After 18 Years, RCB Clinches First IPL Title, Beats Punjab by 6 Runs

Sports News:  The final match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 proved to be very exciting and historic for cricket lovers. In the final played at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings by 6 runs to win the IPL trophy for the first time. With this victory, RCB finally shone the star of her luck, leaving behind an 18-year-long wait and countless taunts.

Bangalore became champion by winning the final for the first time

RCB has been one of the few teams in IPL history that had plenty of talent, but luck always remained away from them. After losing the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, this team was tagged as "unlucky." But this time under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, the players showed strength and gave a befitting reply to the critics.

RCB's innings - solid start, great finish

After losing the toss, RCB, who came out to bat first, showed a great mix of patience and aggression. The team scored 190 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs. Virat Kohli played a captaincy innings and scored 43 runs in 35 balls, which included 3 attractive fours. Along with him, Rajat Patidar scored 26, Livingstone scored 25, and Jitesh Sharma added a quick 24 runs in just 10 balls. In an attempt to score fast runs in the last overs, the team did lose some wickets, but the score was respectable.

Arshdeep and Jamieson brought Punjab back

Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson bowled brilliantly for Punjab and took 3-3 wickets. Especially Arshdeep's last over was very impressive, in which he walked three batsmen and prevented RCB from touching the 200 mark.

Punjab Kings innings - Shashank Singh's lonely struggle

Chasing the target of 191 runs, Punjab Kings did not have a great start. Wickets kept falling, and RCB bowlers slowed down the run rate. However, Shashank Singh fought single-handedly and scored an unbeaten 60 off 30 balls. He hit 3 fours and 6 brilliant sixes, but he did not get the expected support from the other end.

Josh Inglis gave a fast start and scored 39 runs in 23 balls, while Prabhsimran Singh added 26 runs. But the collapse of the middle order proved costly for the team.

RCB bowlers gave a steady performance

For Bengaluru, Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar took 2–2 wickets, while Yash Dayal, Josh Hazelwood and Romario Shepherd took 1–1 wickets. In the last overs, steady yorkers and slow balls did not allow Punjab batsmen to play freely.

stadium was filled with emotions and Virat's eyes were moist

As soon as the last ball was bowled and RCB became the winner, Narendra Modi Stadium echoed with applause and fireworks. Virat Kohli got emotional and hugged his team with tears in his eyes. The captain said, "18 years of hard work, struggle, and faith have paid off today. This victory is not just ours but of every fan who has been supporting RCB for years."

Celebration on social media

RCB's victory brought a storm on social media. #RCBChampions and #KingKohli started trending. Fans said, "The day has come when no one can say now - RCB never wins." The old players of the team were also congratulated, among whom AB de Villiers, Gayle, and Daniel Vettori were prominent.