Still I rise: Despite knockout exit, RCB showed spirit and chutzpah Premium

A tale of redemption and resilience in sports, exemplified by RCB's IPL journey filled with comebacks and determination.

There is something unique and awe-inspiring about comeback stories and redemption arcs. More so in sport. These tales showcase grit, determination, resilience and a certain never-say-die spirit in the face of adversity that brings out the best in individuals and teams alike.

The story of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL journey is no different. RCB has boasted of some of the world’s most destructive batters and some of the best bowlers in the business across seasons. Despite that, this outfit has found itself at the receiving end of the unforgiving nature of the sport since the inception of the tournament in 2008.

RCB has had a shot at the ultimate prize, the coveted IPL trophy, three times but the championship crown has remained elusive.

Ahead of the 2024 season of the IPL, the franchise’s triumph in the second edition of the Women’s Premier League came as a shot in the arm for the outfit and its loyalists. That was a comeback story by itself. After faltering its way through the tournament, Smriti Mandhana and Co. gathered momentum in the final week to pull off one of the most enthralling resurgences in recent sporting folklore.

However, when it came to getting to work in the middle , the men’s side got off to a start that was anything but optimistic. The loss to Chennai Super Kings in the season opener at Chepauk uncovered gaping holes in the side’s bowling plans and middle order batting departments.

With just one victory against Punjab Kings and six subsequent losses on the trot, an early exit was all but imminent. Even the sole positive — the imperious performances of senior players Virat Kohli, skipper Faf du Plessis and Dinesh Karthik — couldn’t compensate.

History has borne witness many times when strife transforms a sporting outfit. Extraordinary comeback stories where teams have defied the odds to win championships. A standout example is Liverpool FC’s UEFA Champions League final ‘miracle’ against AC Milan at Istanbul in 2005.