RCB fan offers prayers at temple ahead of high-stakes clash against PBKS: WATCH

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have stormed into the IPL 2025 playoffs on the back of a commanding group-stage campaign that featured nine wins, culminating in a second-place finish on the points table with 19 points.

In Qualifier 1, held on Thursday in Mullanpur, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar elected to bowl first, putting hosts Punjab Kings in to bat in what promises to be a thrilling playoff encounter. With a direct berth to the IPL 2025 final on the line, both teams are expected to go full throttle, knowing a second chance awaits even in defeat.

Their consistent run through the league phase ensured them a coveted top-two berth for the first time since 2016. The only setbacks RCB endured this season were four losses and a washed-out encounter against Kolkata Knight Riders, which was abandoned without a ball being bowled. One of the standout moments of their campaign came in their final group-stage fixture, where they pulled off a breathtaking chase of 228 runs against Lucknow Super Giants, a win that not only underscored their firepower but also solidified their momentum heading into the playoffs.

As the buzz around RCB’s title pursuit intensifies, emotions have spilled into the public sphere. In a viral video circulating on social media, a devoted RCB fan was seen visiting a temple, offering prayers for the team’s success in the high-stakes clash. The fan’s spiritual gesture has resonated with the franchise’s loyal following, once again highlighting the emotional investment fans have in the team’s journey.

If god is real RCB will touch the IPL trophy this year. pic.twitter.com/YkaZr2pfG9

— Kevin (@imkevin149) May 29, 2025

Despite being one of the most popular and star-studded franchises in IPL history, RCB have yet to clinch the coveted trophy. Their playoff history is a mix of promise and heartbreak. Bengaluru previously made it to the playoffs in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2024, with this being their 10th appearance. Of these, they reached the final on three occasions, in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but finished as runners-up each time, narrowly missing out on glory.

With in-form players and renewed belief, RCB enter this knockout phase determined to change the narrative. 

This article first appeared on Mid Day