RCB Wins IPL Trophy 2025: Royal Challengers Beat Punjab Kings by 6 Runs

IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs Punjab Kings – Match Highlights

The IPL 2025 final at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was a rollercoaster from start to finish. RCB batted first and put up a competitive total, thanks to solid contributions from their top and middle order. Punjab Kings, in reply, fought valiantly but fell agonizingly short in the last over.

Key Moments from the IPL 2025 Final

RCB's Steady Start: Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis gave RCB a solid foundation in the powerplay.

Middle-Order Surge: Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell kept the scoreboard ticking with crucial boundaries in the middle overs.

Punjab's Fightback: Arshdeep Singh and Rahul Chahar picked up essential wickets to slow RCB's charge.

Death Overs Drama: Dinesh Karthik's cameo and Krunal Pandya's late hitting pushed RCB to a defendable total.

Punjab's Chase: Liam Livingstone and Shreyas Iyer led a spirited chase, but Krunal Pandya's magical spell and Harshal Patel's nerveless final oversealed the win for RCB.

Full Match Scorecard: RCB vs Punjab Kings, IPL 2025 Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings:

Punjab Kings Bowling:

Arshdeep Singh 4-0-33-4, Rahul Chahar 4-0-28-2, Kagiso Rabada 4-0-42-1

Punjab Kings Innings:

RCB Bowling:

Krunal Pandya 4-0-28-3, Harshal Patel 4-0-36-2, Kyle Jamieson 4-0-38-1

Key Player Performances of RCB:

Virat Kohli: Anchored the innings with a composed 43, set the tone as captain, and showed nerves of steel in the field.

Rajat Patidar: Aggressive 38 in the middle overs, kept the run rate healthy.

Krunal Pandya: All-round hero with 18 runs off 8 balls and a match-winning spell of 3/28, including key wickets at crucial moments.

Harshal Patel: Bowled the final over under immense pressure, defending 19 runs and sealing the win.

Key Player Performances of Punjab Kings:

Liam Livingstone: Almost pulled off a miracle with an unbeaten 65, fighting till the last ball.

Shreyas Iyer: Played a vital knock of 41 and kept Punjab in the hunt.

Arshdeep Singh: Starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets and keeping RCB's total in check.

The Historic Final: RCB vs Punjab Kings

The clash between RCB and Punjab Kings will be remembered as one of IPL's most dramatic finals. Batting first, RCB posted 190/9, with Virat Kohli anchoring the innings with a crucial 43 runs. His partnership with Rajat Patidar (38 off 24) provided the foundation, while cameos from Glenn Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik pushed the total to a competitive score.

Punjab Kings' chase fell short despite a valiant effort from Liam Livingstone (65* off 42) and Shreyas Iyer (41 off 28). Krunal Pandya's three-wicket haul, including the decisive dismissal of Iyer, earned him Player of the Match honors. The final over saw Punjab needing 19 runs, but Harshal Patel's precise yorkers sealed RCB's six-run victory.

Virat Kohli's Emotional Triumph

Virat Kohli's tears of joy during the trophy lift encapsulated RCB's 18-year journey. The franchise icon, who debuted in 2008, finally achieved his lifelong dream. "This isn't just a trophy; it's validation for every fan who never stopped believing," Kohli stated during the post-match ceremony. His leadership and 543 runs this season silenced critics who questioned his T20 credentials.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor highlighted Kohli's dedication, tweeting from Washington: "First thing I did upon landing was check the #IPLFinal score. Very happy for @imVkohli that he #18 laid his hands on the trophy after 18 years of service!". This cross-border celebration underscored cricket's unifying power in India.

Krunal Pandya: The Unsung Hero

While Kohli's redemption arc dominated headlines, Krunal Pandya's all-round brilliance proved decisive. His 2/28 and 22-run cameo showcased his clutch mentality. "I wanted to repay RCB's faith after they bought me in the auctions," Pandya remarked, referencing his ₹12 crore price tag1. His slower balls in the death overs derailed Punjab's chase, particularly the dismissal of in-form Jitesh Sharma.

The 18-Year Wait: RCB's Journey from "Chokers" to Champions

RCB's road to the trophy was filled with ups and downs. After years of heartbreak and three previous final losses, the franchise finally found the right balance under coach Andy Flower and the leadership of Virat Kohli. The team's unity, smart auction picks, and fan support made all the difference.

Fan Celebrations and Emotional Moments

Bengaluru erupted in joy as fans took to the streets, waving flags and chanting, "Ee Sala Cup Namde!" The victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium was a sea of red and gold. Social media was flooded with congratulatory mess.

Former owner Vijay Mallya, who founded RCB in 2008, tweeted his joy, "Seeing Virat lift the trophy made every struggle worthwhile." Virat Kohli's emotional tears and his embrace with Anushka Sharma became the defining images of the night.

The Legacy of IPL 2025

RCB's victory is more than just a trophy. It's a story of belief, patience, and the power of a loyal fanbase. The 2025 final broke viewership records, with 65 million fans tuning in live. The win also boosted RCB's brand value, making them one of the most followed teams globally.

What's Next for RCB?

With the monkey off their back, RCB now looks set for a new era of dominance. Youngsters like Rajat Patidar and Suyash Prabhudessai are ready to step up, while Virat Kohli's leadership continues to inspire. The franchise's future looks brighter than ever.

Conclusion: Ee Sala Cup Namdu!

After 18 long years, RCB is finally IPL champions. The 2025 final will be remembered for its drama, emotion, and unforgettable moments. As the celebrations continue, one thing is clear: the cup is finally home in Bengaluru. "Ee Sala Cup Namdu!" is now a reality, and RCB fans can cherish this victory forever.

Congratulations, Royal Challengers Bengaluru – IPL 2025 Champions!