A Dream of 18 Years in the Making

On the night of June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy after 18 years of heartbreak, dedication, and loyal fan support. The emotional victory came at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a nail-biting final by just six runs.

This historic moment ended years of disappointment for one of the most passionate fan bases in IPL history. Fans who had endlessly said "Ee Sala Cup Namde" (This year, the cup is ours) for nearly two decades finally saw their dreams come true.

A Painful Road to this Moment

RCB’s journey in the IPL has always been dramatic and emotional. Before 2025, they reached the finals three times but lost each time:

2009: Lost to Deccan Chargers by just 6 runs.

2011: Beaten by Chennai Super Kings by 58 runs.

2016: Defeated by Sunrisers Hyderabad in a close final by just 8 runs.

Despite having legendary players like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, the title has somehow slipped away from their hands in the chase. The history of these close matches makes the 2025 title win even more special.

RCB's Road to the Final Trophy

Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar and the guidance of coach Andy Flower, RCB had a fantastic season. They showed balance, consistency, and strong team spirit. Big names like Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Krunal Pandya, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar stood up when it mattered the most.

RCB finished strong in the league stages and went ahead confidently through the playoffs to reach the final against the Punjab Kings, who also haven't won an IPL trophy yet.

IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS

RCB batted first and posted a competitive total of 190/9. Virat Kohli played a steady and important innings of 43 runs. The whole batting order contributed with some quick runs. PBKS bowled well, with Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) picking crucial wickets.

In reply, PBKS could only score 184/7. Shashank Singh played a heroic knock, scoring 61 off 30 balls, including a 22-run last over from Hazlewood. But it came late, and PBKS lost by just a six hit.

RCB’s bowlers did the job under pressure: The all-time topic of the debate, RCB’s bowling unit, has finally shown its magic. RCB put up an above-par score, but it was the bowlers who won this team their first trophy.

Krunal Pandya: 2/17, bowled brilliantly in the middle overs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 2/38, used his experience in the death overs.

Yash Dayal, Romario Shepherd, and Josh Hazlewood also kept the scoring under control and took one wicket each.

Krunal Pandya: The Player of the Match

Though Krunal didn't do well with the bat (4 off 5), he turned the match with his spin bowling. His first over was of just three runs. In his second, he fooled Prabhsimran Singh with a slower ball, which resulted in his wicket. His variations and turns made it tough for PBKS to score freely in the middle overs

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Calm Under Pressure

Experienced seam bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought his IPL-winning experience to the table. He took key wickets and bowled with great control in death overs. His calm approach under pressure played a crucial role in RCB’s victory.

Kohli’s Emotional Journey

This win was incredibly special for Virat Kohli, who had been part of RCB since the first IPL season in 2008. Known as "King Kohli", he had seen the team lose finals, struggle in seasons, and face endless online trolling. But he stayed loyal. His innings of 43 runs off 35 balls was not quite enough, but it was important.

When the final ball was bowled and victory was confirmed, Kohli's emotional celebration, tears in his eyes as he hugged his teammates and wife, Anushka Sharma, became the image of the tournament.

PBKS Fight Till the End

PBKS gave RCB a real thriller. Josh Inglis hit 39 with powerful shots, while Shashank Singh exploded at the end with big sixes. But wickets at key moments, including those of Inglis and Shreyas Iyer, who was dismissed at a much-needed time, made the difference.

Despite the loss, PBKS won hearts with their incredible fight and balanced team.

More Than Just a Trophy.

RCB’s 2025 IPL win was more than just a sporting victory. It was a reward for loyalty, for never giving up, and for believing in the dream year after year. After 18 seasons of waiting, the cup finally came home to Bengaluru.

RCB fans celebrated wildly in Bengaluru and around the world. Social media was full of joy, memes, and emotional messages

The long wait is over now, and the Red Army can finally say, Ee saala cup Namdu (the cup is ours).

FAQs

How many times has RCB won the IPL?

RCB won their first IPL title in 2025

2.Who was the captain of RCB in 2025?

Rajat Patidar led RCB to their first IPL victory in 2025.

3.What did Virat Kohli score in the 2025 final?

Kohli scored a crucial 43 runs, playing a significant role in setting a competitive total

4.What was the final match score?

RCB: 190/9, PBKS: 184/7.