How Virat Kohli’s ‘1% Chance’ Theory Sparked RCB’s Stunning Comeback in IPL 2025!
For most IPL teams, losing 7 out of their first 8 matches would mean the season is over. Sitting at the bottom of the table, confidence shattered, fans frustrated, and social media filled with criticism, Royal Challengers Bengaluru were in complete disarray. But after that, it was nothing short of a miracle. Against all odds, RCB scripted an unbelievable turnaround, defying expectations to secure a spot in the Playoffs. Very soon you will be able to bet on your favorite team on the JeetBuzz. How did they pull off this incredible comeback? What changed for the team when all hope seemed lost? Let’s take a deep dive into RCB’s extraordinary journey to redemption.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2024 Season
The IPL 2024 season started with high hopes for Royal Challengers Bengaluru under the leadership of Faf du Plessis. With stars like Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Dinesh Karthik, and Mohammed Siraj, fans expected a strong campaign. However, their journey began on a familiar note, losing their opening match against Chennai Super Kings on March 22, 2024. Despite this setback, RCB bounced back in their next match, defeating Punjab Kings, giving fans hope that this could be their breakthrough season. But what followed was a nightmare.
(IPL Points Table after KKR vs RCB Match on 21st April 2024)
Their batting unit crumbled match after match, leaving Virat Kohli as the lone warrior. He fought hard, even scoring a magnificent century against Rajasthan Royals, but with no support from the other end, RCB still ended up on the losing side. The lowest point of their season came on April 21, 2024, in a heart-wrenching match against Kolkata Knight Riders. They fought till the last ball but fell short by just 1 run—a loss that left them bottom of the points table with 7 defeats in 8 matches. Trolled heavily on social media and almost out of the tournament, RCB’s season looked all but over. Or was it?
Virat Kohli’s 1% Chance to 100% Chance
After their crushing one-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders on April 21, 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru hit rock bottom. With seven losses in eight games, their confidence was shattered, and their playoff hopes were all but gone. They had been dominated by teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad, KKR, and Chennai Super Kings, leaving the entire camp demoralized. But just when RCB needed a leader, Virat Kohli stepped up. The legend of IPL gathered the team, looked them in the eye, and delivered a powerful pep talk. He said:
“There is a one percent chance, and sometimes that chance is good enough. But what matters is what you think about that one percent. Are you willing to give absolutely everything that you have to make that one into 10 and then grow that 10 into 30? Eventually, something magical might come out of it.”
Virat Kohli’s pep talk became the turning point for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The team, once down and out, now had a clear mission as to win all six remaining matches to keep their playoff hopes alive. It was a massive challenge, but the mindset had changed. With their backs against the wall, RCB prepared for a do-or-die battle in their next six games, determined to rewrite their season’s story.
1. 25th April 2024: RCB vs SRH
For their 9th game of the season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru traveled to Hyderabad to face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on April 25, 2024. Batting first, RCB posted 206/7 in 20 overs, powered by Rajat Patidar’s explosive 50 off 20 balls and Virat Kohli’s steady 51 off 43.
Cameron Green played a key role with 37 off 20 balls*, while Jaydev Unadkat was SRH’s best bowler, taking 3/30. In response, SRH struggled despite Abhishek Sharma’s quickfire 31 off 13 and Pat Cummins’ 31 off 15. RCB’s spinners dominated, with Karn Sharma (2/29) and Swapnil Singh (2/40) making crucial breakthroughs. SRH managed 171/8, and RCB won by 35 runs, breaking their losing streak.
2. 28th April 2024: RCB vs GT
After winning against Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB headed straight to Ahmedabad to face Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium on April 28, 2024. GT batted first and posted 200/3 in 20 overs, led by Sai Sudharsan’s unbeaten 84 off 49 balls and Shahrukh Khan’s explosive 58 off 30. Mohammed Siraj, Glenn Maxwell, and Swapnil Singh took a wicket each, but GT’s middle order ensured a strong total.
Chasing 201, RCB was unstoppable. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with 70 off 44 balls*, but the real star was Will Jacks, who smashed a breathtaking 100 off just 41 balls*, hitting 10 sixes. RCB raced to 206/1 in just 16 overs, winning by 9 wickets with 24 balls to spare. This dominant victory boosted their Net Run Rate and kept their playoff hopes alive.
