Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally set one foot on destiny’s door with a commanding eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are now just one step away from ending their 18-year wait for an IPL trophy.
With RCB now through to their fourth-ever IPL final, the fans are now hoping that the franchise will finally end their title drought on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. It was their first IPL final appearance since their heartbreaking title defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016.
RCB one win away from history after crushing PBKS in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1
On June 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Punjab Kings, reeling from their crushing eight-wicket defeat at the hands of RCB, will lock horns with a resurgent Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. Notably, MI made it to the second qualifier with a 20-run win over Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator.
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Now, PBKS’ title hopes hang by a thread as they face the five-time champions Mumbai Indians, who have the momentum and are one win away from reaching another IPL final and eyeing a record-extending sixth title. Now, RCB will face either MI or PBKS in the IPL 2025 final.
David Warner predicts IPL 2025 glory for RCB
Meanwhile, former Australian batter David Warner has backed Royal Challengers Bengaluru to finally lift the IPL 2025 trophy. Warner also believes that Josh Hazlewood will deliver his best with the ball and will be adjudged as the Man of the Match in the title clash.
Replying to a fan’s query, David Warner posted, X: “I think RCB and Josh Hazelwood are men of the match.”
I think RCB and Josh hazelwood man of the match https://t.co/JUdTxak0hm
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) May 31, 2025
Well, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s stunning rise to the IPL 2025 final has been powered by smart planning and fresh leadership. Virat Kohli’s strong presence and Rajat Patidar’s sharp game sense have guided RCB through the playoffs with momentum and focus.
With a short break before the final on June 3 in Ahmedabad, the team now has the perfect chance to recharge and work on their strategy for the big game. Unlike past seasons where RCB chased big names, the 2025 mega auction saw a shift in mindset.
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Mo Bobat reveals how the perfect auction strategy worked for RCB
With a new think tank of Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, head coach Andy Flower, and mentor Dinesh Karthik, RCB avoided big names like Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer. Instead, they picked value players like Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Phil Salt, and Krunal Pandya, who all delivered when it mattered most for the franchise in the tournament.
RCB’s smart planning has paid off this season, and Mo Bobat said that their vision for the squad came together just as planned, and it is clearly showing in the team’s strong performance in the IPL 2025.
Mo Bobat said in a release, “I think we got predominantly what we wanted in terms of playing personnel. But more importantly, with the actual shape of the team and the vision of that team that Andy and I spent so much time thinking about and talking about, we pretty much nailed that. And you get to see that come to life on the field.”
