The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are having a stellar season in the ongoing IPL 2025 as they are seated at the top of the points table with 16 points today. The three-time finalists have nearly done everything right this season to reach the top spot. They started with a win against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and have continued with the momentum at least till now, in first week of May.
The Bengaluru-based franchise has won five consecutive matches at away venues and two matches in their own backyard, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. With the kind of performance the team has portrayed in all these matches, it looks like this might be their season to shine and lay their hands on the IPL trophy. The Rajat Patidar-led team beat the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the previous match, making it a memorable victory for the fans.
CSK were chasing 214 runs and were almost near the target when Yash Dayal bowled a remarkable last over, turning the game in RCB’s favour. The star bowler defended 15 runs in the last over while a set batter, Ravindra Jadeja, was at the crease. Newcomer Shivam Dube did hit a six on a no-ball but still couldn’t manage to take the team home.
If we speak about RCB’s history, they are one of the four teams that has not won the IPL trophy yet in the league. Interestingly, they are also one of the three teams that has not won the ‘Fair Play Award’ in the tournament. Apart from them, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the other two teams that are yet to win this award.
What is the Fair Play Award?
The Fair Play award was introduced by the IPL committee back in 2008 for the teams to uphold the spirit of the game. This award is given to the team which portrays the best behaviour on the ground with all stakeholders. The decision is taken by the on-field umpires and the match referee. Speaking about the award, CSK, one of the most dominant teams in the tournament, has the most number of Fair Play awards (6) under their belt.
Despite playing 18 seasons, RCB have failed to win the award even once in the tournament. In the previous season, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) won the award. This season, Punjab Kings (PBKS) are at the top, running ahead of others. However, they have just one point more than CSK, and the table can turn anytime. Meanwhile, RCB are in the third position, just three points away from the Super Kings.
All in all, they look good to win both the IPL trophy and the Fair Play Award this season. But the million-dollar question is, will they?
