After 18 seasons of hope, heartbreak, and relentless pursuit, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally etched their name on the Indian Premier League trophy. In a nail-biting final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by just six runs to claim their maiden IPL title, ending one of cricket's most talked-about championship droughts.
The victory was particularly sweet for Virat Kohli, who has worn jersey number 18 throughout his IPL career – a number that proved prophetic as RCB clinched their first title in the tournament's 18th edition. For a franchise that had reached the final three times previously (2009, 2011, and 2016) only to fall short, June 3, 2025, will forever be remembered as the day their dreams finally materialized.
Match Summary: A Bowler's Paradise in Disguise
Despite the final scoreline of 190 vs 184, this was far from the high-scoring thriller many expected at the usually batting-friendly Ahmedabad venue. The Narendra Modi Stadium had witnessed eight games this season with first-innings totals averaging well above 190, making RCB's eventual total of 190/9 appear modest on paper.
However, the pitch presented unique challenges that would define the contest. Unlike previous games at the venue, the surface offered inconsistent bounce and pace, with the ball often dying on the batters when bowled into the pitch. This natural variation would prove crucial in RCB's bowling performance and ultimately their path to victory.
RCB's Innings: Building Under Pressure
The Foundation Phase
After PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bowl first, RCB got off to a steady start, reaching 55/1 in the powerplay. Phil Salt, who had been instrumental in RCB's journey to the final, looked threatening early on with a quickfire 16 off 9 balls before falling to Kyle Jamieson in the second over.
The early dismissal brought Virat Kohli to the crease, and what followed was an innings that perfectly encapsulated both his experience and the challenging nature of the pitch. Kohli's 43 off 35 balls was far from his most fluent knock, but it demonstrated the tactical awareness that has made him one of the format's greatest players.
Middle-Order Contributions
Rajat Patidar, leading RCB in their biggest match, contributed a solid 26 off 16 balls before departing. Mayank Agarwal, playing against his former franchise, added 24 off 18 balls, but like several other batters, failed to convert a promising start into a substantial score.
The innings reached a crucial juncture when Liam Livingstone walked in. His 25 off 15 balls provided the acceleration RCB needed, but it was Jitesh Sharma's explosive cameo that truly shifted momentum. Sharma's 24 off just 10 balls included two spectacular sixes – a flat-batted shot over cover while exposing all his stumps, and an audacious scoop over his head while chest-on to the bowler.
PBKS Bowling Excellence
Punjab Kings' bowling unit deserves immense credit for restricting RCB on what could have been a much more expensive day. Kyle Jamieson was the standout performer, claiming 3/48 with his variations of pace and skillful use of the slower leg-cutter. His ability to make the ball die from shorter lengths or dip unexpectedly when bowling full proved instrumental in dismissing Salt, Patidar, and Livingstone.
Arshdeep Singh matched Jamieson's tally with 3/40, finding crucial reverse swing in the death overs that allowed him to attack the stumps effectively. His final over, conceding just five runs while taking crucial wickets, nearly swung the match in PBKS's favor.
Yuzvendra Chahal, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Vijaykumar Vyshak each contributed with the ball, maintaining consistent pressure throughout RCB's innings. Their collective effort in restricting RCB to 190 despite some explosive late hitting gave PBKS genuine hope of chasing down the target.
Punjab Kings' Chase: So Close, Yet So Far
Early Promise
PBKS began their chase with intent, matching RCB's powerplay score of 52/1. The loss of Priyansh Arya early on brought Prabhsimran Singh to the crease, but the young batter struggled to find his rhythm on the challenging surface, eventually falling to Krunal Pandya after a labored 26 off 22 balls.
The Krunal Factor
If there was one player who tilted the final decisively in RCB's favor, it was Krunal Pandya. The left-arm spinner, who had won three IPL titles with Mumbai Indians, brought all his experience to bear in the crucial middle overs. His figures of 2/17 in four overs were a masterclass in reading conditions and adapting bowling strategy.
