Think heartbreak defines a franchise? Think again. Royal Challengers Bengaluru just rewrote 18 years of IPL history in one magical evening.
And this wasn’t just a victory… It was a statement that persistence, when mixed with the right ingredients, can overcome any curse.
RCB defeated Punjab Kings by 6 runs in the IPL 2025 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, finally claiming their maiden trophy after four previous final defeats. For anyone who has been following cricket’s emotional rollercoaster, this moment represents everything beautiful about the sport.
The sight of Virat Kohli, tears streaming down his face, lifting that elusive trophy alongside captain Rajat Patidar was worth every moment of those 18 years of waiting.
“It’s nearly like the young Virat Kohli coming out of him, just celebrating and rejoicing in an emotional way,” said Tom Moody after witnessing RCB’s historic moment.
What Made This IPL 2025 Final Special?
Beyond the numbers: This wasn’t just RCB vs PBKS. It was hope vs despair, dreams vs reality, and experience vs youth all rolled into one incredible package.
Delhi Capitals remains the lone member of this unfortunate club now. For those wondering about what makes cricket fans so passionate, this final perfectly captured the raw emotions that define our beautiful game.
The margin of victory was narrow – six runs – showing how closely matched these two teams have been over the season, but it was RCB who held their nerve when it mattered most. As ESPNcricinfo’s detailed analysis beautifully explains, this was cricket at its finest.
The Match That Had Everything
RCB’s Batting Display
RCB posted 190 for 9 after PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to field first. The decision seemed logical given Ahmedabad’s track record this season, but RCB’s experienced batting lineup had other plans.
Virat Kohli played a crucial knock of 43 off 35 balls, showing the temperament that has made him one of cricket’s greatest performers in big matches. While he struggled initially with the pull shot on a pitch that offered tennis-ball bounce, Kohli adapted his game beautifully.
The middle order contributions were vital. Phil Salt (16), Rajat Patidar (26), and Liam Livingstone (25) all got starts but fell just when they were looking threatening, all three dismissed by Kyle Jamieson.
PBKS Bowling Excellence
Kyle Jamieson used the slower legcutter to telling effect, either getting it to die on the batter from shorter lengths or dip disconcertingly when he went full. His bowling was a masterclass in reading conditions and adapting accordingly.
The PBKS seamers, led by Jamieson, used the pitch’s natural variation expertly. The ball dug into the surface on the shorter lengths – especially when bowled pace-off – and misbehaved just often enough to keep the batters under control. For cricket enthusiasts wanting to understand these bowling variations better, Jamieson’s performance was a textbook example.
The Chase That Broke Hearts
PBKS Started Positively
PBKS were 52 for 1 at the end of their powerplay, compared to RCB’s 55 for 1 at the same stage. The chase was perfectly set up, and with their successful record of chasing targets this season, confidence was high in the PBKS camp.
Krunal Pandya’s Match-Winning Spell
Here’s where experience showed its true value. Krunal Pandya, who has won three IPL titles with Mumbai Indians, turned the match with the ball. His spell of 2/17 in four overs was the difference between victory and defeat.
Krunal’s first over contained most of the ingredients that made him so difficult to hit on this pitch, bowling fast and into the pitch, either angling the ball into the right-handers’ leg stump or firing it wide of off stump. His tactical bowling approach has been studied extensively by cricket analysts.
His ability to read the game situation and adjust his pace accordingly separated him from ordinary bowlers. Krunal got the crucial wickets of set batters Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Josh Inglis (39), swinging the momentum decisively toward RCB. For PBKS fans wondering about their team’s future prospects, this detailed analysis on Punjab Kings’ potential offers hope for the coming seasons.
The Final Over Drama
Shashank Singh’s Heroic Effort
Shashank Singh finished on an unbeaten 30-ball 61, hitting Josh Hazlewood for 6, 4, 6, 6 to end the match. His innings was a masterpiece of power-hitting under pressure, but it came just too late.
The young PBKS batter showed incredible composure, but the first two balls of the over were dot balls with 29 needed at the start, which ultimately proved decisive.
What This Victory Means
For Virat Kohli
This victory represents the crowning moment of Kohli’s IPL career. Having spent so many years with a single franchise, Kohli finally silenced all his critics. The emotional scenes after the victory showed just how much this meant to him personally. BCCI’s official coverage captured these touching moments perfectly.
