Ending 17 seasons of misery, close calls, and regrouping, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally got their hands on the priceless Indian Premier League trophy. In a see-saw, nail-biting IPL 2025 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Bengaluru showed nerves of steel to beat Punjab Kings (PBKS), securing their first-ever IPL title before a record crowd.
Long Wait Ends in Glory for Bengaluru
It was something the RCB supporters had longed for years and when it finally happened, it did with drama, emotion, and redemption. Steered by a determined Rajat Patidar and tactically led by head coach Andy Flower, RCB’s balanced team performed when it was most needed.
RCB’s victory signals the end of a 17-year dry spell that has gone down in IPL folklore. The franchise, frequently laughed at for their failure to lift titles despite star-studded lineups, was able to turn a different page in 2025.
Everyone’s eyes were on Virat Kohli as he went out to bat in yet another IPL final his fourth in total. Being present for all of RCB’s earlier failed finals (2009, 2011, and 2016), hopes were through the roof.
Kohli opted for the conservative route in the season’s biggest game, making 43 runs off 35 deliveries. In a tricky wicket, his innings helped stabilize the RCB innings but was criticized for its lack of intent in the middle overs particularly after a good Powerplay start.
Kohli was then eventually removed by Azmatullah Omarzai, attempting to push, but pressure had accumulated by that time. Still, his play did provide a platform for others to work on.
Important Contributions in RCB’s Innings
RCB’s 190/9 was founded on big contributions along the batting order. Rajat Patidar (26 from 16 balls), Livingstone (25 from 15 balls), and Jitesh Sharma (24 from 10 balls) all contributed significantly, helping RCB put up a tough score. Despite a sluggish start and losing wickets at frequent intervals, RCB’s batsmen were able to keep going through in the later stages, with Romario Shepherd contributing a fiery 17 off 9 balls.
Punjab Kings Battle hard, but Lose out
Punjab Kings’ pursuit of 191 hit a roadblock despite a gritty battle by Shashank Singh, the top-scorer with 61* from 30 balls. Support from Josh Inglis (39 from 23 balls) and Prabhsimran Singh (26 from 22 balls) kept Punjab in contention, but they lost by a narrow 6 runs.
RCB’s bowlers, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2 wickets for 38 runs) and Krunal Pandya (2 wickets for 17 runs) at the forefront, applied pressure on Punjab right through the innings. Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, and Romario Shepherd too brought crucial breakthroughs at crucial moments to stop Punjab from making further inroads, as RCB managed to grasp the nail-biting win.
RCB’s Bowling Attack Shines
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Krunal Pandya, and Romario Shepherd were the pillars in dismantling Punjab’s partnerships. Holding key wickets and disciplined overs in the middle, they kept Punjab’s pursuit under control and ended up winning the game for RCB.
In a nail-biting last that had the audience in suspense until the end, RCB’s heart-stopping win will long be remembered as they finally won the IPL crown, ending 17 years of heartache.
