Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is one of the most loved teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL). RCB is known for its loyal fan base and Virat Kohli. There are many facts about RCB that even die-hard fans do not know. Here are 10 Things You Didn’t Know About RCB..
10. RCB was named after a liquor brand
The name Royal Challengers Bangaluru isn’t just a fancy title. The name came from ‘Royal Challenge’, a popular whisky brand owned by United Spirits, a company related to Vijay Mallya.
In 2008, Mallya bought the IPL team and named it after his liquor brand ‘Royal Challenge’ to promote it. This connection makes RCB unique among other IPL teams with its business-inspired origin.
9. They hold the record for the lowest IPL score
In IPL 2017, RCB faced a nightmare against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens. Batting first, RCB were bowled out for just 49 runs in 9.4 overs, and secured a record of the lowest total in IPL history.
KKR’s bowlers, including Nathan Coulter-Nile and Chris Woakes, ran through the line-up. It’s a record no team wants, but for now, it’s part of RCB’s records in the IPL.
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8. Chris Gayle hit the fastest T20 century for RCB
On April 23, 2013, Chris Gayle turned the Chinnaswamy Stadium into a run-scoring party zone. He smashed an unbeaten 175 runs off 66 balls, including 17 sixes and 13 fours against Pune Warriors.
He completed his century in just 30 balls, the fastest century in T20 cricket at the time. With the help of this knock, RCB put 263/5 on the board, and Gayle’s “Universe Boss” nickname became legendary in Bengaluru.
7. RCB gave free Wi-Fi at their stadium first
RCB’s home ground, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, became a fan favorite for more than just cricket in 2015. It became the first IPL stadium to offer free Wi-Fi to spectators, which was a double delight for the fans.
This act showed that RCB cares about their fans, and this set a trend that other stadiums later followed. It was like watching Virat Kohli smash sixes and post it directly on social media – RCB made it possible first.
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6. They’ve never won an IPL title despite 3 finals
RCB has come very close to IPL glory but never lifted the IPL trophy. RCB reached the IPL finals in 2009 (lost to Deccan Chargers by 6 runs), 2011 (lost to Chennai Super Kings by 58 runs), and 2016 (lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 runs).
Every time, they had big stars in their team like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, but luck did not favor them. In IPL 2016, RCB came so close to the IPL trophy but failed to win it.
5. Virat Kohli is their only constant player
Since the start of the IPL in 2008, many players have come and gone, but Virat Kohli is the only player who has stayed with the RCB. In the IPL 2008 auction, RCB bought him for just 12 lakhs (approximately $30,000 USD at that time) as a young player.
Since then, Virat has played in every season. He became RCB captain in 2013. No other original RCB player has this record, making Virat Kohli the heartbeat of the RCB franchise for over 17 years.
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4. RCB once conceded 287 runs in a match
In the IPL 2024, RCB’s bowlers had a day to forget against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. SRH scored a mammoth 287/3 against RCB, with Travis Head (102 off 41) and Heinrich Klaasen (67 off 31) going wild.
It is the highest total RCB has ever conceded in the IPL, and it is also the highest total in the IPL history. In response, RCB fought back with 262 but lost by 25 runs in a crazy high-scoring game.
3. Their women’s team won a title before the men
While the RCB men’s team is still waiting for an IPL Trophy, the RCB women’s team brought home the first IPL Trophy. In the 2024 Women’s Premier League, Smriti Mandhana led RCB-W to win the IPL title; they beat Delhi Capitals by 8 wickets, thanks to Ellyse Perry’s 35* and Smriti Mandhana’s captaincy. It was a proud moment for RCB fans.
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2. RCB bought big players but let them go fast
RCB has a history of spending big money on star players who did not last for long. In the 2014 IPL auction, they paid ₹14 crore for Yuvraj Singh, but he scored only 376 runs and was released after one season.
Similarly, in 2020, Chris Morris joined RCB for ₹10 crore; he took 11 wickets, and was let go the next year. These quick exits show RCB’s management problem and risky auction moves.
1. Anil Kumble turned their fate around
In the IPL 2009, RCB’s season started very poorly under captain Kevin Pietersen, RCB won only 2 of 6 matches. Mid-season, the local Bengaluru-born legend Anil Kumble was made RCB captain.
Under his captaincy, RCB secured 7 wins in their next 8 matches, and they reached the IPL final. In the final, they lost to Deccan Chargers, but Anil Kumble’s cool-headed leadership gave RCB their first big turnaround, earning him a special place in the RCB’s history.
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