29 May,2025 06:05 PM IST | Mullanpur | mid-day online correspondent
Virat Kohli-Rajat Patidar running between the wickets (Pic: AFP)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have secured a place in the IPL 2025 playoffs after an impressive group stage campaign that saw them win nine matches and finish second on the points table with 19 points. Their consistent performances earned them a spot in the top two for the first time since 2016, marking their 10th appearance in the IPL playoffs.
RCB's only four losses this season were offset by a no-result against Kolkata Knight Riders, with rain preventing play. The highlight of their league run came in the final group-stage fixture, where they chased down a daunting 228-run target against Lucknow Super Giants in a high-octane thriller. The side, captained by Rajat Patidar, now prepares to face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on Thursday in Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
The winner of this clash will book a direct ticket to the IPL 2025 final, to be played on June 3 in Ahmedabad. The losing team, however, will still have a second chance, as they move to Qualifier 2, where they'll meet the victor of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.
This season also marks a significant milestone for Punjab Kings, who have reached the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Both RCB and PBKS are still chasing their elusive first IPL title, setting the stage for a fierce and high-stakes contest.
Despite boasting a star-studded lineup over the years, RCB have fallen short of lifting the trophy. Their previous playoff appearances came in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024. Out of these, they reached the final three times, in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but finished as runners-up on each occasion.
Playoff finishes by year
Overall playoff record
