In a thrilling culmination to the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden IPL title, defeating the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a narrow margin of six runs. This victory, achieved at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, marks the end of an 18-year wait for RCB and its ardent fans.After an agonizing 18-year wait, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally tasted IPL glory, overpowering Punjab Kings in a nerve-wracking finale of IPL 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Defending what initially seemed like a modest target of 191, RCB’s bowlers rose to the occasion yet again, delivering a clinical performance that restricted PBKS to 184/7 in their 20 overs.RCB sealed the final with a thrilling six-run victory and as the final moments unfolded, Virat Kohli couldn’t hold back his tears. It was a powerful reflection of just how deeply he had yearned for this title, season after season. Having fallen agonizingly short on three previous occasions, Kohli had endured his share of heartbreak but not this time. Tuesday night belonged to him and RCB.
The Long-Awaited Triumph
RCB‘s journey to their first IPL championship has been one of perseverance and resilience. Despite reaching the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, the team had fallen short each time. The 2025 season, however, saw a rejuvenated RCB side, blending experienced stalwarts with emerging talents, culminating in a well-deserved title win.
The Final Showdown
Opting to bat first, RCB posted a total of 190/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a steady 43 runs, while contributions from Mayank Agarwal (24), Rajat Patidar (26) and Liam Livingstone (25) provided the necessary impetus. Despite a disciplined bowling performance from PBKS, including a notable final over by Arshdeep Singh, RCB managed to set a competitive target.Salt’s early dismissal significantly impacted the progression of RCB’s innings. Subsequent batsmen, including Mayank Agarwal (24), Rajat Patidar (26) and Liam Livingstone (25) failed to capitalise on their starts.
The tall Jamieson had a considerable impact, not only finding the right lengths and variations to contain the batsmen but also dismissing three key players to further hinder RCB.
In response, PBKS began their chase with promise as openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh provided a solid foundation. However, RCB’s bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, applied consistent pressure. Key wickets at crucial junctures, including the dismissals of Shreyas Iyer and Marcus Stoinis, tilted the balance in RCB’s favor. Despite a valiant effort from Shashank Singh, PBKS fell short, finishing at 184/7.
Emotional Highs and Celebrations
The victory was particularly poignant for Virat Kohli, who, after years of dedication to the franchise, finally lifted the IPL trophy. His emotional response resonated with fans worldwide, symbolizing the culmination of years of hard work and commitment.
The celebrations extended beyond the players, with former RCB legends AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle joining the festivities, highlighting the deep-rooted camaraderie within the RCB family.
Season Highlights
- Phil Salt’s Impact: The English wicketkeeper-batsman played a pivotal role throughout the season, including a match-winning half-century in Qualifier 1 against PBKS.
- Bowling Prowess: RCB’s bowling unit, featuring the likes of Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar, and Krunal Pandya, consistently delivered under pressure, often turning matches in their favor.
- Team Synergy: The blend of experienced players and emerging talents created a balanced and cohesive unit, capable of adapting to various match situations.
Looking Ahead
RCB’s maiden IPL title not only ends a long-standing quest but also sets the stage for future successes. The team’s performance in the 2025 season has redefined their legacy, transforming them from perennial underachievers to champions. As the franchise looks to build on this success, the focus will be on maintaining team cohesion and nurturing emerging talents to sustain their winning momentum.