Ahmedabad, June 3, 2025 – In a historic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their 18-year title drought to lift the coveted IPL 2025 trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The iconic victory came after a nail-biting finale against Punjab Kings (PBKS), with RCB securing a thrilling 6-run win to etch their name in IPL history.
This long-awaited triumph marks RCB’s first IPL championship since the tournament’s inception in 2008, sparking celebrations across Bengaluru and uniting millions of fans in joy and pride.
A Match Worthy of the Finals
Electing to bat first on a dry Ahmedabad pitch, RCB posted a competitive 190/9 in 20 overs. While the scoreboard may not tell the whole story, it was the calculated innings from Virat Kohli and crucial cameos by middle-order batsmen that proved decisive.
Kohli, who has been the face of RCB since the early years of the league, anchored the innings with a composed 43 off 35 balls. Contributions from Mayank Agarwal (24), Rajat Patidar (26), and Liam Livingstone (25) built the platform before Jitesh Sharma‘s quickfire 24 off 10 lifted the score past 190.
PBKS’s Arshdeep Singh and Harshal Patel bowled tightly in the death overs, picking up key wickets to prevent a potential 200+ score. However, the modest total proved enough thanks to a spirited bowling effort by RCB.
Read Also: RCB Victory Parade Cancelled in Bengaluru Due to Traffic Chaos.
Source: CNN-News18
Punjab’s Fightback Falls Short
Chasing 191 in a pressure-packed final, Punjab Kings got off to a solid start, with openers Priyansh Arya (24) and Prabhsimran Singh (26) putting up a 43-run stand. But once Josh Hazlewood broke the partnership, RCB began tightening the screws.
The middle order, including the dangerous Josh Inglis, fell to the wily spin of Krunal Pandya, who ended with figures of 2/28 and was later awarded the Player of the Match. RCB’s bowling unit executed their plans with precision, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s double strike in the 18th over turning the game in their favour.
Despite a fighting 31* from Shashank Singh, Punjab fell short, managing 184/7, handing RCB a six-run victory.
Virat Kohli’s Emotional Milestone
Few images will remain as iconic as Virat Kohli‘s tearful embrace after the final ball was bowled. With 267 IPL matches under his belt and three painful final losses in 2009, 2011, and 2016, Kohli’s redemption story is one for the ages.
In the post-match ceremony, Kohli emotionally dedicated the win to AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, two legendary RCB players who, despite their efforts, never tasted IPL glory. Kohli said,
“This is not just for me. It’s for AB, for Chris, for the entire RCB family. We’ve waited too long.”
AB de Villiers and Gayle were seen joining the celebrations, further underlining the deep-rooted emotional bond this team has developed over the years.
Bengaluru Celebrates in Style RCB
Back in the garden city of Bengaluru, the streets erupted in joy. As fireworks lit up the skies, RCB fans flooded social media with hashtags like #EeSalaCupNamde and #RCBChamps2025, trends that had become annual hopes — now realized.
Thousands lined the route as the team returned to the city the next day. Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar greeted the champions at the airport, and the Karnataka government hosted a grand victory parade starting from Vidhana Soudha to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. An estimated 50,000 fans turned up to witness history and cheer their heroes.
In an age where teams often rebuild every few seasons, RCB’s victory is a testament to perseverance and trust in core leadership.
Financial Windfall and Recognition
With the title win, RCB also received a whopping ₹20 crore as prize money, while runners-up PBKS took home ₹12.5 crore. Beyond the money, the triumph has major implications for the franchise’s brand value, sponsorships, and merchandising opportunities.
The IPL 2025 finale was watched by over 250 million viewers globally, setting new records for the league’s digital and television viewership — another win for the BCCI and broadcasters.
RCB’s brand is expected to see a substantial jump in valuation following the win, with analysts predicting a surge in merchandise sales and ticket demand for the next season.
IPL 2025 – A Season of Surprises
RCB’s journey in IPL 2025 wasn’t smooth. They began with back-to-back defeats and faced strong competition from defending champions Chennai Super Kings and emerging squads like Lucknow Super Giants.
But mid-season saw a resurgence, with the team winning 6 of their last 7 league games. The emergence of youngsters like Manoj Bhandage, alongside the experience of stalwarts like Kohli, Maxwell, and Hazlewood, shaped a well-rounded unit.
Coach Sanjay Bangar deserves credit for orchestrating tactical brilliance, while the inclusion of Livingstone and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the auction proved to be masterstrokes.
What Next for RCB?
With the monkey off their back, RCB will now look to build on their legacy. Talks have already begun about retaining the core team for IPL 2026. Virat Kohli, though aging, is likely to continue for at least one more season, especially after this career-defining win.
The franchise’s youth development, fan base, and loyal brand ambassadors will ensure continued momentum. What was once a story of “almost” is now a tale of glory.
Final Word
RCB’s title win is more than just a cricketing achievement — it’s a story of belief, endurance, and redemption. For the fans, the players, and Indian cricket, this victory will go down as one of the most emotional moments in IPL history.
As the sun sets on IPL 2025, one thing is certain: RCB are no longer just fan favourites — they are champions.
