RCB and fans demolished to the core by Dale Steyn before IPL 2025 final

Published - 30 May 2025, 07:20 PM | Updated - 30 May 2025, 11:37 PM

RCB. Image Credit: X

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Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn set social media on fire with a surprise post after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made it to the finals for the first time since 2016 with a stunning eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBSK) in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 on May 29.

RCB thrashed Punjab Kings by eight wickets by chasing a paltry target of 102 runs in just 10 overs in Qualifier 1 in Chandigarh to book their ticket to the grand finale. After RCB made it to the finals, Dale Steyn couldn’t hold back his excitement, and he had already declared them the winner.

RCB declared the IPL 2025 champions by Dale Steyn

While the fans have been waiting since 2008, the Proteas legend said that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already won their first-ever IPL trophy after beating PBKS in Qualifier 1, even before the summit clash, which is scheduled on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

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After Rajat Patidar and his team’s dominant win over PBKS, Dale Steyn posted, X: “Can you believe it?!?!?! RCB has won the IPL.” His post has left fans stunned and excited ahead of the IPL 2025 final.

Can you believe it?!?!?!
RCB have won the IPL
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) May 30, 2025

Notably, Steyn served the Bengaluru-based franchise in two stints, first between 2008 and 2010, and then he returned in 2019 and was with them till the 2020 season.

In his IPL career, the former South African bowler scalped 97 wickets in 95 games with four teams. He took 32 wickets for RCB in 33 matches across the five seasons with the RCB.

RCB’s 60-ball win over PBKS breaks IPL Playoff record

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 has set a new record. Chasing just 102 runs, RCB wrapped up the game with 60 balls to spare, which is the biggest victory in terms of margin while chasing in IPL playoff or knockout history.

They broke the previous record of 57 balls remaining, held by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2024 final.

Interestingly, the winner of Qualifier 1 went on to lift the trophy in 11 out of 14 seasons since the current IPL playoffs format began in 2011.

Even the last seven IPL titles (2018 to 2024) were all won by teams that won Qualifier 1, so the stats are definitely in Bengaluru’s favor this time.

Rajat Patidar joins IPL greats with stunning debut season

On the other hand, Rajat Patidar has achieved a special milestone, as he has now become the fifth Indian captain to take RCB to the IPL final in his debut season as skipper.

The Bengaluru captain joined the elite company of icons like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. RCB has played in three finals before—2009 under Anil Kumble, 2011 under Daniel Vettori, and 2016 under Virat Kohli—but fell short each time, losing the trophy to Deccan Chargers, Chennai Super Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively.

Now in this season, Rajat Patidar has taken charge of a team. They had a shaky start, but Patidar’s smart captaincy, calm mindset, and bold tactics led to RCB’s stunning turnaround, and they are now strong contenders to end their title drought on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

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RCB IPL Royal Challengers Bangalore