When the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) play the Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final on Tuesday, June 3, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, they will be hoping for their maiden title victory in their fourth attempt. Regardless of the outcome, it will be the first IPL trophy for either side since the league's inception in 2008.
RCB have been perfect this season under Rajat Patidar, its new captain. From Patidar's leadership skills to RCB's ability to play as a team when it counted most, the Bengaluru-based team has so far dominated every aspect of IPL 2025.
RCB finished second in the IPL 2025 points standings with nine victories from 14 league stage games. They earned their fourth final berth after defeating Punjab Kings by eight wickets in Qualifier 1. After defeating the Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, Punjab Kings advanced to the final.
Also Read - PBKS journey to IPL 2025 Final: How Punjab Kings reached their first IPL final since 2014
However, one might question how they performed in their last three finals. RCB is renowned for having the most talented team and have made it to the final three times in history: in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
IPL 2009 final
Under then-captain Anil Kumble, RCB made their first appearance in an IPL final in 2009. RCB lost the match by a slim margin after managing 137/9 in 20 overs while chasing the Deccan Chargers' 143/6.
IPL 2011 final
RCB was in the final once more two years later. In response to Chennai Super Kings' 205/5, RCB lost the match by 58 runs after being overwhelmed by some outstanding bowling performances from CSK.
IPL 2016 final
With skipper Virat Kohli leading the way with four hundreds, RCB was in dominant form in 2016, much as in the 2025 edition. With Chris Gayle and Kohli leading the way with fifties, RCB was well on their way to winning their first championship as they chased Sunrisers Hyderabad's 208/7. However, RCB collapsed dramatically, managing 200/7 in 20 overs.
Also Read - RCB captain Rajat Patidar vows to win IPL title for Virat Kohli: ‘He deserves this’
Will RCB be fourth time lucky? Will RCB win the 18th edition of the IPL and make it special for Virat Kohli who also dons jersey No. 18 for India? Only time will tell.
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