Royal Challengers Bengaluru have made it to the IPL final on four occasions. The Indian Premier League began in 2008 and, by 2025, has completed 18 seasons. The inaugural season featured a competition between eight teams. Over the years, the league has expanded and evolved, with 10 teams now contesting the title in recent editions.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore, have been part of IPL since its inception in 2008, participating in all 18 seasons. They have consistently been a strong side in the league. Although they are yet to lift the trophy, RCB have qualified for the playoffs 10 times.
Notably, the team has reached the final on four occasions, including in the 2025 season. In the current edition, the Rajat Patidar-led team defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 to secure their spot in the final.
Historically, RCB have fallen short in the final, failing to clinch the championship title. Interestingly, they have always been on the chasing side in finals. With that in mind, let’s take a look at RCB’s record in IPL finals over the years.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru record in the IPL finals
| Season | Opponent | Result | Key Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPL 2009 | Deccan Chargers | Lost by 6 runs | Anil Kumble took 4 wickets to restrict DC to 143/6. RCB collapsed while chasing, with Roelof van der Merwe top-scoring (32). Finished at 137/9. |
| IPL 2011 | Chennai Super Kings | Lost by 58 runs | CSK scored 205/5 with fifties from Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay. RCB crumbled under pressure and managed only 147/8. |
| IPL 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Lost by 8 runs | SRH set a target of 208/7. Gayle and Kohli added 114 for the first wicket. RCB couldn’t capitalize and ended on 200/7. |