It’s official: RCB are in the final and it’s a moment every RCB fan will remember for life.
Emotions are high. From the bottom of every fan’s heart, this one feels earned.
After all the heartbreaks, memes and near-misses, RCB have finally made it — and they’ve done it in style.
Skipper Rajat Patidar won the toss and chose to bowl. The venue, the New Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mullanpur, may have been a “home” game for PBKS but RCB had other plans.
This was the same RCB team that won all their away games in the league stage. This was their territory now — and they proved it.
Key Moments That Defined This Win
1. RCB Reach the Final After 9 Years – The Toss That Turned It Around
This is RCB’s first IPL final since 2016. In the previous game, they lost the toss and had to scrap hard. But in this qualifier, Rajat Patidar won it and chose to bowl. That decision changed everything. The ball moved early, and the bowlers grabbed control from the start.
2. PBKS Wanted a Big Total but Collapsed for Just 101
Punjab walked in with the intent to score big — 180 or even 200. But they lost early wickets. The pitch had something for the bowlers, and PBKS lost their way. Despite this being the same venue where they’ve had success, they were all out for just 101. The pressure of the moment showed.
3. RCB Chased Like Champions — This Team Deserves a Trophy
RCB came to chase with intent. Salt and Kohli gave a quick start, and Rajat Patidar finished it in style. Salt’s 56 off 27 balls was the perfect statement. After 18 seasons of pain and passion, this might finally be the year. Virat Kohli has carried this team for so long — and this time, he truly deserves it.
4. Crowd at Punjab Felt Like Bengaluru at Home
Though this was PBKS territory, the atmosphere felt like Bengaluru. Huge RCB fan turnout, loud chants, and passionate support made it feel like a home game. The team fed off that energy and gave their fans the perfect performance.
PBKS couldn’t get going and were bowled out for 101. The pitch actually offered more help in the second innings but with such a low total PBKS were always behind.
Maybe they could’ve batted with more caution, especially since they were bowled out for 111 earlier in the season. But that’s hindsight. In the heat of Qualifier 1, RCB just turned up the heat.
Phil Salt delivered a jaw-dropping performance with the bat, smashing an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls.
His 23-ball half-century set the tone. Add to that a Virat Kohli opening burst and Rajat Patidar finishing it off in style with a six — and you have one of RCB’s most dominant performances ever. They won by 8 wickets with 60 balls to spare.
The bowlers were equally brilliant. Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar didn’t just contain — they crushed.
Hazlewood’s fiery spells were a reminder he’s worth every rupee — and probably more. Fans are already calling for him to be retained for over ₹12.5 crore next season.
As if the cricket wasn’t enough, the emotion in the stands was off the charts. Anushka Sharma was there cheering passionately.
The “Virushka” moments made the night even more special, showing how much this means not just to the team but to their families and fans too.
And here comes the goosebump moment — AB de Villiers is expected to be present at the final, joining the RCB boys. Yes, you read that right.
Mr. 360 is coming to the stands. Imagine the energy in that dressing room with AB around!
This team was mocked, written off and counted out. But they believed, stayed united and performed when it mattered the most.
After missing out for years, RCB are just one step away from the IPL trophy. This is their best chance in nearly a decade.
The people of Bangalore are waiting, the fans are hopeful and the dream is alive.
RCB into the final. One match away. This time, let Bangalore celebrate with the trophy in hand.
#EeSalaCupNamde ⚫
