Kathmandu: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended a 17-year title drought by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a thrilling Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. In front of a 91,419-strong crowd, RCB defended a total of 190 through a disciplined bowling performance to lift their first-ever IPL trophy.
RCB, who had previously fallen short in three IPL finals—in 2009, 2011, and 2016—finally secured the elusive title as Josh Hazlewood successfully defended 29 runs in the final over. The franchise’s long-standing slogan “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This year, the cup is ours) was finally fulfilled.
Star batter Virat Kohli, often called the “king without a crown,” was visibly emotional as the victory unfolded. Kohli scored 43 off 35 balls and anchored RCB’s innings before a late flourish took them to a competitive total. Former RCB stalwarts AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle were present in the stands and joined the celebrations.
Punjab Kings, playing only their second IPL final since 2014, came agonizingly close but faltered in key moments of their run chase. Chasing 191, PBKS reached 52/1 at the end of the Powerplay, but their innings stuttered due to regular wickets and mounting pressure.
Shreyas Iyer’s early dismissal for just one run, off the bowling of Romario Shepherd, proved a turning point. Australia’s Josh Inglis tried to stabilize the innings with a quick 39 off 23 balls but was dismissed while attempting to accelerate against Krunal Pandya. Pandya, a former Mumbai Indians all-rounder, returned impressive figures of 4-0-17-2 in a match where most bowlers leaked runs.
RCB bowlers tightened the screws in the middle overs. Hazlewood and Krunal led the attack, while PBKS batters struggled to find boundaries. Nehal Wadhera and others failed to capitalize on the platform, and despite some late-order resistance, PBKS fell short.
Earlier, after losing opener Phil Salt for 16 in the second over, RCB relied on Mayank Agarwal and Rajat Patidar to stabilize their innings. Agarwal provided impetus with intent-filled stroke play, while Patidar added a quick 26 off 16. Kohli played a measured knock but struggled to accelerate during the middle overs.
RCB managed only 35 runs between the 11th and 15th overs, with PBKS pacers effectively containing the scoring. However, a late burst in the 17th over added 22 crucial runs to RCB’s total. Despite losing four wickets in the final two overs, they managed to post 190, a total that ultimately proved enough.
The win marks a historic moment for RCB, long considered underachievers in the IPL. For Kohli and the RCB faithful, the victory was a culmination of years of heartbreak, perseverance, and unwavering support.