Royal Challengers Bengaluru have finally ended their long-standing title drought by clinching their first-ever IPL trophy, marking a historic moment for the franchise.
The 2025 IPL Final saw RCB edge out Punjab Kings in a nail-biting finish, and a teary-eyed Virat Kohli couldn't hold back his emotions after years of heartbreak finally turned to triumph.
Punjab needed 29 runs off the final over — and Shashank Singh gave it a real shot, smashing 22 runs — but it wasn’t enough. The night belonged to RCB as they held their nerves and sealed a long-awaited championship victory.
Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered a game-changing 17th over for RCB, removing both Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis in quick succession, tilting the momentum in their favour. The tide had already begun to turn when Prabhsimran Singh, Shreyas Iyer, and Josh Inglis were dismissed in short order, allowing RCB to claw their way back into the contest.
Punjab had started their chase in promising fashion, with openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh adding 43 runs within the first five overs. Josh Hazlewood broke the opening stand, thanks to a sharp catch in the deep by Phil Salt, sending Priyansh back to the pavilion.
Batting first, RCB posted 190/9 in their 20 overs. Kohli led from the front with a top score of 43, though he narrowly missed a half-century. Kyle Jamieson and Arshdeep Singh starred with the ball for Punjab, each taking three wickets and putting the brakes on RCB's progress at crucial moments.
The innings was filled with tension as RCB struggled to shift gears on a pitch known for high-scoring chases. Despite being off-par by Ahmedabad standards, RCB managed a competitive total, thanks in part to a spirited finish.
Kohli’s cautious approach early on saw RCB reach 87/2 at the halfway mark. The Punjab bowlers were disciplined, using variations to keep Kohli and Rajat Patidar quiet. Mayank Agarwal’s dismissal was a setback, but Patidar responded with intent, launching a six off Yuzvendra Chahal to lift spirits.
RCB were 59/1 at the end of the powerplay, laying a decent platform. In one over, Mayank Agarwal attempted to accelerate with an aerial boundary, narrowly evading Arshdeep Singh in the outfield. His aggression paired well with Kohli’s calm, keeping RCB on track during the early stages.
In the end, it was an unforgettable night for RCB and their fans. After nearly two decades of waiting, heartbreaks, and near-misses, the trophy finally belongs to Bengaluru. And for Kohli — the face of RCB for so long — it was an emotional full-circle moment that brought tears of joy and pride.
