RCB's Journey to the IPL Final: A Tale of Hope and Redemption
The 2016 IPL Final: A Heartbreaking Collapse
In the 2016 IPL Final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru seemed poised to claim their first title, with the formidable duo of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers at the crease, playing on their home turf. The electrifying atmosphere at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was charged with anticipation as fans watched two of the greatest batsmen of their time attempt to make history.
The scene was set perfectly, with everything falling into place for RCB. Kohli, the beloved captain of the team, was performing brilliantly, scoring 54 runs off 34 balls, and the team was in a strong position at 140/1, needing just 69 runs from 44 balls.
However, fate had a cruel twist in store. In a shocking turn of events, RCB's batting lineup crumbled unexpectedly. The dream that had seemed so close just moments before was shattered. Kohli stood in disbelief, while de Villiers, who had been a standout performer throughout the tournament, could only watch helplessly.
That night, it felt as if a part of Kohli and de Villiers, along with millions of RCB supporters, had been extinguished. What began as a magical evening transformed into a haunting nightmare, a memory that still lingers for RCB fans. Nine years later, the team finds itself back in the IPL Final, still chasing that elusive trophy.
The Years in Between
The years from 2017 to 2019 were particularly challenging for RCB, as they failed to qualify for the playoffs even once, earning a reputation as one of the weaker teams in the league. However, from 2020 to 2024, the franchise showed improvement, making it to the playoffs in four out of five seasons, yet they still fell short of reaching the Final.
In 2020, 2021, and 2024, RCB was eliminated in the Eliminator round, while they reached Qualifier 2 in 2022 but could not secure a title victory.
The 2025 Tale
Following an exhilarating chase against LSG, RCB secured the second position in the league stage and decisively defeated PBKS in Qualifier 1, earning their spot in the Final. The current squad has demonstrated strong potential this season, but the ultimate challenge lies ahead. Despite reaching three Finals previously, they have yet to overcome that final hurdle, a fact that understandably causes anxiety among fans.
RCB has a history of missed opportunities, and this time they are eager to change their fortunes. Each year, RCB supporters bring an unwavering sense of hope, a beacon that never fades. This season, they have a genuine chance to succeed, but it is crucial for the team to let go of past disappointments to finally exorcise the ghosts of the last 18 years.
Virat Kohli is determined to finish the job this time, especially after his dismissal in 2016 when RCB was in a commanding position. With his retirement from Tests and T20Is, he has limited seasons left in the IPL, and a player of his caliber deserves to lift that trophy.
As RCB approaches the field on Tuesday, they carry the dreams of nearly two decades of waiting for a title. Captain Rajat Patidar has the opportunity to achieve what legends like Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Kohli, and Faf du Plessis could not. While nerves may be high among the fanbase, the key is to maintain hope for a favorable outcome, one that contrasts sharply with the 2016 Final.
In the Eliminator, MI triumphed over GT, setting up a clash against PBKS in Qualifier 2 on Sunday in Ahmedabad. The winner will face RCB on June 3rd at the same venue.