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After 18 long seasons, the wait is over. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are finally IPL champions. In a dramatic IPL 2025 final at Ahmedabad, they edged past Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a nail-biting contest that reflected not just the competitiveness of the two sides, but also the evolution of T20 cricket itself.
Put in to bat first, RCB posted a fighting total of 190 for 9, with Virat Kohli top-scoring with 43. While his innings may not have looked explosive on the scoreboard, it played a vital role in assessing the pitch, which was far from easy for stroke-making. PBKS bowlers, especially Arshdeep Singh (3-40) and Kyle Jamieson (3-48), made scoring difficult with their smart use of variations and bounce.
In reply, PBKS managed 184 for 7, falling just short. Despite Shashank Singh’s heroic unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, which included a stunning finish with four consecutive boundaries off Josh Hazlewood, the target proved just out of reach. The damage had already been done earlier in the innings as the top order struggled for momentum, with Prabhsimran Singh and Nehal Wadhera combining for just 41 off 40 balls.
The difference? Experience, execution, and one man named Krunal Pandya.
Coming into the attack just after the powerplay with PBKS cruising at 52/1, Krunal turned the tide with an incredibly intelligent spell. Bowling fast into the pitch and mixing up his pace, he conceded just 17 runs in his four overs and claimed two crucial wickets, including the well-set Prabhsimran. His guile and ability to read the batter’s mind made all the difference on a pitch that offered subtle grip and variation.
It wasn’t just Krunal. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-38) and Yash Dayal also used the pitch cleverly, bowling into the surface and choking the scoring rate during the middle overs. Their efforts ensured that even with wickets in hand, PBKS always faced scoreboard pressure.
This win marked a massive moment for RCB and their fans. Over the years, they had become the nearly-men of the IPL. Despite having legends like Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, a title had always eluded them. They had reached three finals previously – in 2009, 2011, and 2016 – only to end up on the losing side. Now, in 2025, it’s “Ee Sala Cup Namde” for real.
For Punjab Kings, it was heartbreak again. They entered the final in hot form after chasing down 204 in the Qualifier, but couldn’t replicate the magic when it mattered most. Still, their journey in IPL 2025 was inspiring, led by young guns like Shashank, Prabhsimran, and supported by impactful overseas players like Josh Inglis.
Despite the loss, PBKS fans can hold their heads high. The team showed consistency, flair, and heart throughout the tournament. Their day will surely come.
For RCB, though, this was about breaking a long-standing curse. Fittingly, it came with Kohli at the heart of the action, even if not with a century or a signature six-hitting blitz. His composed 43 anchored the innings and allowed players around him to take calculated risks. It was symbolic of RCB’s transformation – from a top-heavy team to a well-rounded unit capable of grinding out victories under pressure.
As fireworks lit up the Ahmedabad sky and red flags waved across the stadium, the chants of “RCB! RCB!” echoed louder than ever. This was a title built on smart cricket, experienced leadership, and belief.
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