Royal Challengers Bengaluru: A rollercoaster through the IPL years

For years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were among the most popular teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), yet their trophy cabinet remained empty. Bought for Rs 464 crore (about $111.6 million) in 2008, they were the second-most expensive franchise at the time. Ownership later shifted from Vijay Mallya’s United Breweries to Diageo India in 2015, marking a key transition off the field.Their early approach did not quite fit the format. In 2008, RCB built a squad around Test stalwarts, hoping experience would translate into T20 success, but they managed only four wins. The next few seasons brought a turnaround, with two runners-up finishes that established them as contenders. Over the years, RCB became known for big auction buys. Players like Yuvraj Singh, Dinesh Karthik and Chris Morris were signed for hefty sums but rarely retained beyond a season if they did not deliver. In contrast, the franchise consistently backed Virat Kohli, who became its long-standing face. Under Faf du Plessis, they returned to the playoffs, finishing fourth in successive seasons.The long wait finally ended in 2025. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB found consistency at the right time and defeated Punjab Kings in the final to win their maiden IPL title. After years of near misses, the breakthrough reshaped their legacy from underachievers to champions.Here's a timeline of the franchise: 2008: Vijay Mallya bought the RCB franchise for $111.6 million, the second most expensive team, just behind Reliance Industries's $111.9 million bid for Mumbai Indians. Rahul Dravid was captain, with Venkatesh Prasad as coach, but poor results led to a mid-season shake-up. CEO Charu Sharma made way for Brijesh Patel, while Ray Jennings replaced Prasad. Mallya publicly criticised the team’s performances. Virat Kohli was signed in the player draft.2009: RCB splurged in the auction, signing Kevin Pietersen for a record bid and making smart trades. Pietersen was appointed captain before Anil Kumble took over mid-season. The team reached the final but lost to Deccan Chargers.2010: A middling season saw RCB qualify for both the IPL semi-finals and the Champions League T20. Ross Taylor starred, while Kumble retired after the Champions League.2011: RCB hit reset. The IPL governing council announced a mega auction, and while teams could retain players, RCB chose to retain only Kohli, signalling the start of a new era. Chris Gayle joined as an injury replacement, while AB de Villiers was signed at the auction. RCB reached the Champions League final, losing to Mumbai Indians, and also finished runners-up in the IPL, losing to Chennai Super Kings.2013: The Kohli captaincy era began as he took over from Daniel Vettori and led the side until 2021. Kohli, de Villiers and Gayle became the core of the franchise. In 2014, players like Yuzvendra Chahal and Yuvraj Singh were added. After rebuilding, RCB reached the playoffs in 2015 but lost to Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 2.2016: A change in leadership followed Mallya’s financial troubles, with Amrit Thomas taking over as chairman. Diageo had already entered ownership in 2015 after acquiring United Spirits Limited. It was a mixed season on the field as RCB reached the final but finished runners-up for the third time. Off the field, the franchise’s brand value surged with major sponsors such as Adidas, Reebok, Zeven, Hero Cycles, Gionee and HP.2016–2019: RCB dominated social media engagement and climbed the brand valuation ladder. In 2017, despite having no IPL titles, the franchise had a brand value of $88 million. Frequent changes in coaching staff and squad combinations followed, culminating in a last-place finish in 2019.2021: A new chapter began as Kohli stepped down as captain. AB de Villiers retired, and Faf du Plessis took over as captain.2024: RCB Women won the Women's Premier League, marking the franchise’s first major title.2025: Under Andy Flower, the team found a new direction. With Dinesh Karthik and Mo Bobat among the backroom staff, RCB had a strong mega auction and ended their long wait for an IPL title. However, tragic scenes followed as 11 fans lost their lives in a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the title celebrations. Following this, Diageo India decided to sell the franchise.2026: Led by Smriti Mandhana, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their second Women’s Premier League title with a six-wicket victory over Delhi Capitals.