Why RCB haven't won IPL since 2008? - Explained

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are one of the original eight teams of the Indian Premier League. Year-after-year, they've been one of the strongest teams on paper and have had the maximum buzz surrounding them. Their squad has consisted of a number of superstar players as time has gone by, including the mega popular Virat Kohli.

Apart from immensely dazzling on-field performances, they've been backed by some solid marketing on social media. Their fanbase hasn't been limited to only Bengaluru, but across the entire nation and even beyond. Over time, they've also attracted fans from over the world; making them a truly formidable brand.

However, they've had nothing to show for all the time they've spent battling it out in the IPL as far as their trophy cabinet is concerned. They've had the opportunity to clinch silverware on three separate occasions up until now, but have failed to do so in 2009, 2011, and 2016.

Why RCB haven’t won an IPL trophy so far?

3. Lack of middle-order finishers

Over the years, RCB have boasted an extensive roster of top-order batters. They've mostly been a top-heavy group and have constantly held firm with the same motto. There've been countless occurrences where the opening batters and the No. 3 batter has powered the side to a motoring start within the powerplay and beyond.

However, one aspect where RCB have consistently fallen short is there being a middle-order or lower middle-order batter who ends the innings on a high, especially during the times RCB have batted first and have been granted an explosive platform to go all out during the business end of the innings.

2. Ineffective death bowling

This is one aspect which has most often gone on to haunt RCB up until now. Time and again, RCB have lost momentum mid-innings or have outright lost games due to a severely underperforming death-bowling unit. Over and over again, RCB have been in favourable situations but have ended up reducing their previous effort to nothing due to lacklustre bowling in the back end.

Bowlers have consistently been off the radar in their lines and lengths. This recurring issue reflects in data as well. In the 217 games in which RCB has had the opportunity to bowl during overs 17 and 20, they've conceded runs up at an economy rate of 10.46. As of April 12, 2025, RCB have conceded 8,325 runs in 4,775 balls during the final four-over phase.

1) Buckling during crunch situations

More often than not, RCB have performed quite well when it comes to the group-stage of the competition. In the 17 IPL seasons so far, they've reached the playoffs nine times, including three appearances in the final of the marquee T20 league. However, they've just not been able to hold their nerve when it's mattered the most. More often than not, they've emerged as second-best during pressure scenarios or significant clashes.

The finals of 2009 and 2016 serve as glaring proof of the same. RCB required 45 runs in six overs and 97 in 10 against Deccan Chargers and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively. They ended up losing both games by close margins due to dramatic batting meltdowns. The same trend has been seen countless times while with the ball, too.

Also Read: RCB Record in Green Jersey: Wins, losses and full match stats & history (2009–2025)