IPL 2025: Can RCB Leave the Past Behind and Show Playoff Consistency?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have stormed into the IPL 2025 playoffs, securing a coveted top-two finish after a season full of highs and resilience. Their outstanding campaign has been highlighted by an extraordinary away record — winning seven out of seven matches on the road — a feat no other team with that many away games has achieved with a 100% success rate. This remarkable consistency away from home has been crucial in cementing their place in the playoffs, giving them a significant advantage heading into the knockout phase.
However, while RCB’s strong regular season form is commendable, the real challenge awaits in the playoffs. Historically, this stage has been a testing ground for the team’s temperament and ability to handle pressure — an area where they have often stumbled.
The Road to the Playoffs
Despite a rocky start at home, where RCB lost their first three matches, the team showed tremendous character by turning their fortunes around on the road. Their thrilling chase against the Lucknow Super Giants, where they successfully chased down 228 runs — the third-highest successful chase in IPL history — was a perfect example of their grit and belief. Jitesh Sharma’s explosive 85 off just 33 balls at the Ekana Stadium was a standout performance that fueled their momentum. This win proved pivotal in helping RCB seal a top-two finish, avoiding the more precarious path of the Eliminator.
Playoff Performance: A History of Inconsistency
RCB’s playoff record, however, remains a cause for concern. Since the IPL introduced the playoff format in 2011, RCB have played ten playoff matches but won only four. Their journey to the 2016 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad was a highlight, but the seasons since have been marked by disappointments.
In their last five playoff appearances, RCB have lost four times, with their only win coming in the 2022 Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens. Notably, in all the defeats, RCB batted first and were unable to defend their totals, highlighting a recurring vulnerability under pressure.
Last season’s campaign was a rollercoaster; despite a stunning comeback with six consecutive wins, their journey ended abruptly with a loss to Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator. This season, the question looms large — can RCB overcome this pattern and finally convert their strong league performances into playoff success?
Playoff Results Snapshot
- 2011: Lost to Chennai Super Kings by 6 wickets at Wankhede
- 2011: Won against Mumbai Indians by 43 runs in Chennai
- 2015: Won against Rajasthan Royals by 71 runs in Pune
- 2015: Lost to Chennai Super Kings by 3 wickets in Ranchi
- 2016: Won against Gujarat Lions by 4 wickets in Bengaluru
- 2020: Lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 6 wickets in Abu Dhabi
- 2021: Lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by 4 wickets in Sharjah
- 2022: Won against Lucknow Super Giants by 14 runs at Eden Gardens
- 2022: Lost to Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets in Ahmedabad
- 2024: Lost to Rajasthan Royals by 4 wickets in Ahmedabad
This Season’s Strengths
Entering Qualifier 1 for only the third time in their history, RCB look better balanced than ever. Their batting has been powered by the likes of Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, captain Rajat Patidar, and the evergreen Virat Kohli, who have all contributed vital runs. Jitesh Sharma’s resurgence especially gives them a critical edge with his aggressive style that can swing matches.
On the bowling front, Josh Hazlewood’s return has been a game-changer. Currently the leading wicket-taker for the team, his experience and skill complement the steady performances of Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and others. This bowling unit appears capable of defending totals and restricting opponents effectively.
The Crucial Test: Handling Pressure
While individual brilliance is evident, RCB’s playoff success will ultimately come down to mental strength and composure. Past failures suggest that handling pressure during critical moments remains an area of concern. Their ability to perform under the playoff spotlight, especially when batting first, will be closely watched.
If RCB can harness their talent and learn from previous mistakes, they have a strong chance to break their playoff jinx and make a deep run in IPL 2025. For fans, the question remains — can RCB leave the past behind and finally prove they are a championship-winning side? The answer awaits in the high-stakes drama of the playoffs.
IT.
