Ahmedabad, India – History was scripted at the Narendra Modi Stadium as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifted their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy after an 18-year-long pursuit, defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final by six runs.
Led by the ever-passionate Virat Kohli, who has remained the face of RCB since the league’s inception, the victory marks a crowning achievement in the franchise’s history and a deeply emotional moment for its fans and players alike.
Match Summary – IPL 2025 Final
- RCB: 190-9 (20 overs)
- Virat Kohli: 43 (35), Liam Livingstone: 25, Arshdeep Singh: 3-40, Kyle Jamieson: 3-48
- PBKS: 184-7 (20 overs)
- Shashank Singh: 61 (30), Hardik Pandya: 2-17, Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 2 wickets*
RCB’s innings was anchored by a composed 43 from Kohli, setting the foundation for a competitive 190. Despite a late surge by Punjab’s Shashank Singh, who scored an unbeaten 61, a tight final over from Josh Hazlewood sealed a heart-stopping win for Bengaluru.
Virat Kohli’s Statement:
“I never thought this day would come,” said an emotional Kohli. “This means so much to me. I’ve given every ounce of energy to this team. To finally win the IPL is an amazing feeling.”
RCB’s triumph comes after three previous final losses and nearly two decades of waiting, marking a poetic conclusion to one of IPL’s most passionate journeys.
Key Highlights:
- Kohli becomes the first player to win the IPL while playing all seasons for the same franchise.
- Punjab Kings fall just short despite a spirited performance from Shashank Singh.
- RCB fans across the globe erupt in celebration after years of heartbreak.
This victory goes beyond statistics — it is a testament to resilience, loyalty, and belief.