Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally done it. After 18 long seasons of heartbreak, close calls, and an army of devoted fans chanting “Ee Sala Cup Namde,” the elusive IPL trophy is finally theirs. In a nail-biting final at Ahmedabad, RCB edged past Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs to lift the IPL 2025 crown.
RCB posted 190 for 9 in their 20 overs, powered by Virat Kohli’s patient 43, while Punjab Kings fell just short, managing 184 for 7 despite a heroic late blitz from Shashank Singh, who remained unbeaten on 61 off 30 balls. His fireworks in the final over gave fans a glimpse of hope, but the match had already slipped away in the earlier overs.
A Final Worthy of the Occasion
The match had everything an IPL final should—tension, drama, experience, emotion, and incredible moments. Both teams had never won the title, making the stakes even higher. It was a battle of nerves as much as skills, and in the end, RCB’s seasoned campaigners made the difference.
After being asked to bat first, RCB got a cautious start. Kohli’s innings looked steady but was criticized by some as being too slow. However, the Ahmedabad pitch played differently than expected, with uneven bounce and slower pace. Kohli’s experience came into play as he held the innings together while others around him tried to accelerate.
Kyle Jamieson and Arshdeep Singh were standout bowlers for PBKS, picking three wickets each and keeping RCB under pressure throughout. However, RCB’s total of 190 turned out to be enough—just barely.
The Turning Point: Krunal Pandya’s Spell
With the game on edge, Krunal Pandya delivered the decisive spell. Having tasted IPL success with Mumbai Indians, Krunal brought all his experience to the table. He dismissed a struggling Prabhsimran Singh and gave away just 17 runs in his spell, choking the run flow when PBKS were trying to build momentum.
Krunal may not have scored runs with the bat, but his bowling changed the game’s tempo. His variations, accuracy, and presence on the field tilted the game RCB’s way at a crucial time.
Shashank’s Fight in Vain
Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 61 gave PBKS a chance late in the innings. He hit Josh Hazlewood for 6, 4, 6, 6 in the final over, showing remarkable composure. But the task was too big—29 runs were needed off the final over, and Hazlewood’s first two balls were dots. The math was against Punjab Kings, and despite their spirited campaign, the trophy stayed out of reach.
Virat Kohli: The Heart of RCB
All eyes were on Virat Kohli—wearing the No. 18 jersey, playing his 18th season, and finally lifting the trophy that had eluded him. His innings may not have been the flashiest, but it was built on cricketing sense, patience, and understanding of conditions.
Kohli’s emotional reaction after the match said it all. Years of pain, criticism, and relentless hope from fans had culminated in the moment he dreamed of for nearly two decades. The wait was long, but the victory was sweet.
A New Chapter Begins
RCB’s title win marks not just the end of a drought but the start of a new era. With a mix of experience, youth, and the right mindset, they’ve shown the IPL world what persistence can achieve. As PBKS walk away with heads held high, having played outstanding cricket all season, RCB finally taste the glory that’s evaded them for so long.
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