What Happened When RCB Last Topped the IPL Points Table?

Prior to the commencement of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, a lot of people believed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) would not perform as per the expectations. But now, after playing 10 matches, they are at the top of the points table. Virat Kohli has the Orange Cap for highest runs, and Josh Hazlewood is donning the Purple Cap for most wickets.

 

RCB were 4th placed prior to their game against Delhi Capitals on Sunday. But after a good run-chase under pressure, courtesy Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya, they won the game. It was their sixth consecutive away win. RCB reached the top of the table with 14 points after the win. Now they have a good possibility of ending the league stage at number one. With this win, their chances of ending the season on a high note improved immensely.

 

This raises a question: what did RCB do the last time they topped the league stage?

 

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Heartbreak for RCB in 2011 Final

 

In 2011, RCB topped the points table after the league matches, having won nine out of 14 matches. They reached the final where they played against the defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). RCB had previously gone into the final in 2009 but were defeated by Deccan Chargers. In 2011, they were looking to claim their first title. But CSK was not going to let that happen. CSK's openers Michael Hussey and Murali Vijay came together to score a 159-run partnership. Hussey scored 63 runs, and Vijay fell short of his century by a mere 5 runs.

 

 

MS Dhoni, CSK captain, contributed a swift 22 runs from 13 balls, allowing CSK to finish at 205/5. RCB while chasing 206 lost wickets at regular intervals. Chris Gayle was dismissed for 0, Virat Kohli for 35, and  managed just 18. Saurabh Tiwary attempted a comeback by scoring 42 off 34 but was unable to pursue the huge target. They managed just 147 in 20 overs, eventually losing the finals by 58 runs.

 

Now in 2025, RCB are on top once more. The question is, will they suffer the same heartbreak again?