In a historic triumph, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025, ending an 18-year wait since the league’s inception. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB defeated the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.(dev.time.com)
🏆 Final Showdown: RCB vs PBKS
RCB set a competitive target of 190 runs, with significant contributions from Virat Kohli and other top-order batsmen. However, the team experienced a late-inning collapse, losing four wickets for just 19 runs. Jitesh Sharma’s exceptional bowling for PBKS played a crucial role in restricting RCB’s scoring in the final overs .(indiatoday.in)
In response, PBKS faced a challenging chase and ultimately fell short, allowing RCB to secure a memorable victory.
🌟 Key Performers
- Virat Kohli: Achieved a significant milestone by becoming the player with the most fours in IPL history during the final .(malayalam.samayam.com)
- Rajat Patidar: As captain, he led the team with strategic acumen and contributed crucial runs throughout the tournament.
- Phil Salt: Provided explosive starts at the top of the order, setting the tone for RCB’s innings.
- Josh Hazlewood: Delivered consistent performances with the ball, proving instrumental in key matches.(timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
📈 Season Highlights
RCB’s journey to the title was marked by several notable achievements:
- Away Game Dominance: Became the first team in IPL history to win all their away matches in a single season, including victories at traditionally challenging venues like Eden Gardens, Chepauk, and Wankhede .(timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
- Balanced Squad: Former RCB player AB de Villiers praised the team’s composition, highlighting the effective blend of experienced players and new talent .(indiatoday.in)
- Strategic Acquisitions: The inclusion of players like Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar added depth and versatility to the squad.(indiatoday.in)
🎉 Fan Reactions and Celebrations
The victory sparked widespread celebrations among RCB fans, who had long awaited this moment. The team’s slogan, “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This time, the cup is ours), resonated throughout the cricketing community as RCB finally lifted the coveted IPL trophy.
RCB’s 2025 IPL victory stands as a testament to perseverance, strategic planning, and cohesive team performance, marking a new chapter in the franchise’s history.
