IPL CHOKERS: RCB’s journey of losing three IPL and one Champions League final

WHILE THE SUNRISERS HYDERABAD franchise and fans might be immersed in celebrating their epic win, the Royal Challengers Bangalore unit will be licking their wounds after having squandered yet another shot at glory. Yes, three finals in nine editions and Bangalore are yet to win the coveted IPL trophy. 

RCB were far from the favourites tag this season, but demonstrated great desire, courage and even won six games on the trot to reach the finals. Coming into yesterday’s clash, the hosts had momentum, fan following, and confidence on their side. Despite such favourable odds, Bangalore, inexplicably, managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. 

Chasing a daunting score of 208, Bangalore got off to a promising start as openers Gayle and Kohli threatened to take the game away from the visitors. With over 110 runs inside 11 overs, the hosts were writing a fairy tale story of their own. However, mid-way through the innings, Bangalore lost their way. While it might be unfair to blame the openers, the irresponsible shot by AB de Villiers and a poor response by lower-order eventually cost RCB a place in record books. 

As RCB fans rightfully expressed dejection and lamented on the loss, one wonders if RCB have now successfully managed to attract the much despised and dreaded tag in South African cricketing history- ‘chokers’

While some fans might argue and think otherwise, we look back at how Bangalore have failed to cross the final hurdle on previous two occasions. Incidentally, all these defeats have come while chasing, which further creates room for such unpleasant opinions and comparisons.  

2009 IPL FINAL RCB V DC: 

After having finished bottom of the table in the inaugural edition in 2008, both RCB and DC surprisingly, reached the finals in South Africa. It was anybody’s ball game and Bangalore led by Anil Kumble did a reasonable job of restricting the Chargers to 143 at Johannesburg.  While it wasn’t a threatening total, RCB lost two quick wickets, which left Rahul Dravid and Ross Taylor at the crease. Just when the experienced pair was anchoring the innings, Dravid played an uncharacteristic and risky shot only to be bowled. Soon the Kiwi also departed after badly executing a pull shot. Suddenly, RCB lost momentum and the match swung in Deccan’s favour. In the end, the lower order (Virat Kohli, Robin Uthappa, Mark Boucher crumbled under pressure and fell short by six runs.

2011 IPL FINAL RCB V CSK: 

After having finished at the top of the points table, RCB locked horns against CSK, who finished second. Bowling first, Bangalore’s inexperienced bowlers were taken to the cleaners by Chennai’s top-order batsmen. With a daunting total of 205 runs staring at them, Bangalore failed to respond and were shot out for 147. Once again, the celebrated line-up (Kohli, Gayle and AB) failed to come to the party and it was another disappointing show in the finals.

A few months later, RCB continued to falter at the final hurdle and this time, the stage was the now defunct ,Champions League- RCB V MI in Chennai. 

Chasing a relatively easy target of 138, Bangalore got off to a flying start with 38 on the board in four overs. While it appeared that Dilshan and Gayle would see RCB home, both the openers fell in quick succession, which brought Mumbai right back in the game. After the openers departed, MI spinners spun a web around the RCB batsmen and wickets started to tumble in a hurry. In the end, the last eight batsmen could only manage 40 runs as Bangalore fell short by 31 runs. 

As you can see, over the years, RCB have fallen prey to a similar pattern of play and have succumbed to pressure situations, owing to which the IPL title continues to elude them.