RCB Finally Lift the Trophy?
With momentum, form, and belief on their side, RCB will enter the IPL 2025 final with high hopes of ending their title drought and lifting the trophy for the first time.