IPL 2025 Final: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Break the Curse, Win Maiden Title After 18-Year Wait

After nearly two decades of heartbreak, hope, and heavy expectations, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally achieved what millions of fans have waited for — their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title. In a high-octane IPL 2025 final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB held their nerves to secure a dramatic 6-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS).

The win marked the end of an 18-year-long title drought for RCB, a team that has featured cricketing icons over the years but had always faltered at the final hurdle. Led by a passionate and determined Virat Kohli, the triumph was not just a victory in numbers but a moment of emotional redemption for the team, its supporters, and Indian cricket’s most ardent fan base.

The Match: A Rollercoaster Final

Batting first after winning the toss, RCB posted a competitive total of 178 for 7 on a pitch offering bounce and occasional grip. The innings was anchored by an experienced Virat Kohli, who scored a gritty 54 off 38 balls, combining classic stroke play with smart rotation. He was ably supported by Rajat Patidar and Glenn Maxwell, who provided crucial runs in the middle overs. PBKS pacers Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh kept things tight at the death to restrict RCB from breaching the 190-run mark.

Chasing 179 to win, Punjab Kings looked on course thanks to a blistering start by opener Prabhsimran Singh, who scored a quickfire 45. Captain Shikhar Dhawan chipped in with a steady 38, but wickets at regular intervals disrupted their momentum. When PBKS needed 34 runs off the last three overs with five wickets in hand, the game was finely balanced.

Enter Mohammed Siraj and Yash Dayal — RCB’s bowling heroes. Siraj dismissed the dangerous Jitesh Sharma, while Dayal bowled a sensational final over, defending 10 runs with nerves of steel. With Punjab requiring 6 runs off the final ball, Dayal delivered a pinpoint yorker to seal the victory and RCB's long-awaited glory.

Kohli's Redemption and Legacy Cemented

This win holds deep personal significance for Virat Kohli, the face of the franchise since its inception. Having led RCB through ups and downs for over a decade, Kohli’s dedication finally bore fruit. Though he handed over the captaincy after 2021, his influence, passion, and performance in this campaign have been pivotal.

Speaking after the match, an emotional Kohli said,

"Eighteen years is a long time — but we never gave up. This trophy belongs to every RCB fan who stood by us through thick and thin. Today, it feels like destiny finally smiled on us."

Celebrations Begin

As fireworks lit up the Ahmedabad sky, RCB fans erupted in joy across stadiums, pubs, and homes throughout the country. Social media platforms exploded with celebratory messages, memes, and tributes to the team’s never-say-die spirit.

The victory also marked the end of an era — and the beginning of a new one — for a franchise that had long been labeled underachievers despite its star-studded lineups.

Score Summary:

RCB: 178/7 (Kohli 54, Patidar 32, Rabada 2/26)

PBKS: 172/8 (Prabhsimran 45, Dhawan 38, Siraj 3/28, Dayal 2/25)

Result: RCB won by 6 runs

Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj

Player of the Tournament: Virat Kohli