Krunal's first over set the tone, conceding just three runs by bowling fast and into the pitch, either cramping right-handers for room or offering singles to positions they didn't want. His dismissal of Prabhsimran Singh in his second over was particularly clever – spotting the batter's charge, he slowed the ball down to 80kph from his usual 98-101kph range, leaving Prabhsimran completely off-balance.
Captain's Departure
The match's turning point came when Shreyas Iyer fell for just 1 run. The PBKS captain, who had been in excellent form throughout the tournament, top-edged an attempted slash off Romario Shepherd. For Iyer, it was a cruel echo of his dismissal in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, where he had also fallen early after being in red-hot form throughout the tournament.
Inglis Keeps Hope Alive
Josh Inglis emerged as PBKS's brightest hope with a spectacular 39 off 27 balls. On a pitch where most batters struggled with the pull shot, Inglis made it look effortless, scoring 33 runs off 10 pull shots against both pace and spin, including four sixes. His innings kept PBKS in the hunt and made RCB's total look increasingly vulnerable.
However, his dismissal while attempting to launch Krunal over long-on with 93 runs still needed off 47 balls effectively ended PBKS's realistic chances of victory.
The Final Act: Shashank's Heroic Effort
What followed was one of the most valiant individual efforts in IPL final history. Shashank Singh, who had begun the season at the same venue with a memorable final-over assault, ended it with another display of breathtaking hitting. His unbeaten 60 off 31 balls was a masterpiece of power-hitting under extreme pressure.
With the asking rate climbing beyond 12 runs per over, Shashank refused singles to keep the strike, showing remarkable confidence in his ability to clear the boundaries. His assault on Josh Hazlewood in the 16th over brought two crucial sixes, while his six and four off Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 19th over brought the equation down to 29 off the final six balls.
In the ultimate over, Shashank's pyrotechnics continued with boundaries worth 6, 4, 6, 6 off Hazlewood, but those spectacular shots came just a touch too late. PBKS had started the final over needing 29 runs, and despite Shashank's heroics, fell six runs short of their maiden IPL title.
Key Performance Analysis
RCB's Bowling Masterclass
While Krunal Pandya grabbed the headlines with his 2/17, the entire RCB bowling unit deserves credit for their collective effort. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's experience shone through as he claimed 2/38, using his variations effectively on a pitch that rewarded smart bowling over raw pace.
Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, and Romario Shepherd each contributed crucial wickets, with the latter's dismissal of Shreyas Iyer proving to be the match's defining moment. The bowling unit's ability to take wickets at regular intervals prevented PBKS from building the partnerships necessary for a successful chase.
The Pitch Factor
The Ahmedabad surface played a crucial role in determining the match's outcome. Unlike the high-scoring encounters witnessed earlier in the season, this pitch offered enough assistance to bowlers to make 190 a defendable total. The inconsistent bounce and variable pace challenged batters from both sides, creating a contest where skill and adaptation were more valuable than pure power.
Historical Context and Significance
Breaking the Drought
RCB's victory ended not just their own 18-year wait for an IPL title but also provided closure to one of the tournament's most compelling narratives. The franchise, backed by passionate supporters and featuring some of cricket's biggest stars over the years, had become synonymous with near-misses and heartbreak.
Their journey to the 2025 title was particularly impressive, finishing second in the league stage with nine wins from 14 matches. The fact that they achieved this milestone in their fourth final appearance made the victory even more significant.
Kohli's Redemption
For Virat Kohli, this triumph represented the culmination of a remarkable IPL career. Having been associated with RCB since the tournament's inception, his loyalty to the franchise through its ups and downs had become legendary. His 43 runs in the final, while not his most spectacular innings, proved crucial in providing the foundation for RCB's total.
The symbolism of winning the title while wearing jersey number 18 in the tournament's 18th edition was not lost on observers, providing a perfect narrative arc to one of the IPL's greatest individual stories.
