By The Sampadak Express
The long wait is finally over. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the IPL 2025 champions, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a gripping final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. After 18 years of heartbreaks and near misses, RCB have etched their name in the history books and Virat Kohli, the heart and soul of the franchise, is finally an IPL champion.
RCB defended a total of 190/9 by restricting PBKS to 184/7 in a tense finish. As the final wicket was sealed, Kohli was seen in tears a raw, emotional moment reflecting years of unfulfilled dreams finally turning into glory.
RCB Hold Nerve in Tight Final
Chasing 191, PBKS began with promise as openers Priyansh Arya (24) and Prabhsimran Singh (26) added 43 runs in just five overs. However, RCB bowlers kept striking at crucial moments. Krunal Pandya played a key role with a miserly spell of 4-0-17-2, removing Prabhsimran and the dangerous Josh Inglis (39).
The momentum decisively shifted when Romario Shepherd dismissed PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer for just 1. Despite a valiant unbeaten 61 from Shashank Singh, PBKS fell short, watching RCB erupt in wild celebration.
Kohli Anchors, RCB Post 190Earlier, RCB posted a modest 190/9, struggling to accelerate on a favorable batting pitch. Virat Kohli scored 43 off 35 balls, playing a steady hand but unable to find fluency, hitting just three boundaries. RCB slowed down significantly in the middle overs, managing only 42 runs between the 6th and 11th overs.
Phil Salt gave RCB a bright start with 16 off 7 but was caught early off Kyle Jamieson, who ended with 3/48. Mayank Agarwal (24), Rajat Patidar (26), and Liam Livingstone (25) all got starts but failed to convert them into big scores.
Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10) and Romario Shepherd (17) provided late fireworks, briefly pushing RCB towards a bigger total. However, Arshdeep Singh’s final over brilliance picking three wickets restricted them under 200.
Tears of Triumph
This was RCB’s fourth IPL final, and the maiden title win comes as sweet redemption for the team and its fans. For Kohli, who has been part of RCB since the tournament’s inception, this win is especially emotional. “I will sleep like a baby tonight,” he said, his eyes moist with relief and joy.
RCB are IPL champions. Virat Kohli is an IPL champion.
After nearly two decades, the chant finally rings true Ee Sala Cup Namde!
