NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have taken a decisive step towards ending their long wait for an Indian Premier League (IPL) title, securing a place in the 2025 final after a dominant eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur on Thursday. With the win, RCB not only advanced to their fourth IPL final — after previous runner-up finishes in 2009, 2011, and 2016 — but also positioned themselves on the statistically favourable path to championship glory.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!In the IPL’s current playoff format, introduced in 2011, teams finishing in the top two after the league stage get two chances to reach the final. And there’s a strong historical trend that favours the winner of Qualifier 1 – 11 of the 14 IPL titles since 2011 have been won by the team that advanced directly to the final through this route.Who’s that IPL player?Even more telling, all seven champions from 2018 to 2024 — including CSK (2018, 2021, 2023), MI (2019, 2020), GT (2022) and KKR (2024) — were winners of Qualifier 1.
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It’s a trend that puts RCB in an enviable position as they prepare for the final in Ahmedabad on June 3.Riding on Virat Kohli’s class and Rajat Patidar’s captaincy, RCB have carried momentum and clarity into the playoffs. This extended break before the final gives them time to recover, strategise and sharpen their edge for the title bout.
Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans take on Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator on Friday, with the winner facing PBKS in Qualifier 2. Whoever emerges from that battle will meet a well-rested RCB, who now not only hold form but also history firmly in their favour. Is 2025 finally RCB’s year? All signs are promising.
