RCB Wins First IPL Title After 18 Seasons

After 18 years of waiting, hoping, and heartbreak, Royal Challengers Bangalore are finally champions.

Yes, this was the season they meant it. “Ee sala cup namde.”

On Tuesday night, RCB edged out Punjab Kings by six runs in a nail-biting IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, lifting their first-ever trophy and bagging a Rs 20 crore prize. Punjab, who put up a fierce fight, took home Rs 12.5 crores as the runner-up.

The stadium roared, Bengaluru erupted, and Virat Kohli, who’s carried the weight of this dream for almost two decades, broke down in tears.

Kohli’s 18-Year Wait Ends in the 18th Season

Fittingly poetic, Kohli wore jersey number 18. This was the 18th edition of the IPL. And finally, after all the near-misses, the legendary batter stood on the winner’s podium.

The second ball of the last over confirmed it. RCB had finally done it. Kohli crumbled to his knees, his face hidden in his hands, tears flowing freely. Anushka rushed to him, embracing him as the stadium roared. That image struck a chord across friend and foe alike.

“I still can’t believe it,” he said later, his voice trembling. “We waited for this for so long. This is for every RCB fan who stood by us every season.”

Punjab Falls Short by 6 Runs in IPL 2025 Final

RCB batted first and scored 190/9. Virat was the top scorer with 43 (35), anchoring a choppy innings that saw RCB lose 5 wickets for 45 runs in the death overs. Jitesh and Livingstone brought life to the middle order, while Arshdeep and Jamieson took three wickets each to choke the final flourish.

In reply, Punjab Kings scored 184/7. They came heartbreakingly close, needing 29 off the final over. Shashank Singh tried to pull off a miracle with 6, 4, 6, 6, but it wasn’t enough. RCB had done just enough.

Punjab captain Shreyas Iyer, last year’s title winner with Kolkata, was dismissed for just 1. His form, which had powered Punjab through the season, fizzled at the wrong time. Shashank Singh remained unbeaten with 61 off 30 balls, a heroic knock in vain.

Key Match Moments

·         RCB’s Total: 190/9

·         Top scorer: Virat Kohli (43 off 35)

·         Punjab’s Chase: 184/7

·         Top scorer: Shashank Singh (61* off 30)

·         Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya (2 wickets, timely breakthroughs)

·         Winning Margin: 6 runs

·         Prize Money: Rs 20 crores (RCB), Rs 12.5 crores (Punjab)

Krunal and Bhuvneshwar Break Punjab’s Momentum

Punjab’s strong start (23 in two overs) faded as RCB bowlers struck back. Hazlewood’s bounce, Krunal’s control, and Bhuvneshwar’s swing broke Punjab’s momentum. Krunal removed both Prabhsimran and Shreyas. Bhuvneshwar cleaned up the dangerous Stoinis. The pressure mounted.

Still, Punjab kept believing. The crowd sensed a twist when Shashank began swinging. But with one six too few, that twist never came.

RCB’s Gritty Batting Pushes Score to 190

RCB struggled with rhythm. Salt (16) fell early, Mayank (24) tried to stabilize, and Kohli kept the scoreboard ticking, not racing. Rajat Patidar (26) and Livingstone (25) brought some aggression, but it was Jitesh’s late surge that gave RCB hope.

Despite a flurry of sixes, Punjab bowlers came back hard. Arshdeep’s final over was clinical, just three runs and three wickets. Bengaluru was stopped short of 200, but that total proved just enough.

Rajat Patidar Leads RCB to First IPL Title

Not loud, not flashy, but Patidar’s leadership clicked. After replacing Du Plessis mid-season, he rallied the squad, balanced decisions under pressure, and let the bowlers shine in the final. This win marks not just a team breakthrough but a personal rise for Patidar.

Fireworks and Cheers in Bengaluru After RCB’s Win

As the last ball was bowled, the city erupted. Streets were packed. Flags waved from balconies. Bursts of firecrackers lit the sky from MG Road to Koramangala. Social media flooded with tributes to Kohli, memes, and messages that simply said, “We finally did it.”

Fans who had stuck with the team through collapses and controversies finally got their moment.

Punjab Kings Earn Respect Despite Final Loss

It wasn’t their night, but Punjab Kings showed heart throughout the season. Beating top teams, surviving thrillers, and watching stars like Shashank rise, they earned every bit of that finalist tag. Coach Trevor Bayliss and captain Shreyas built a unit that will threaten again.

Season Awards and Standouts

·         Orange Cap: Sai Sudharsan (759 runs, Gujarat Titans)

·         Purple Cap: Prasidh Krishna (25 wickets, Gujarat Titans)

·         Most Valuable Player: Suryakumar Yadav

·         Emerging Player: Sai Sudharsan

·         Fair Play Award: Chennai Super Kings

·         Best Pitch Award: Delhi Capitals

·         Uncapped Star: Priyansh Arya (475 runs in debut season)

       FAQs       

Who won the IPL 2025 Final?

RCB (Royal Challengers Bangalore) won the IPL 2025 Final by defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs. 

What was the final score in the IPL 2025 Final?

RCB scored 190/9 in 20 overs. Punjab Kings managed 184/7 in their chase.

How much prize money did the winning team receive?

RCB received Rs 20 crore as prize money for winning the IPL 2025.

How much did Punjab Kings earn as the runner-up?

Punjab Kings were awarded Rs 12.5 crore for finishing as runners-up.

Who was the Player of the Match in the final?

Krunal Pandya was named Player of the Match for his key breakthroughs with the ball.

What was Virat Kohli’s score in the final?

Virat Kohli scored 43 runs off 35 balls.