Royal Challengers Bangalore are yet to lift their maiden trophy, and the 15th edition once again ended in heart-break for the Bangalore team. Let's take a look at RCB's season.
Chitrangada Chaudhuri
RCB saw a change in captaincy, after Virat Kohli stepped down post IPL 2021. Adding Faf du Plessis to the squad during the mega auction, RCB handed the reigns over to former SA skipper.
Despite losing out on the title yet again, RCB had a lot of positives along with some major concerns from the season.
Though Challengers began the season on a losing note, skipper du Plessis hammered a 57-ball 88 in his first game for RCB.
Losing start
In their opener, Challengers set a massive-target of 205/2, but the bowlers failed to defend it as Punjab Kings chased it down with an over to spare.
Winning Run
But RCB quickly overcame the opening loss, to bounce back with three wins in a row.
Southern rivals Chennai Super Kings once again got the better of RCB as they put a stop to RCB's winning run with a 23-run win.
RCB bounced back with two wins on the trot, defeating Delhi Capitals first and then Lucknow Super Giants.
Midway, RCB's morale took a big hit as they were handed a crushing 9 wicket loss by SRH. Sunrisers bowled out RCB for 68 before chasing it down with 72 balls to spare. That took a big hit on the NRR.
Challengers went on to lose two more - first RR & then to GT, before bouncing back with two wins on the trot. RCB finished the league with two wins on the trot.
RCB's chances
But their hopes of making it to the playoffs depended on the outcome of the DC vs MI game. With MI handing DC a defeat in their final game, RCB secured the final playoff berth.
Patidar sizzles
Rajat Patidar struck an unbeaten ton in the Eliminator against LSG, to set RCB's clash up against Royals in Qualifier 2.
RCB's cracks showed once again as they failed to cross the hurdle in Qualifier 2 and seal their place in the Final.
Kohli's form
One of RCB's major concerns was Virat Kohli's form. Though Kohli was the second-highest run-scorer for RCB, with 341 runs from 16 games, the former skipper's lean patch reflected on the team.
The former skipper hit two half-centuries, and played a key knock in the final league game, to keep RCB's playoffs hopes alive, but throughout the season, Kohli's form at the top hurt RCB.
Coming to skipper - du Plessis also endured an inconsistent run, despite some big knocks. Du Plessis fit into the skipper's role with ease, but failing to score in crucial games, hurt the side.
Maxwell's form
Another big player who failed to impress with the bat was Glenn Maxwell. In 13 games, Maxwell scored just one half-century.
Top performers
While some of the top guns failed to fire, the ones who stole the show for RCB was Patidar and Karthik who donned the finishers role.
Coming in to the side as a replacement player, Patidar became a crucial part of the team and single-handedly guided the team to Qualifier 2.
DK - The Finisher
Meanwhile, Karthik was at his explosive best, lifting the team out of crunch situations. DK's form, saw him make a comeback for the Indian team.
Bowlers
Meanwhile, in the bowling department, Siraj wasn't his best. But Hasaranga led with 26 wickets, Josh Hazlewood was second with 20 wickets.
All in all, though RCB once again failed to cross the line, they were the hot picks this season and ended the campaign with plenty of positives.