As Royal Challengers Bangalore prepare to take on Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, they do so with a heart-pounding history, near misses and, ultimately, redemption.RCB will be appearing in their fifth IPL final and have experienced almost every emotion that the biggest stage of the tournament can offer. For years, they were known as one of the most talented teams in the league without a title. That narrative finally changed in 2025 when they lifted their first IPL trophy.
Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL Final
| the weather | Opposite | The result | The margin | Captain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Deccan Chargers | lost | by 6 runs | Anil Kumble. |
| 2011 | Chennai Super Kings | lost | By 58 runs | Daniel Vettori |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | lost | By 8 runs | Virat Kohli |
| 2025 | Punjab Kings | Won. | Champions | Rajat Patidar |
| 2026 | Gujarat Titans | To be played. | – | Rajat Patidar |
Their first shot at the title came in 2009 under the captaincy of Anil Kumble. Playing the final in Johannesburg, RCB looked well positioned to claim the crown before collapsing late and eventually losing to the Deccan Chargers by six runs in a nail-biting contest.Two years later, they returned to the summit under the leadership of Daniele Vettori. However, the 2011 final proved to be much more one-sided as Chennai Super Kings successfully defended their title by defeating RCB by 58 runs.RCB’s next opportunity came in 2016 during one of the most memorable individual seasons in IPL history. Under the leadership of Virat Kohliwho enjoyed a record-breaking campaign with the bat, entered the final as favorites against Bengaluru Sunrisers Hyderabad. Yet despite a strong start in the chase, they fell agonizingly short, losing by eight runs and extending the wait for their first title.The defeat left another painful scar on a franchise that had now lost three IPL finals without lifting the trophy. No team has lost so many IPL finals before winning their first championship.Finally, after nine years, progress was made. In IPL 2025, RCB ended years of disappointment by defeating Punjab Kings in the final and winning their first IPL title. The long-awaited victory changed the franchise’s legacy and removed one of the biggest talking points in IPL history.Now, as they prepare for another final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, RCB have a chance to achieve something they have never done before: successfully defend the IPL crown.From the heartthrobs of 2009, 2011 and 2016 to the glory of 2025, RCB’s journey to the IPL finals has been anything but ordinary. Another victory would not only deliver a second title but also become the third franchise in IPL history to successfully defend the trophy.
