IPL 2025 Final: RCB Clinch First-Ever IPL Title After 18 Seasons
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden IPL title in 2025, ending an 18-year-long wait.
- Key contributions from Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Mohammed Siraj led RCB to a dominant victory.
- The win sparked massive celebrations among fans and players, marking a long-awaited moment of glory.
History was made at the Narendra Modi Stadium as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally laid their hands on the elusive IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final to end an 18-year-long wait for glory. In a match filled with emotion, strategy, and individual brilliance, RCB clinched a narrow win defending a total of 190, thanks to a stellar bowling performance at the death.
The final began with PBKS winning the toss and opting to bowl first, a decision that seemed justified after their bowlers executed their plans with precision. Despite the slow nature of the pitch, RCB posted a fighting total of 190/9. Krunal Pandya’s late heroics with the ball turned the match in RCB’s favour as PBKS faltered under pressure.
RCB’s captain Rajat Patidar was all praise for his squad after the win. “This is really special for me, for Virat Kohli, and all our fans who stood by us through every heartbreak. Our bowlers executed perfectly on a tricky surface. Shepherd took a key wicket tonight and Krunal was brilliant. It's been a great learning curve captaining someone like Kohli – he deserves this more than anyone else”.
The match was a showdown of years of frustration and near misses. RCB, having previously lost finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, were determined not to let this chance slip. PBKS, who last reached the final in 2014, gave it a strong fight but ultimately fell short in what was a historic occasion for Indian cricket.
The post-match presentation was filled with emotion. Kohli, who has been the face of the franchise for over a decade and a half, was visibly emotional as he spoke. “I've given this team everything my youth, my prime. I never thought this day would come. I told AB de Villiers this win is as much his as it is ours. He might be retired, but his legacy still drives us”.
Reflecting on the long journey, Kohli added, “My heart and soul are with Bangalore. I’ve stayed loyal to this team through highs and lows. Tonight, I’ll sleep like a baby. This win is the biggest moment in my IPL career”.
Krunal Pandya, who was named Player of the Match, credited the conditions and his understanding of the situation. “We realized during our innings that slower balls were effective. I just kept backing myself, kept it slow and mixed up the pace. The pitch actually became easier in the second innings, so I had to take risks to get wickets”.
Despite the defeat, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer remained optimistic. “Dejected, yes, but proud of my team. Many youngsters stepped up. We fought hard and will come back stronger next season. We now have the experience to build on”.
Also Read: RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final: Star-Studded Ceremony Kicks Off as Ahmedabad Weather Holds Steady
Individual awards were also announced post-match. Sai Sudharsan claimed the Orange Cap with 759 runs and was named Emerging Player of the Tournament. Prasidh Krishna took home the Purple Cap with 25 wickets. Nicholas Pooran was awarded for hitting the most sixes (40), while 14-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi earned the Super Striker award with a strike rate of 206.
In a season filled with memorable performances and tight contests, RCB’s victory will be remembered as the most emotional IPL title win to date. It marked the culmination of almost two decades of dedication, perseverance, and undying support from fans.
As fireworks lit up the Ahmedabad sky, three words echoed louder than ever: Ee Sala Cup Namdu.