3. 4th May 2024: RCB vs GT
After defeating Gujarat Titans at their home ground, Royal Challengers Bengaluru met them again at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 4, 2024. RCB elected to field first, and their bowlers dominated from the start. Mohammed Siraj (2/29) and Yash Dayal (2/21) led the attack, reducing GT to 147 all out in 19.3 overs. Despite Shahrukh Khan’s 37 off 24 and Rahul Tewatia’s 35 off 21, GT couldn’t build partnerships.
Chasing 148, RCB’s openers started aggressively. Faf du Plessis smashed 64 off just 23 balls, while Virat Kohli anchored with 42 off 27. However, GT fought back, taking six wickets for 25 runs, with Josh Little (4/45) and Noor Ahmad (2/23) striking. But Dinesh Karthik (21) and Swapnil Singh (15) held their nerve, sealing a 4-wicket win with 38 balls to spare.
4. 9th May 2024: RCB vs PBKS
With three consecutive wins and confidence soaring, RCB moved to Dharamsala to face Punjab Kings on May 9, 2024. Batting first, RCB put up a massive 241/7 in 20 overs, led by a stunning 92 off 47 balls from Virat Kohli, supported by Rajat Patidar’s 55 off 23 and Cameron Green’s 46 off 27. Harshal Patel (3/38) and Vidwath Kaverappa (2/36) were PBKS’s best bowlers.
Chasing 242, PBKS got off to a fiery start with Rilee Rossouw’s 61 off 27 and Shashank Singh’s 37 off 19, but RCB’s bowlers struck back. Mohammed Siraj (3/43), Karn Sharma (2/36), and Swapnil Singh (2/28) dismantled the lineup, bowling PBKS out for 181 in 17 overs. RCB won by 60 runs, knocking PBKS out of playoff contention while keeping their own hopes alive.
5. 12th May 2024: RCB vs DC
After winning their fourth consecutive game, RCB climbed to 8th place in the points table, keeping their playoff hopes alive as they faced Delhi Capitals at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 12, 2024. Batting first, RCB posted 187/9, powered by Rajat Patidar’s 52 off 32, Will Jacks’ 41 off 29, and Cameron Green’s unbeaten 32 off 24. Khaleel Ahmed (2/31) and Rasikh Salam (2/23) were DC’s best bowlers.
Chasing 188, DC stumbled early, losing four wickets inside the powerplay. Axar Patel fought back with 57 off 39, but RCB’s bowlers dominated. Yash Dayal (3/20), Lockie Ferguson (2/23), and Cameron Green (1/19) restricted DC to 140 in 19.1 overs, sealing a 47-run win. With their fifth straight victory, RCB jumped to 5th place, strengthening their playoff chances.
6. 18th May 2024: RCB vs CSK
The most anticipated league match of IPL 2024, RCB vs CSK, was set to decide the fourth team to qualify for the playoffs. Played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 18, 2024, RCB needed a win by at least 18 runs to qualify. Batting first, RCB posted 218/5, led by Faf du Plessis’ 54 off 39, Virat Kohli’s 47 off 29, and Rajat Patidar’s 41 off 23. Cameron Green (38 off 17)* provided the late flourish.
In reply, CSK lost Ruturaj Gaikwad on the first ball, but Rachin Ravindra (61 off 37) kept hopes alive. However, RCB bowlers struck at crucial moments, with Yash Dayal (2/42), Mohammed Siraj (1/35), and Glenn Maxwell (1/25) restricting CSK to 191/7. RCB won by 27 runs, securing their place in the playoffs with a thrilling finish.
Wrapping Up
With their win against Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a spot in the top 4 of IPL 2024. Just a few weeks earlier, on April 21, 2024, they were at the bottom of the table, almost out of the tournament, and hence RCB’s comeback was like a fairytale. After losing 7 out of 8 games, they won six matches in a row, proving everyone wrong. When fans lost hope and social media mocked them, Virat Kohli’s ‘1% chance’ speech changed everything. This comeback will go down as one of the greatest in IPL history, proving that even 1% hope can create magic.
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