RCB Win Maiden IPL Title After 18-Year Wait

By Sushant Agarwal

Published on | Jun 03, 2025

RCB End 18-Year Wait for Maiden IPL Title

Virat Kohli's Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted their first IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in a dramatic final in Ahmedabad.

Kohli Anchors but RCB Struggle with Bat

Virat Kohli top-scored with 43 off 35 balls as RCB posted 190/9. Despite strong starts, none of the batters managed a big innings.

PBKS Bowlers Keep RCB in Check

Arshdeep Singh (3/40), Kyle Jamieson (3/48), and Yuzvendra Chahal (1/37) kept the RCB batters from breaking free on a good batting surface.

RCB's Middle-Order Falters Under Pressure

Despite powerplay momentum, Mayank (24), Patidar (26), and Livingstone (25) couldn’t convert starts. RCB scored just 42 runs from overs 6-11.

Punjab's Chase Stifled by RCB Bowlers

Krunal Pandya’s dream spell of 2/17 and Bhuvneshwar’s double strike in the 17th over turned the tide firmly in RCB’s favour.

Hazlewood Holds Nerve in Final Over

With 29 needed off the final over, Josh Hazlewood delivered two dot balls and sealed RCB’s victory, holding off a Shashank Singh blitz.

Krunal Pandya Shines as Final's Game-Changer

With figures of 4-0-17-2, Krunal Pandya choked Punjab’s middle order, earning the Man of the Match award for his masterclass under pressure.

Shashank’s Heroics in Vain for PBKS

Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 61 off 30 balls (3 fours, 6 sixes) gave Punjab late hope, but the target proved just beyond reach.

Inglis Wicket: The Turning Point in Final

Josh Inglis was threatening to take the game away with 39 off 23, but Krunal Pandya had him caught at long-on — a momentum-shifting breakthrough.

RCB Fans Roar as Title Drought Ends

From crowd eruptions to AB de Villiers’ cameo on the big screen, RCB’s emotional win was cheered by thousands at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Punjab’s Wait Continues After Brave Final

PBKS, in their first final since 2014, fought valiantly but once again fell short, unable to chase 191 despite a promising start.

RCB’s Redemption Story Now Complete

From perennial underachievers to IPL 2025 champions, RCB’s journey has come full circle — a triumph led by grit, discipline, and long-held dreams.

No. 18 Ends RCB’s 18-Year Wait

Fittingly, it was Virat Kohli — RCB’s No. 18 — who stood tall as Bengaluru finally ended their 18-year quest for an IPL title in 2025.

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