For RCB as a Franchise
Before today, RCB had lost the finals on three occasions: in 2009 vs Deccan Chargers, in 2012 vs Chennai Super Kings, and in 2016 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad. This victory validates their approach and patience with their core group. Cricket analysts at CricBuzz have detailed RCB’s transformation over the years.
For Rajat Patidar’s Leadership
When the season began, many wondered why Rajat Patidar was named as captain by RCB with many big names around, but he showed why there was much optimism in the camp. His captaincy has been vindicated in the most spectacular fashion. This leadership analysis by cricket strategist Harsha Bhogle explains why young captains often succeed in T20 cricket.
The Bigger Picture: T20 Cricket Evolution
It’s a sign of how far T20 has come that 190 beating 184 was a bowler-dominated game. This final showcased the tactical evolution of the format, where bowlers have found ways to stay competitive even on batting-friendly surfaces.
The use of pace variations, field placements, and bowling to specific match situations has become an art form. Both teams demonstrated this throughout the tournament. For those interested in the tactical evolution of T20 cricket, this final was a masterclass in modern cricket strategy.
Key Performances That Decided The Final
RCB’s Bowling Unit
Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up 2 wickets in the end, while Hazlewood, Yash Dayal and Shepherd picked up a wicket each. The experienced pace attack held their nerve when it mattered most.
PBKS’s Fighting Spirit
Despite falling short, PBKS showed tremendous character. They will take heart from the fact that they played some of the best cricket they have ever played as a team this season.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
For RCB
This victory changes everything for RCB. They’ve broken their title drought and will enter future seasons with the confidence of champions. RCB will now have a place cemented for Rajat Patidar in the near future as their leader. Cricket strategists believe this could be the start of a new dynasty for the Bengaluru franchise.
For PBKS
“Maybe a little bit of experience in that middle order today might have helped us out,” said Ricky Ponting about the final defeat. They’ve built a strong foundation and will be back stronger. Many cricket analysts are already predicting PBKS as favorites for the IPL 2026 title, given their young core and aggressive approach.
The Verdict: A Final for the Ages
This IPL 2025 final had everything a cricket fan could ask for. In a game that was most fitting for a final, RCB managed to keep their nerves to beat PBKS by six runs.
The beauty of this victory lies not just in the result, but in the journey. RCB’s 18-year wait has finally ended, and the celebrations at the Narendra Modi Stadium will be remembered for years to come.
For PBKS, the pain will linger, but they’ve shown they belong at cricket’s top table. Their time will come.
As for cricket fans worldwide, we witnessed something special – the moment when persistence met opportunity, and dreams finally became reality.
FAQ Section
Q1: How many times has RCB reached the IPL final before winning in 2025?
A1: RCB reached the IPL final four times before their 2025 victory. They lost in 2009 (vs Deccan Chargers), 2012 (vs Chennai Super Kings), 2016 (vs Sunrisers Hyderabad), and finally won in 2025 against Punjab Kings. This was their 18th season in the IPL.
Q2: What was the key turning point in the IPL 2025 final?
A2: The key turning point was Krunal Pandya’s bowling spell of 2/17 in four overs. His dismissals of set batters Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Josh Inglis (39) swung the momentum toward RCB when PBKS were well-placed in their chase of 191.
Q3: Who was the Player of the Match in the IPL 2025 final?
A3: While not explicitly mentioned in the match reports, Krunal Pandya’s match-turning bowling performance of 2/17 in 4 overs was the most influential individual contribution. His experience and tactical bowling on a tricky Ahmedabad surface proved decisive.
Q4: How close did PBKS come to winning the IPL 2025 final?
A4: PBKS came very close, losing by just 6 runs. Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 61 off 30 balls in the final over, where he hit 6, 4, 6, 6 off Josh Hazlewood, showed how close they were. However, the first two dot balls of the final over with 29 runs needed proved crucial.
Q5: What made the IPL 2025 final pitch challenging for batters?
A5: The Ahmedabad pitch offered tennis-ball bounce and natural variation. The ball dug into the surface on shorter lengths, especially when bowled pace-off, making timing difficult. Bowlers who used slower variations and mixed their pace were more successful than those who bowled at consistent speeds.
References
- ESPNcricinfo Match Report – IPL 2025 Final: PBKS vs RCB
- IPLT20.com Official Match Report – TATA IPL 2025 Final
- Business Standard Cricket Coverage – RCB vs PBKS Final Highlights
- ESPNcricinfo Live Blog – IPL 2025 Final Live Updates
- Official IPL Video Highlights and Post-Match Presentations