Punjab Kings' Near Miss
For Punjab Kings, the defeat was heartbreaking but also inspiring. The franchise, which had made the final for only the second time in their history, had exceeded expectations throughout the tournament. Under Shreyas Iyer's leadership, they had shown remarkable resilience and team spirit, finishing first in the league stage.
Their bowling performance in the final, restricting RCB to 190, gave them a genuine chance of victory. The fact that they came so close despite missing key players at crucial moments in their chase demonstrates the quality and depth of their squad.
Technical Analysis
Bowling Strategies
The final showcased the importance of adaptability in T20 cricket. Both teams' bowling units recognized early that the pitch was not conducive to aggressive stroke-making and adjusted their strategies accordingly. The use of slower deliveries, variations in length, and smart field placements proved more effective than raw pace.
RCB's success with Krunal Pandya's left-arm spin in the middle overs highlighted the value of having bowling options that can exploit specific conditions. His ability to bowl fast and into the pitch while varying his pace demonstrated tactical awareness that proved match-winning.
Batting Approaches
The batting performances in the final illustrated the importance of building partnerships and rotating strike on challenging surfaces. While individual brilliance from players like Jitesh Sharma and Shashank Singh provided moments of excitement, the inability of both teams to build substantial partnerships ultimately kept the scores lower than expected.
The contrast between the approaches of different batters – Kohli's measured accumulation versus Shashank's explosive hitting – showed that there are multiple ways to succeed in T20 cricket, depending on match situations and conditions.
The Broader Impact
Franchise Cricket Evolution
RCB's triumph represents more than just another IPL title; it validates the model of patience and perseverance in franchise cricket. Their success came after years of strategic planning, smart recruitment, and maintaining faith in their core philosophy.
The final also demonstrated the growing competitiveness of the IPL, where margins of victory continue to narrow and any team can triumph on their day. The quality of cricket displayed by both teams reflected the tournament's evolution into one of the world's premier sporting competitions.
Fan Reactions and Celebrations
The victory triggered massive celebrations among RCB's passionate fanbase, who had endured years of disappointment while supporting their team. Social media exploded with reactions from fans, former players, and cricket personalities, all acknowledging the significance of this breakthrough moment.
The scenes of jubilation in Bengaluru and among RCB supporters worldwide underscored the emotional connection between fans and their teams in the IPL, highlighting the tournament's role in creating lasting memories and community bonds.
Looking Ahead
RCB's Future
With their maiden title secured, RCB can now approach future seasons with reduced pressure and increased confidence. The core group that delivered this triumph provides a solid foundation for sustained success, while the experience of winning under pressure will be invaluable in future campaigns.
The franchise's ability to blend experienced players like Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar with emerging talents like Jitesh Sharma and others suggests they are well-positioned for continued success.
Punjab Kings' Prospects
Despite the final defeat, PBKS can take tremendous pride in their 2025 campaign. Reaching the final after years of struggle demonstrates that they have the right combination of talent and leadership to compete at the highest level.
The experience gained by their young players in high-pressure situations, combined with established performers like Shashank Singh and Josh Inglis, positions them well for future success.
Conclusion
The 2025 IPL final will be remembered as one of the tournament's most emotionally significant matches. RCB's six-run victory over Punjab Kings was more than just another cricket match; it was the culmination of years of hope, struggle, and unwavering belief.
For Virat Kohli and RCB, this triumph validates their journey and provides the perfect reward for their persistence. For Punjab Kings, the narrow defeat, while painful, demonstrates their emergence as a force to be reckoned with in future editions.
The match itself showcased the best aspects of T20 cricket – tactical bowling, explosive batting, and nerve-wracking finishes. In a tournament known for its unpredictability and drama, the 2025 final provided a fitting climax to another memorable season.
As RCB finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy, the phrase "Ee Sala Cup Namde" (This year the cup is ours) took on special significance, representing not just victory but the fulfillment of a long-cherished dream. For a franchise and its supporters who had waited 18 years for this moment, the six-run victory over Punjab Kings will forever hold a special place in IPL history.
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