Eleanor Thompson After 18 years of heartbreak and near-misses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are finally Indian Premier League champions. In a pulsating IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB held their nerve to defeat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs, capping off a season of resilience, redemption, and high drama. Virat Kohli, the face of the franchise since its inception, was in tears as RCB’s long wait for the trophy ended, while Punjab Kings, themselves seeking a maiden title, fell agonisingly short despite a valiant chase.
Match Summary
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Date: June 3, 2025
- Result: RCB 190/9 (20 overs) beat PBKS 184/7 (20 overs) by 6 runs
RCB’s Innings: Grit Over Glamour
RCB were put in to bat after PBKS won the toss and opted to field, a decision influenced by recent chasing trends at the venue. The innings was a see-saw affair, with partnerships building and breaking at crucial moments:
- Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 43, providing stability as wickets fell around him.
- Phil Salt (16), Mayank Agarwal (24), Rajat Patidar (26), Liam Livingstone (25), and Jitesh Sharma (24) all got starts but failed to convert them into a big score.
- RCB’s lower order, led by Romario Shepherd (17), chipped in to push the total to 190/9.
For PBKS, Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson were the standout bowlers, picking up three wickets each and keeping the pressure on RCB throughout the innings.
PBKS’s Chase: Shashank’s Heroics Not Enough
Chasing 191 for glory, PBKS started brightly, reaching 70 runs by the 8th over. Openers Priyansh Arya (24) and Prabhsimran Singh gave the team a solid platform, but RCB’s bowlers struck back:
- Josh Hazlewood dismissed Priyansh Arya to break the opening stand.
- Josh Inglis and Shreyas Iyer tried to steady the ship, but regular wickets kept PBKS under pressure.
The match came alive in the final overs thanks to a breathtaking display from Shashank Singh, who smashed an unbeaten 61 off just 30 balls. Needing 29 from the final over, Shashank hit Hazlewood for 6, 4, 6, 6 in a late blitz, but the target proved just out of reach as RCB held on for a famous victory.
Bowling Heroes
RCB’s bowlers were the difference in the crunch moments:
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up two vital wickets at the death, stifling PBKS’s momentum.
- Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, and Romario Shepherd each claimed a wicket and bowled tight overs under immense pressure.
- The collective discipline of RCB’s seamers in the final overs was crucial in defending a total that many thought was below par.
Key Moments
- Kohli’s Anchor: Virat Kohli’s calm 43 set the tone for RCB’s innings, helping them recover from mini-collapses.
- Middle Order Contributions: RCB’s middle and lower order consistently chipped in, ensuring the team reached a competitive total.
- Shashank’s Late Assault: Shashank Singh’s fireworks in the last over kept the contest alive till the very end, but the task was ultimately too steep.
- Bhuvneshwar’s Death Overs: Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience and accuracy under pressure were instrumental in sealing the win for RCB.
Emotional Scenes: Kohli and RCB Fans Celebrate
The final whistle sparked emotional celebrations. Virat Kohli, who has carried the hopes of RCB fans for nearly two decades, was visibly moved, tears streaming down his face as he hugged teammates and coaches. The Bengaluru crowd, both in Ahmedabad and back home, erupted in joy, marking the end of an 18-year wait for IPL glory.
What This Win Means
- First IPL Title: RCB join the elite club of IPL champions, finally shedding the tag of “perennial underachievers.”
- Legacy Moment: Kohli’s legacy as an IPL great is now sealed with a trophy to match his records and loyalty.
- Punjab’s Wait Continues: PBKS, who last reached the final in 2014, will have to wait another year for their maiden title, but can take heart from a season of progress and the emergence of new stars.
Full Scorecard
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 190/9 (20 overs)
- Virat Kohli 43
- Mayank Agarwal 24
- Rajat Patidar 26
- Liam Livingstone 25
- Jitesh Sharma 24
- Phil Salt 16
- Romario Shepherd 17
- Arshdeep Singh 3/36
- Kyle Jamieson 3/33
Punjab Kings: 184/7 (20 overs)
- Shashank Singh 61* (30)
- Priyansh Arya 24
- Prabhsimran Singh (start)
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2 wickets
- Hazlewood, Dayal, Shepherd 1 wicket each
Looking Ahead
The 2025 IPL final will be remembered as the night RCB finally conquered their demons and lifted the trophy. For Punjab Kings, the heartbreak will sting, but their spirited run and the emergence of new match-winners bode well for the future.
For RCB fans and the city of Bengaluru, the celebrations will last long—this was a triumph 18 years in the making, and one that will be cherished for generations.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the IPL 2025 champions!
The wait is finally over.
