In a historic moment for the franchise and its passionate fanbase, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025. This victory ended an 18-year quest for the elusive trophy, marking a significant milestone for the team and its stalwart, Virat Kohli.
RCB’s Innings:Virat Kohli Anchors Amidst Regular Wickets
After losing the toss and being put into bat, RCB faced early setbacks with opener Phil Salt dismissed in the second over. Virat Kohli, displaying his characteristic resilience, top-scored with a composed 43 off 35 balls, anchoring the innings amidst regular fall of wickets. Contributions from Rajat Patidar (26), Liam Livingstone (25), and Jitesh Sharma (24) helped RCB post a competitive total of 190 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Punjab’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson, who claimed three wickets each, effectively curbing RCB’s scoring momentum.
Punjab Kings’ Chase: Shashank’s Effort Falls Short
Chasing 191 for victory, PBKS had a steady start but struggled to build substantial partnerships. Shashank Singh emerged as the standout performer with an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, keeping Punjab’s hopes alive. However, disciplined bowling in the death overs by RCB, particularly from Krunal Pandya (2/17) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38), restricted PBKS to 184 for 7, falling short by six runs.
This triumph was especially poignant for Virat Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inception of the IPL in 2008. Despite multiple playoff appearances and three previous final losses (2009, 2011, 2016), the title had remained elusive. Post-match, an emotional Virat Kohli dedicated the win to the loyal RCB fans, acknowledging their unwavering support through the years.The 2025 IPL season concluded with RCB’s long-awaited victory, adding a new chapter to the tournament’s history and fulfilling the dreams of countless supporters.
