After 18 long years of heartbreak, Royal ChallengeRoyal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year wait for an IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs in a thrilling 2025 final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on June 3. After finishing second in the league stage, RCB showcased dominance in the playoffs, crushing PBKS by 8 wickets in Qualifier 1 before holding their nerve in the final.
Batting first, RCB posted 190/6, with Virat Kohli scoring 44 off 35 and Jitesh Sharma smashing a late 30 off 15. PBKS’s chase faltered at 81/3 after 10 overs, despite a late fight from Shashank Singh. Josh Hazlewood defended 12 in the final over, restricting PBKS to 184/7. Kohli, in his 18th year with RCB, was emotional as the team lifted the trophy.
Key performers included Phil Salt’s explosive 56 off 27 in Qualifier 1, Jitesh Sharma’s match-winning 77 off 30 against LSG in the league stage, and Hazlewood’s 3/21 in the playoffs. Captain Rajat Patidar led with intent, scoring 286 runs at a strike rate of 142.28.
RCB broke multiple jinxes this season, beating CSK at Chepauk after 17 years and Mumbai Indians in Mumbai after a decade. With a balanced squad under coach Andy Flower, RCB’s win marks a new era for the franchise, silencing critics and delighting their loyal fanbase. The cup is finally theirs—“Ee saala cup namde” has come true.