After 18 seasons of heartbreaks, near misses, and unwavering fan support, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy in a thrilling IPL 2025 Final against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The electrifying encounter took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball.
RCB clinched victory by a narrow margin of 6 runs, ending their long wait for IPL glory and scripting one of the most emotional chapters in the tournament's history.
A Final to Remember: Match Overview
Batting first, RCB posted a challenging total of 190/9 in their 20 overs. It wasn’t a one-man show—rather, a collective effort built around Virat Kohli’s solid 43 off 35 balls. Supporting knocks from Rajat Patidar (26), Liam Livingstone (25), Jitesh Sharma (24), and Mayank Agarwal (24) ensured the team reached a defendable total despite losing wickets at regular intervals.
Punjab Kings, chasing 191, came close but fell just short, finishing at 184/7. A blistering 61 off 30 balls* from Shashank Singh almost turned the tide for PBKS, but RCB's bowlers held their nerve in the death overs.
Bowling Brilliance Seals the Deal for RCB
RCB’s bowling unit delivered under pressure, showcasing discipline and composure. Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the way with 2 wickets for 38 runs, while Krunal Pandya delivered a game-changing spell of 2/17 in his 4 overs. Key contributions also came from Romario Shepherd, Yash Dayal, and Josh Hazlewood, who chipped away at PBKS's batting momentum.
On the PBKS side, Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) put in strong performances, but RCB's depth and determination proved decisive.
Turning Points: Moments That Shaped the Final
- 🔄 Toss Drama: PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl, banking on chasing the target under lights.
- 🧱 RCB’s Balanced Batting: Steady partnerships built the RCB innings, with no single player dominating but each one playing a key role.
- 🛑 Middle Overs Masterclass: Krunal Pandya’s spell dried up runs when it mattered most, choking PBKS’s chase.
- 🔥 Nerve-Wracking Finish: Despite Shashank Singh’s fireworks at the end, tight bowling from RCB in the death overs—especially Bhuvneshwar’s—kept victory just out of PBKS’s reach.
An Emotional Triumph for RCB and Kohli
This win marks a monumental moment not just for the franchise, but for every fan who has stood by RCB through years of ups and downs. For Virat Kohli, the long-time face of the team, the victory was especially emotional. After years of coming close, he finally got to lift the trophy in RCB colors, making it a fairytale finish to an unforgettable season.
Conclusion: A Final for the Ages
The IPL 2025 Final delivered everything cricket fans crave—drama, intensity, strategy, and unforgettable performances. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden title win is a testament to teamwork, persistence, and belief. This moment will live on in IPL history as one of the most hard-fought and emotionally charged victories the tournament has ever witnessed.
