Royal Challengers Bangalore End 18-Year Drought, Clinch Maiden IPL Trophy in Thrilling Finale Against Punjab Kings
June 4, 2025 — Ahmedabad, India
Royal Challenger Bangalore vs Punjab Kings IPL 2025 Final
In a dramatic and emotionally charged finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) etched their name into Indian Premier League (IPL) history by securing their first-ever IPL title after an 18-year-long wait. RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs in a closely contested match that kept fans on the edge of their seats till the last delivery.
The win marks a monumental moment for RCB, a team that had reached the final thrice before (2009, 2011, 2016) but had always fallen short. This time, under the resilient leadership of Virat Kohli and a well-balanced squad, the franchise broke the jinx and delivered a performance worthy of champions.
RCB’s Road to Glory
The 2025 season saw a more strategic and balanced Royal Challengers outfit, combining experience with youth and tactical brilliance. Virat Kohli, who had stepped down from captaincy earlier in his career, returned to lead the side this season. His experience, emotional investment in the franchise, and batting prowess proved pivotal throughout the campaign.
Key players like Phil Salt, Josh Hazlewood, Jitesh Sharma, and young sensation Rajat Patidar delivered consistently, providing the team with the depth it had long been missing. The team’s run to the final was marked by close finishes, standout individual performances, and an unwavering team spirit.
In the final, after being asked to bat first by Punjab Kings, RCB posted a competitive total of 190/9. Kohli top-scored with a fluent 43 off 35 balls, anchoring the innings and playing the role of sheet anchor, while Livingstone chipped in with a quickfire 25. Punjab’s bowlers, especially Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal, kept the scoring in check, but RCB managed to cross the psychological 190-run mark.
Punjab Kings: Close, But Not Quite
The Punjab Kings, meanwhile, also had a season to remember. Led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by the tactical mastermind Ricky Ponting, PBKS finally found the consistency they had been missing for years. For the first time since 2014 they reached the IPL final, raising hopes of lifting their maiden trophy.
However, in the final, despite a brave chase, Punjab fell agonizingly short. Chasing 190, they were well placed at 133/4 after 15 overs. Shashank Singh (40 off 22) and Josh Inglis (26 off 16) kept the innings alive, but a late collapse triggered by Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar turned the tide.
Punjab needed 26 off the final over, but RCB’s death-over specialist Josh Hazlewood held his nerve, conceding only 20 runs and picking up one wickets. The Kings finished at 184/7, just 6 runs short of their target, leading to heartbreak for their fans once again.
Emotions Overflow as Kohli Lifts the Trophy
As the final wicket fell, the RCB camp erupted. Virat Kohli, often dubbed the heart and soul of the franchise, was visibly emotional. Having joined RCB in the very first IPL auction in 2008 and stuck with the franchise through thick and thin, the victory was not just a career milestone for him, but a deeply personal moment.
“This means everything,” said Kohli in the post-match presentation. “We waited 18 years, and the fans waited even longer. This team believed, we worked hard, and we finally have the trophy.”
It was a fitting tribute to a player who has redefined modern cricket and remained loyal to his franchise despite numerous disappointments.
Punjab’s Dream Still Unfulfilled
For the Punjab Kings, the loss marked another chapter in their long story of near-misses and rebuilding. Since their only other final appearance in 2014, PBKS have struggled for consistency. The 2025 campaign was a strong step in the right direction, thanks largely to the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and the coaching acumen of Ponting.
Ricky Ponting remained positive despite the defeat. “We’re proud of the boys. To come this far and play a final like this shows the character in the side. Yes, it hurts, but we’ll come back stronger,” he said.
Fans and analysts alike praised the transformation of the team this season. With a strong core of Indian players, including Prabhsimran Singh, Priyans Arya, and a rejuvenated Arshdeep Singh, the future still looks bright for Punjab.
A New Era for RCB?
RCB’s maiden title could potentially usher in a new era for the franchise. With Kohli likely to continue playing for a few more seasons and a core group of performers developing around him, the team might no longer carry the tag of underachievers. Their IPL 2025 win will not only go down in the history books but also redefine the legacy of the team.
For fans, especially those who have supported the franchise through its many ups and downs, this victory is more than a trophy — it is redemption, celebration, and validation all rolled into one.
Conclusion
The 2025 IPL season ended with a poetic sense of justice. RCB finally broke their trophy curse, while Punjab Kings, despite falling short, gave their fans a season full of hope and passion. The final was not just a cricket match, but a narrative of perseverance, loyalty, and heartbreak — everything that makes the IPL the spectacle it is.
As the fireworks lit up Ahmedabad and Kohli held the trophy aloft, one thing was clear: RCB are no longer just entertainers — they are champions.
