Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title on June 3, 2025, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs in a thrilling final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This victory ended an 18-year wait for RCB, marking their first championship in the IPL’s 18th season.
RCB, led by captain Rajat Patidar, posted 190/9 in 20 overs. Virat Kohli’s 43 off 35 balls provided stability, while contributions from Phil Salt and Mayank Agarwal helped set a competitive total. PBKS’s Arshdeep Singh took 1 wicket for 37 runs, and Kyle Jamieson claimed 3 wickets but conceded 48 runs.
PBKS’s chase was anchored by Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 61, but they finished at 184, falling 6 runs short. RCB’s bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya, held their nerve. Pandya, named Player of the Match, bowled 2.1 overs for 13 runs, taking 1 wicket, including Prabhsimran Singh’s 26. He said, “I backed myself to bowl slow. It was tough, but I knew it was the key” (ESPNcricinfo – IPL 2025 Final).
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s disciplined bowling supported Pandya, restricting PBKS in crucial overs. Josh Hazlewood also contributed, finishing with 1/54, though Shashank Singh hit him for a six and a four in the final over. PBKS needed 22 runs in the last over but managed only 15, sealing RCB’s victory.
The match was a historic moment for RCB, who had reached the IPL final three times before (2009, 2011, 2016) without winning. The team’s 2025 season saw a remarkable turnaround, with eight consecutive wins to reach the playoffs. They defeated Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians en route to the final.
On May 25, 2025, Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visited Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya before RCB’s match against Lucknow Super Giants. Devotees believe this spiritual visit brought divine blessings, boosting RCB’s campaign. Temples across India saw RCB fans offering prayers post-victory.
West Indies legend Chris Gayle, who played for RCB from 2011-2017 and PBKS from 2018-2021, attended the final. Known for his 175* for RCB in 2013, Gayle wore an RCB jersey and a Punjabi turban, showing support for both teams. He said, “I’m here to cheer for both my former teams,” delighting fans.
RCB’s playing XI included Phil Salt, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, and Yash Dayal. PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, struggled after losing early wickets, with Josh Inglis scoring 30 off 17 and Shreyas Iyer falling for 1.
The victory sparked celebrations across Bengaluru, with fans flooding social media with messages of joy. The city plans parades to honor the champions. Kohli, wearing jersey number 18, symbolized the “18th time lucky” moment, as RCB’s triumph in their 18th season became a historic milestone.
| Player | Team | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | 43 runs (35 balls) |
| Shashank Singh | PBKS | 61* runs |
| Krunal Pandya | RCB | 2.1 overs, 13 runs, 1 wicket |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | RCB | Key bowling contribution |
| Josh Hazlewood | RCB | 1/54, bowled final over |
RCB’s success is attributed to strategic planning, key performances, and fan support. The team’s resilience and Kohli’s spiritual visit have become part of IPL folklore, inspiring fans and players alike.
