Eighteen seasons of hope, heartbreak, and unwavering belief have finally borne fruit for one of the most passionate fan bases in the IPL. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the team that made “Ee Sala Cup Namde” a rallying cry, have finally turned that dream into reality by clinching their maiden IPL title in a thrilling six-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 2025 final.
Set a target of 191, PBKS came within touching distance thanks to a sensational late assault from Shashank Singh, who remained unbeaten on 61 off just 30 balls. However, the match was effectively sealed in the opening deliveries of the final over, as Josh Hazlewood delivered two dot balls that all but ended PBKS’s hopes. Despite a flurry of boundaries in the last few balls, RCB held their nerve to finish as champions.
Virat Kohli’s Knock: Steady and Strategic
Virat Kohli, donning the iconic No. 18 jersey, played a pivotal role in RCB’s innings. Though his 43 off 35 balls was not a blistering knock, it provided the much-needed stability on a tricky Ahmedabad surface. The pitch offered variable bounce and was far from the batting paradise seen in previous matches at the venue.
Kohli’s calculated approach showed an understanding of conditions. While he struggled to execute certain shots, notably the pull, his experience guided RCB through challenging phases. On a ground where totals above 190 were common, even a well-paced 43 had significant value.
Krunal Pandya’s Game-Changing Spell
While Kohli anchored the batting, the real twist in the match came from Krunal Pandya, who has a history of delivering in high-stakes encounters. Despite a brief stay with the bat, Krunal left a lasting impact with his bowling.
Introduced at a critical juncture, Krunal’s disciplined spell turned the tide in RCB’s favour. His clever variations in pace and angle made scoring difficult. He dismissed Prabhsimran Singh, who was struggling to find rhythm, with a cleverly disguised slower ball. Krunal's figures of 2 for 17 in a high-pressure final speak volumes about his control and intelligence.
PBKS’s Spirited Fight
Punjab Kings, playing their second-ever IPL final, showcased tremendous grit and character throughout the season. Their journey, powered by exciting talents like Shashank Singh and Nehal Wadhera, was a tale of resurgence. In the final, it was Shashank who nearly stole the show, hammering four boundaries in the last over in a valiant effort.
Unfortunately for PBKS, the asking rate had escalated too much by then. Their bowlers, especially Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson, had earlier done an excellent job in containing RCB to 190. But the pitch, combined with tight bowling from RCB, proved to be the difference.
Champions at Last: A Moment to Remember
RCB’s title win is more than just a trophy — it’s a testament to loyalty, passion, and perseverance. Players like Kohli, who have carried the franchise for over a decade, finally have their crowning moment. Bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal, who joined the squad with prior title-winning experience, stepped up when it mattered most.
The celebrations erupted across Bengaluru and beyond as fans embraced the long-awaited glory. The win also marks a turning point for RCB as a franchise — once seen as perennial underachievers, they are now champions.
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