Breaking the 18-Year Drought: 5 Reasons Behind RCB’s IPL 2025 Victory

Almost two decades long, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) wore the badge of “underachievers” in the Indian Premier League. Boasting superstar line-ups year after year, yet the trophy always just one step away. However, the wait is finally over at last in the IPL 2025. RCB hoisted their first trophy amidst scenes of euphoria, fireworks, and relief tears at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Their win was not a matter of chance—it was a result of years of rebuilding, leadership acumen, and wise cricketing choices. These are five major reasons that drove RCB to their first-ever IPL title.

1. Faf du Plessis’ Steady Leadership and Tactical Brilliance

The foundation of RCB’s triumph in 2025 was captain Faf du Plessis’s serene yet forceful leadership. Having captained the team for several seasons, Faf infused a sense of calm and direction that had been lacking in past campaigns. His skill to vary bowlers, handle egos, and keep the team together at times of pressure was impressive.

Unlike previous seasons where panic often set in during crunch chases, Faf instilled a belief that no game was lost until the final ball. His field placements were sharp, and his faith in emerging players like Mahipal Lomror and Rajat Patidar paid off. The South African veteran’s disciplined leadership transformed RCB from a star-studded team into a genuine championship-winning unit.

2. Virat Kohli’s Red-Hot Form and Reinvented Batting Approach

When RCB required their largest icon to come up, Virat Kohli responded in style. The 2025 campaign saw Kohli get back to his aggressive but calculated batting pace, ending among the top run-getters. Most importantly, his strike rate—frequently a subject of controversy in past seasons—passed the 150 barrier, indicating that he had adapted with the needs of contemporary T20 cricket.

Kohli’s ability to anchor while accelerating at will provided RCB with a consistent platform. His crucial knocks in pressure games, especially in the playoffs, reminded everyone why he remains the heartbeat of RCB. The image of Kohli celebrating the winning moment with tears in his eyes perfectly summed up the emotional weight of this triumph.

3. Bowling Revolution: Siraj, Dayal, and Topley Lead the Charge

In the past, RCB’s weak link had been their bowling. But IPL 2025 witnessed a sea change. Mohammed Siraj found his mojo again, utilizing the new ball to rip through top orders with precision and aggression. Yash Dayal’s death overs control was a revelation alongside him, cutting tight matches in RCB’s favour often.

Reece Topley brought a touch of variety to the attack, delivering the left-arm axis that caused discomfort to most visitors. The bowling department, led by coach Adam Griffith, was disciplined—giving away fewer extras and implementing plans with accuracy. This well-balanced attack provided RCB with the power to defend totals, something it had lacked in the previous seasons.

4. Strategic Recruitment and Squad Depth

RCB’s auction plan for 2025 is worthy of high praise. Rather than spending big bucks on majeur names, the administration tried to acquire multi-utility cricketers who could play in any position. The addition of all-rounders such as Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, and Lomror brought balance in batting and bowling units.

Their depth wa’ also crucial. Whenever star players were out of a match, stand-ins like Anuj Rawat and Karn Sharma filled in flawlessly. This depth meant RCB never became too dependent on individual genius—a departure from previous seasons when dependence on Kohli or AB de Villiers was their downfall.

5. Team Culture and Mental Toughness

Maybe the most significant change in 2025 was RCB’s mental resilience. Years of disappointment had hardened this team, and with Mike Hesson and Sanjay Bangar as mentors, they developed a winning attitude. Meditation classes, team-building exercises, and transparent communication kept the players grounded even in defeat.

The players' motto, "Ee Sala Cup Namde,” was not a slogan at all—it was a shared cause. RCB fought hard in close games, frequently coming back from hopeless positions. Their playoff victories were marred by an air of tranquility born out of confidence and not desperation.