Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their 18-year-long title drought by clinching their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs in a nerve-wracking IPL 2025 Final. The victory brought tears to Virat Kohli’s eyes as the legendary batter finally realized his long-standing dream of lifting the elusive IPL trophy.
Match Recap: RCB Hold Nerve in Final Over Thriller
Chasing a target of 191, PBKS fell just short, finishing at 184/7. Shashank Singh launched a valiant late assault with 22 runs in the final over but couldn’t pull off a miracle. RCB’s collective bowling effort, led by Krunal Pandya, proved decisive.
Kohli’s Moment of Glory: “Gave Every Ounce of Energy”
Overcome with emotion, Virat Kohli reflected on the journey that finally culminated in championship glory:
“This is not just a trophy—it’s 18 years of dreams, hard work, and unwavering belief. I’ve given this team everything I had: my youth, my prime, my experience. To finally win it feels surreal,” Kohli shared post-match.
Kohli also paid tribute to franchise legend AB de Villiers, acknowledging his enduring legacy:
“This trophy belongs to ABD too. What he has done for this team is unforgettable. I asked him to celebrate with us because he earned it.”
Patidar, Pandya Shine Bright
First-year captain Rajat Patidar expressed pride in leading RCB to their historic win and credited his team’s resilience:
“190 was a par score on this track. The bowlers executed our plans perfectly. I’ve learned a lot this season and this win means everything—not just for us but for every RCB fan.”
Krunal Pandya, named Player of the Final, played a pivotal role with both the ball and leadership in crunch moments.
- Superstriker: Jitesh Sharma
- Fantasy King & Super Sixes: Shashank Singh
- On-the-Go Fours: Priyansh Arya
- Most Dot Balls: Krunal Pandya
- Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya
Defeated but Proud: Shreyas Iyer on PBKS’s Journey
PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer admitted to being heartbroken but remained proud of his team’s performance:
“We gave it our all. Krunal’s spell changed the game. Despite the loss, I’m proud of the young players who showed incredible spirit. We’ll come back stronger next season.”
Fans Rejoice: ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ Finally Becomes Reality
The iconic RCB slogan “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” finally materialized into reality as players and fans erupted in celebration. The trio of Kohli, de Villiers, and Chris Gayle shared an emotional moment on the field, united in long-awaited joy.
Final Scorecard:
- RCB: 190/9 (20 overs)
- PBKS: 184/7 (20 overs)
Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 6 runs