June 3, 2025 – A Red-Letter Day in IPL History

After 18 seasons of heartbreak and near-misses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally ended their title drought by clinching their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy. In a high-stakes final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS), delivering a moment fans had awaited for nearly two decades.

A Dominant Journey to Glory

Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign was built on a foundation of consistency, aggression, and smart strategy. With 19 points at the end of the league stage, they earned a direct spot in Qualifier 1, where they dominated PBKS with an emphatic eight-wicket win, chasing down 102 in just 10 overs—thanks to Phil Salt’s unbeaten 56-run blitz.

Grand Finale: RCB vs PBKS

In the final showdown:

• RCB posted 190/9 in 20 overs.
  • Virat Kohli scored a steady 43 off 35 balls.
  • Liam Livingstone and Mayank Agarwal provided quick-fire contributions.
• PBKS managed 162/7, falling short by 28 runs.
  • Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma led the bowling charge with precision and pace.

Key Players in RCB’s Historic Win

• Virat Kohli:
  RCB’s most iconic player delivered yet again, scoring 614 runs at an average of 55.81. His experience and presence stabilized RCB’s top order.
• Phil Salt:
  The English opener was pivotal with aggressive starts, most notably his 56 in Qualifier 1*.
• Josh Hazlewood:
  A key figure in the bowling unit, Hazlewood scalped 21 wickets in 11 matches, excelling in both powerplay and death overs.
• Rajat Patidar:
  As captain, Patidar brought fresh energy and sharp decision-making. His calm demeanor and fearless strokeplay were essential to RCB’s success.

Breaking the Curse: From Eternal Runners-Up to Champions

RCB had previously reached the IPL finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, only to fall short each time. Branded as underachievers, the franchise carried a heavy emotional burden. But in 2025, with Andy Flower as head coach and Dinesh Karthik as mentor, RCB demonstrated mental toughness and tactical discipline—most notably in crucial away wins against Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

A New Era for Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB’s IPL 2025 victory marks the beginning of a promising new chapter. With a well-balanced squad, experienced leadership, and the backing of one of the most passionate fanbases in cricket, the team looks set to build a legacy. For fans who waited years chanting “Ee Sala Cup Namde,” the dream has finally come true.

Conclusion

The 2025 title win isn’t just a sporting achievement—it’s a story of resilience, belief, and redemption. RCB are no longer the nearly-there team; they are champions. As celebrations erupt across Bengaluru, the focus shifts to the future—with fans hopeful for a repeat in 2026.

FAQs

1. Who captained RCB in IPL 2025?
Rajat Patidar captained RCB in the 2025 season, leading the team to their first IPL title.

2. How many runs did Virat Kohli score in IPL 2025?
Virat Kohli scored 614 runs at an average of 55.81 during the season.

3. Who was the top wicket-taker for RCB in 2025?
Josh Hazlewood was RCB’s leading wicket-taker with 21 wickets in 11 matches.

4. Where was the IPL 2025 final played?
The IPL 2025 final was held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

5. How many times had RCB reached the final before 2025?
RCB had reached the IPL final three times before 2025—in 2009, 2011, and 2016—but lost on each occasion.