For 18 long seasons, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faithful have echoed the chant: “Ee Sala Cup Namde” — meaning, “This year the cup is ours.” Seventeen times, their hopes ended in heartbreak, heartbreak, and more heartbreak. Three times, the dream slipped away at the final hurdle itself. Yet, the unwavering passion of one of IPL’s biggest fan bases has never diminished. And in 2025, after nearly two decades of longing, that cry was finally answered.

On a thrilling night in Ahmedabad, RCB secured their first-ever IPL championship by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a narrow margin of six runs. It was a finale that will be remembered not only for its dramatic moments but also as a milestone for a team and fans who have waited patiently for glory.

The Final Showdown: A Bowler’s Game on a Tricky Pitch

The final unfolded as a bowler-dominated contest on an Ahmedabad pitch that was unlike any seen during the IPL season so far. After winning the toss, RCB elected to bat first, a decision that appeared risky given the surface’s reputation for low-scoring matches and variable bounce.

RCB managed 190 for 9 — a total that might not dazzle at first glance but proved to be challenging on a pitch that offered bowlers plenty of help. Virat Kohli, the icon with the famous No. 18 jersey, top-scored with a composed 43 off 35 balls. His innings was a masterclass in adapting to conditions — he showed patience, adjusting his shots according to the pitch’s bounce and pace, especially struggling with the pull shot against the pace and bounce generated by the PBKS seamers.

Kohli’s innings was reminiscent of his measured approach in the T20 World Cup final last year — sometimes criticized as too cautious for T20, but perfectly suited for the conditions. He laid the foundation for a competitive total, which was then supported by quick cameos from the middle and lower order.

Punjab Kings’ Brave Chase Falls Short

Chasing 191 in a final is never easy, but PBKS came into the match with confidence after having chased down 204 at the same ground just two days earlier. However, this pitch demanded more than brute force.

PBKS’ chase was built around their young stars, with Shashank Singh delivering a phenomenal unbeaten 61 from just 30 balls, including four sixes in the final over. Nehal Wadhera and Prabhsimran Singh chipped in with valuable contributions, scoring 41 runs between them early on. Yet, the RCB bowling attack, led by experienced campaigners Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, kept the pressure steady.

Krunal’s spell was particularly game-changing. Known more for his batting exploits in previous IPL finals, this time he made the difference with the ball. Bowling with clever variations in pace, sharp angles, and subtle turn, he restricted the PBKS batters’ scoring opportunities and took two crucial wickets, including that of Prabhsimran Singh — who was deceived by a slower ball and caught at point.

The Decisive Moments and Final Over Drama

The match came down to the wire. PBKS needed 29 runs in the final over with Shashank Singh on strike, a daunting task for any batter in such pressure. Josh Hazlewood, entrusted with the ball, started the over with two dot balls, drastically reducing PBKS’ chances. Shashank fought back valiantly, hitting Hazlewood for 6, 4, 6, 6 — electrifying the crowd and keeping hopes alive.

But the gap was just too wide to close, and the over ended with RCB victorious by six runs. The narrow margin belied the intensity of the battle that had unfolded over the course of the match, with both sides showing grit, determination, and immense skill.

Krunal Pandya: From Batsman to Bowling Hero

Krunal Pandya has been a three-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians before joining RCB, but his role in this final was unique. Previously known for match-winning batting performances, Krunal’s impact this time was with the ball.

Introduced after the powerplay, Krunal’s first over set the tone. He bowled fast and into the pitch, angling deliveries to cramp right-handers and offering singles only when necessary. This strategic approach limited PBKS to just three runs in that over.

His next over brought in the element of surprise — a cleverly disguised slower ball outside the batter’s line deceived Prabhsimran Singh, resulting in a vital wicket. His control, pace variation, and ability to read the batters were instrumental in stifling the chase and ultimately turning the match in RCB’s favor.

Virat Kohli’s Journey: From Near Misses to Glory

For Kohli, this victory was more than just a trophy. It was a personal redemption after years of near misses in IPL finals, often seen as one of the best batsmen without a championship. His role in this game, playing with maturity and composure, was a testament to his growth as a leader.

The emotional weight of lifting the IPL trophy — after all those years of loyal support, both from him and fans — was palpable. For a franchise that has long been the underdog, this was the crowning achievement of a journey marked by resilience.

PBKS’ Inspiring Run and Future Prospects

Punjab Kings might have lost the final, but their journey was nothing short of inspiring. The team blended youth and experience beautifully, with several young talents stepping up on big occasions. Shashank Singh’s emergence as a finishing powerhouse was a highlight of their season, and the experience gained by the squad will surely fuel their ambitions in coming years.

Why This IPL Final Will Be Remembered

This final wasn’t just about the numbers or the six-run margin. It was a story of perseverance, tactical brilliance, and heart. Both teams showcased high-quality cricket, with bowling plans expertly executed on a pitch that challenged every player.

RCB’s victory also marked a turning point in the IPL narrative — a team that had been labeled as perennial runners-up finally conquering the summit. The emotional celebrations across Bangalore and beyond are proof of how much this win means to millions of fans.

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Conclusion

The 2025 IPL final will forever be etched in cricket history as the year RCB ended their wait for glory. It was a night of passion, skill, and determination. Virat Kohli and his teammates didn’t just win a trophy — they fulfilled a dream shared by millions.

As the sun set on the Ahmedabad stadium, one thing was clear: for RCB and their fans, this year, the cup was truly theirs.