Few cricket franchises command as much passion as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Whether in the IPL or WPL, the roar of “RCB, RCB” at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is electrifying. Yet, despite the unwavering support, RCB’s home ground remains anything but a fortress. The ‘Chinnaswamy Curse’—a pattern of disappointing performances in Bengaluru—seems to haunt both the men’s and women’s teams, raising serious questions about their ability to capitalize on home advantage.
RCB’s Home Curse: The Struggle Continues in IPL & WPL
Table of Contents
The RCB Home Jinx: A Tale of Struggles
RCB Men’s team has long been plagued by inconsistent performances at home. While teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians thrive in their familiar conditions, RCB has often stumbled at Chinnaswamy. The venue’s batting-friendly pitch and short boundaries should be a paradise for big hitters, yet it has repeatedly exposed RCB’s bowling frailties. Since 2012, RCB’s home wins have outnumbered their losses in only four seasons—a glaring statistic for a team that aspires for IPL glory.
The WPL Chapter: A Déjà Vu for RCB Women
The RCB Women’s team initially showed promise, kicking off WPL 2025 with two convincing wins in Vadodara. However, as soon as the tournament shifted to their home ground, history repeated itself. Three consecutive defeats, including a heartbreaking Super Over loss where they failed to chase down nine runs, left fans frustrated. Despite an in-form Ellyse Perry and flashes of brilliance from Smriti Mandhana, RCB Women struggled to make Chinnaswamy their stronghold.
Bowling Woes: The Common Factor
A deep dive into the numbers highlights a recurring problem—RCB’s bowling unit. In WPL 2025, teams batting first at Chinnaswamy averaged 148 runs, while RCB Women averaged 157. Yet, they ended up on the losing side multiple times. The men’s team has also suffered from an unreliable bowling attack for years, failing to defend even formidable totals. The inability to control the middle overs and a lack of quality death bowling have contributed significantly to this home struggle.
The Weight of Expectations
With a passionate fanbase and a star-studded lineup, the expectations on RCB—both in IPL and WPL—are immense. Yet, time and again, the team has faltered under pressure. Even with world-class players, turning Chinnaswamy into a fortress remains an elusive dream.
Can RCB Break the Curse?
With IPL 2025 and WPL 2025 still unfolding, RCB has an opportunity to rewrite their home record. Addressing their bowling vulnerabilities and strategizing better for home conditions could be the key. Until then, the ‘Chinnaswamy Curse’ continues to loom large, casting doubts over their ability to dominate in Bengaluru.
RCB’s fans deserve more than heartbreak at home. Can the men’s and women’s teams rise to the occasion and finally break free from their Bengaluru blues? Only time will tell.
FAQs
Why is RCB struggling at home?
RCB’s main issue has been weak bowling, which fails to defend totals even on batting-friendly pitches.
Has RCB ever had a strong home record?
Since 2012, RCB has only had four seasons where they won more games than they lost at home.
