Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally broken their long-standing title drought by clinching the IPL 2025 trophy, overcoming Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final that went down to the last over. After 18 seasons of heartbreak, RCB’s victory sparked emotional celebrations across the country as they held on to win by six runs in a gripping contest in Ahmedabad.
Batting first, RCB posted 190 for 9, with Virat Kohli anchoring the innings with a composed 43 off 35 balls. Though not the most aggressive knock, it proved to be one of the most important ones on a pitch that wasn’t as easy to bat on as it seemed. Punjab’s bowlers kept the pressure on, especially Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson, who picked up three wickets each to restrict RCB from pushing beyond 200.
What seemed like a chaseable target for PBKS—especially after their spectacular 204-run chase in Qualifier 2—turned out to be a daunting task as RCB’s experienced bowling attack turned up the heat under pressure. Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yash Dayal, all of whom had lifted the IPL trophy before with other teams, played pivotal roles in this epic win.
Krunal Pandya’s spell turned the match on its head. Coming into bowl with PBKS at 52 for 1 after the Powerplay, Krunal conceded just three runs in his first over. In his second over, he produced a smartly disguised slower ball to dismiss Prabhsimran Singh, who misread the pace and gifted a catch to point. Krunal’s tight bowling in the middle overs stalled PBKS’ momentum, finishing with 2 for 17.
PBKS, led by a heroic knock from Shashank Singh, who remained unbeaten on 61 off just 30 balls, nearly pulled off the impossible. Needing 29 off the final over, Shashank smashed Josh Hazlewood for a string of boundaries—6, 4, 6, 6—but two early dot balls proved decisive. Despite the late fireworks, PBKS fell just short at 184 for 7.
This final was not just a clash of two trophy-less teams, but also a battle of legacies. While PBKS had captured hearts with their spirited campaign, the emotional weight of 18 years without a trophy for RCB made their triumph even more special. RCB had lost three previous finals and carried the burden of being the IPL’s most popular team without a title.
Virat Kohli, often the face of RCB’s past heartbreaks, finally saw his dream realized. His innings might not have been his flashiest, but it showed grit and leadership under pressure. With scores consistently crossing 200 on this Ahmedabad surface, Kohli recognized early that 190 was a fighting total on this slower pitch.
RCB’s bowlers maintained control through smart variations and fearless execution. Bhuvneshwar’s death bowling and Yash Dayal’s nerve held strong, despite the late onslaught from PBKS.
For Punjab Kings, the loss will sting, but their campaign has inspired fans. Led by new stars and anchored by strong team chemistry, their road to the final was filled with memorable performances. With the core of the team clicking, PBKS fans can believe their moment is not far away.
In contrast, RCB fans can finally celebrate without heartbreak. The long wait, the memes, the “Ee Sala Cup Namde” chants—all led to this emotional and historic moment. The cup is finally theirs.
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