The Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced in 2008, and by 2025, it has completed 18 seasons. The inaugural season of the tournament featured a competition among eight teams. However, the league has undergone significant changes, and for the past few years, 10 teams have been vying for the title.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore has been an integral part of the IPL since its very first season in 2008, having participated in all 18 seasons. Over the last few years, the team has established itself as one of the league's strongest contenders. Although RCB has yet to win the IPL title, it has reached the playoffs on 10 occasions. Furthermore, the team has advanced to the final five times, including the 2026 IPL season.
Royal Challengers Bangalore Record in the IPL Final
| Year | Opponent | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Punjab Kings | Ahmedabad | Won by 6 runs (Maiden Title) |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru | Lost by 8 runs |
| 2011 | Chennai Super Kings | Chennai | Lost by 58 runs |
| 2009 | Deccan Chargers | Johannesburg | Lost by 6 runs |
IPL 2009
In the second season of the IPL in 2009, the team led by Anil Kumble secured their spot in the final by comprehensively defeating the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the second semi-final. In the final against the Deccan Chargers, Captain Kumble delivered a magnificent bowling performance, taking four wickets and restricting the opposition to a score of just 143/6 in the first innings. Although victory appeared well within reach for RCB, their batting order completely crumbled during the second innings. Roelof van der Merwe emerged as the top scorer (32 runs), as no other batsman stepped up to take responsibility while chasing the target. Ultimately, RCB finished at 137/9 in their 20 overs, losing the match by a narrow margin of just six runs.
IPL 2011
In the 2011 season, under the captaincy of Daniel Vettori, RCB reached the IPL final for the second time. In the playoffs, they lost to CSK in Qualifier 1 but secured their spot in the final by defeating the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Qualifier 2. In this high-scoring final, MS Dhoni-led CSK posted a massive total of 205/5 in the first innings, with openers Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay scoring half-centuries. Subsequently, RCB succumbed to the pressure and managed to score only 147/8 in the second innings, ultimately losing the match by a large margin of 58 runs.
IPL 2016
Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, RCB reached the final of the 2016 season. They secured their spot in the final by defeating the Gujarat Lions in Qualifier 1, where they faced Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Led by David Warner, SRH posted a massive total of 208/7 in the first innings. RCB's openers, Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, forged a magnificent opening partnership of 114 runs, with both batsmen scoring half-centuries. However, the rest of the batsmen failed to capitalize on this strong start. Ultimately, RCB's scoreboard halted at 200/7, and they lost the match by a narrow margin of just eight runs.
IPL 2025
Led by Captain Rajat Patidar, RCB won their maiden title by defeating Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final. RCB claimed the trophy by beating Punjab in both Qualifier 1 and the final. In the final, RCB posted a score of 190/9 in the first innings. Although no individual batsman reached the half-century mark, they displayed magnificent teamwork. Virat Kohli emerged as the team's top scorer with 43 runs. Subsequently, RCB's bowlers restricted Punjab to 184/7, winning the match by six runs.
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