IPL 2025: Can RCB depart the previous behind and present consistency within the playoffs? 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been a dominant pressure within the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season. Remarkably, they’ve gained seven away matches – no different crew with seven or extra away video games has maintained a 100 per cent win report. This stellar away kind has been key to their playoff qualification.

Regardless of dropping their first three house video games, RCB bounced again by excelling on the street, giving themselves essential respiratory house. Their dramatic chase of 228 in opposition to the Lucknow Tremendous Giants – now the third-highest profitable run chase in IPL historical past – added to their momentum and confidence.

Jitesh Sharma was the star of that evening, smashing 85 off simply 33 balls on the Ekana Stadium. With the stakes excessive – doubtlessly having to undergo the Eliminator – his explosive knock helped RCB safe a top-two end.

Nonetheless, historical past reminds us that the playoffs have usually been RCB’s stumbling block.

How have RCB carried out within the IPL playoffs?

RCB have a modest report within the IPL playoffs, successful simply 4 of their 10 matches because the format was launched in 2011. Since reaching the ultimate in 2016 in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad, their playoff campaigns have largely been disappointing.

Of their final 5 playoff appearances, RCB have suffered 4 defeats. Their sole win got here within the Eliminator of the 2022 version, the place they beat the Lucknow Tremendous Giants by 14 runs at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Notably, in all 4 losses, RCB batted first, solely to see their opponents chase down the targets with relative ease.

Final season, RCB staged a formidable comeback by successful six matches on the trot. As soon as gazing early elimination, they defied the chances to safe a playoff spot. Nonetheless, their resurgence resulted in disappointment as they misplaced the Eliminator to Rajasthan Royals by 4 wickets.

RCB leads to IPL play-offs

• Misplaced by 6 wickets vs Chennai Tremendous Kings at Wankhede – 24 Could 2011
• Gained by 43 runs vs Mumbai Indians in Chennai – 27 Could 2011
• Gained by 71 runs vs Rajasthan Royals in Pune – 20 Could 2015
• Misplaced by 3 wickets vs Chennai Tremendous Kings in Ranchi – 22 Could 2015
• Gained by 4 wickets vs Gujarat Lions in Bengaluru – 24 Could 2016
• Misplaced by 6 wickets vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in Abu Dhabi – 6 Nov 2020
• Misplaced by 4 wickets vs Kolkata Knight Riders in Sharjah – 11 Oct 2021
• Gained by 14 runs vs Lucknow Tremendous Giants at Eden Gardens – 25 Could 2022
• Misplaced by 7 wickets vs Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad – 27 Could 2022
• Misplaced by 4 wickets vs Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad – 22 Could 2024

One other day, one other likelihood

In 2025, RCB enter the Qualifier 1 for under the third time of their historical past. Their earlier appearances got here in 2011 and 2016. In 2011, they had been overwhelmed by Mumbai Indians by 43 runs at Chepauk. In distinction, they emerged victorious in 2016, defeating the now-defunct Gujarat Lions by 4 wickets.

RCB have seen a number of standout performers this season. With Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, skipper Rajat Patidar, and Virat Kohli in nice kind, their batting lineup has seemed formidable. Jitesh’s resurgence, specifically, has added further firepower at a vital time.

On the bowling entrance, Josh Hazlewood’s return to India has been a serious increase – he at present leads the crew’s wicket tally. Complemented by constant performances from Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and others, RCB look like a well-balanced and assured facet able to going all the best way.

But, greater than particular person performances, RCB’s playoff success might hinge on their potential to deal with stress – one thing that has usually allow them to down in previous seasons.

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