Quick Read: Keypoint

• RCB’s Historic Triumph: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings in the 2025 final.
• Kohli’s Emotional Anchor: Virat Kohli’s 43 off 35 and leadership guided RCB to 190/9 on a batting-friendly pitch.
• PBKS’s Valiant Chase: Shashank Singh’s 61 off 30 wasn’t enough as PBKS fell short, needing 29 in the final over.
• Hazlewood’s Heroics: Josh Hazlewood’s tight death bowling sealed RCB’s victory, ending an 18-year title drought.

Ahmedabad, June 3, 2025 – In a historic night at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year quest for glory, clinching their maiden IPL title in a nail-biting final against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The electric atmosphere, with over 100,000 fans roaring under the Ahmedabad sky, witnessed RCB’s triumph in a match that will be etched in IPL folklore.

The Match: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

After PBKS won the toss and elected to bowl on a batting-friendly pitch, RCB posted a competitive 190/9 in their 20 overs. Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of RCB, led from the front with a gritty 43 off 35 balls, anchoring the innings. Rajat Patidar (26), Liam Livingstone (25), and Jitesh Sharma (24) chipped in with crucial contributions, but PBKS’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh’s fiery spell, kept the pressure on.

Chasing 191, PBKS started strongly, with Shashank Singh’s explosive 61 off 30 balls threatening to take the game away. At 81/3 after 10 overs, the chase was on. But RCB’s bowlers, spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood’s nerveless death bowling, turned the tide. Needing 29 runs in the final over, PBKS fell agonizingly short, handing RCB their long-awaited victory.

Kohli’s Tears, Fans’ Cheers

As the winning runs were sealed, Virat Kohli, the face of RCB’s journey, was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face as he embraced his teammates. The stadium erupted, chanting “Ee saala cup namde” (This year the cup is ours), a slogan that has defined RCB’s passionate fanbase. Captain Faf du Plessis hailed the team’s resilience, saying, “This is for every RCB fan who believed in us. We did it for them.”

A Journey of Redemption

RCB’s road to the title was anything but easy. After three final losses in 2009, 2011, and 2016, the team faced years of heartbreak and memes. But in 2025, under Kohli’s leadership and a rejuvenated squad, they silenced the doubters. The victory sparked celebrations across Bengaluru, with fans flooding the streets, waving RCB flags, and lighting up social media with #RCBChampions trending worldwide.

What’s Next?

As RCB basks in their triumph, the IPL 2025 season will be remembered for its drama, debutants, and this unforgettable finale. For PBKS, it’s back to the drawing board, but their spirited campaign showed they’re a force to watch. For now, Bengaluru is painted red and gold, celebrating a victory 18 years in the making.