RCB in IPL Finals From 2009 to 2025: Three Finals, Three Defeats! Can RCB Break the Curse in 2025?
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have long been one of the most popular and powerful teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), boasting legendary names like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle over the years. Yet, despite their superstar squads and devoted fan base, the trophy cabinet has remained empty. As RCB prepare to enter their fourth IPL final in 2025, the question resurfaces — can they finally end the drought and lift their maiden IPL title?
2009: A Final of Missed Chances
In their first IPL final in 2009, RCB faced the Deccan Chargers. Anil Kumble, leading the side, delivered a masterclass with the ball, taking 4 for 16 to restrict Deccan to 143. However, Bangalore’s chase faltered under pressure. Andrew Symonds and Pragyan Ojha turned the tide with crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Ross Taylor and Virat Kohli in a single over. RCB fell short by just six runs in a tightly fought contest — a heartbreak that hinted at the struggles that would follow.
2011: Chennai’s One-Sided Domination
Two years later, RCB returned to the final, this time against defending champions Chennai Super Kings. Having topped the table, RCB looked confident, but a dream opening stand from Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay, who scored 63 and 95 respectively, powered CSK to a daunting 205. RCB’s chase never really got off the ground. Chris Gayle, their most dangerous weapon, was dismissed for a duck in the first over by R Ashwin. AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli couldn’t rescue the innings either, as RCB crumbled to 147 for 8, losing by a massive 58 runs.
2016: The One That Got Away
The 2016 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad was perhaps RCB’s closest brush with glory. David Warner’s aggressive 69 and Ben Cutting’s explosive finish lifted SRH to 208. In reply, Gayle and Kohli put on a dazzling 114-run partnership in just over 10 overs, putting RCB in control. But once Gayle fell for 76 and Kohli for 54, the innings lost momentum. The lower order struggled against the clever bowling of Mustafizur Rahman and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. With 47 needed off the last 24 balls, RCB stumbled to 200 for 7, falling short by eight runs. Another final, another missed opportunity.
2025: The Fourth Chapter; A New Dawn?
As RCB prepare for their fourth IPL final in 2025, the atmosphere feels different. This season hasn’t just been about individual brilliance; it’s been about teamwork. A well-balanced squad, smart leadership, and consistent performances across departments have brought them to the brink of history once again. There’s a quiet confidence in the camp — no over-the-top flair, just focus.
Fans are hopeful, but the scars of past finals still linger. RCB has been stronger on paper before, but this year, they look more united, more strategic, and more prepared.
Can RCB Break the Final Jinx?
From the heartbreak in Johannesburg in 2009, to the one-sided defeat in Chennai in 2011, and the near-miracle that slipped away in Bengaluru in 2016, RCB’s IPL final history is a saga of pain and perseverance. But with the 2025 final upon us, there’s a new script waiting to be written.
Will RCB finally break the curse and lift their first IPL trophy? Or will the wait continue? The answer awaits.