Royal Challengers Bengaluru Crowned IPL 2025 Champions After Beating Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad
IPL 2025 Final, RCB vs PBKS Highlights: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally broken their 18-year jinx to lift their maiden IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
RCB Triumphs in High-Pressure Final
Batting first in the IPL 2025 Final, RCB posted a competitive 190/9 in 20 overs. Virat Kohli top-scored with a gritty 43 off 35 balls, setting the tone for the innings. Rajat Patidar, captaining RCB in this high-stakes clash, played a composed hand, while late cameos from the lower order ensured they breached the 190-mark.
Punjab Kings, in response, were 81/3 after 10 overs, but failed to recover as RCB’s bowlers tightened the grip. Crucial wickets at key intervals, particularly by Krunal Pandya, turned the match decisively in RCB’s favor.
A Season of Redemption
This was the fourth meeting between the two teams this season. RCB had earlier won Qualifier 1 convincingly, while PBKS had a solitary win against them in the league stage. PBKS reached the final after a heroic performance by captain Shreyas Iyer, who scored an unbeaten 87 in the second qualifier to beat Mumbai Indians. However, the magic couldn’t be repeated on the final night.
Match Summary: IPL 2025 Final
| Team | Innings Score | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|
| RCB | 190/9 (20 overs) | Virat Kohli – 43(35) |
| PBKS | 167/9 (20 overs) | S. Iyer – 41(28) |
| Result | RCB won by 23 runs | |
| Player of the Match | Krunal Pandya – 3/18 |
Krunal Pandya Delivers the Knockout Punch
Ironically, the star of the final was not one of RCB’s marquee names but Krunal Pandya, the unsung hero of the night. With his left-arm spin, Pandya choked the middle overs and scalped three crucial wickets, including the dangerous Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma.
RCB’s bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal, showcased the shift in strategy that finally earned them glory. Long criticized for relying solely on big-name batters, RCB’s championship run was defined by their bowling depth and consistency.
As Bhuvneshwar once said, “Batsmen win sponsorships, bowlers win championships” — and RCB’s win was a testament to that.
The Kohli Effect Still Reigns
Despite not captaining the side, all eyes remained on Virat Kohli, RCB’s emotional and spiritual leader. Cameras consistently found their way to him — celebrating, advising, or tearing up in joy. For the fans, Kohli remains the heart and soul of RCB, and his visible emotion after the win struck a chord with millions.
Strategic Moves and Selection Gambles
RCB gambled with the inclusion of Tim David, who passed a late fitness test. PBKS, on the other hand, left out Yuzvendra Chahal, opting instead for Harpreet Brar, a move that did not pay off as expected.
Conclusion
RCB’s first IPL title marks the end of an agonizing wait for their loyal fanbase. The final in Ahmedabad was not just a cricket match—it was the culmination of nearly two decades of heartbreak, hope, and rebuilding. RCB finally shed the “almost” tag and etched their name in the history books.
As the trophy was lifted and tears flowed — especially from Virat Kohli — one thing became clear: this was more than a win; it was a legacy fulfilled.
FAQs
1. Who was the Player of the Match in the IPL 2025 Final?
Krunal Pandya won the award for his match-winning spell of 3/18.
2. How many IPL titles has RCB won now?
This was RCB’s first-ever IPL title after 18 seasons.
3. Who captained RCB in the final?
Rajat Patidar captained RCB, with Kohli providing senior leadership support.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply