History was made at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year-long wait and lifted their maiden IPL trophy. It was a night of high drama, emotional release, and poetic justice for one man in particular – Virat Kohli.

RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in a nail-biting final to win the IPL 2025 title, becoming the eighth team in the league’s history to clinch the championship. Before this, the likes of Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Deccan Chargers, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad had all tasted IPL glory. But for Bengaluru, the journey was long, painful, and often ridiculed. Not anymore.

The Final Showdown: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

After losing the toss, RCB was asked to bat first. The start wasn’t ideal. Opener Phil Salt, after a few flashy shots, fell early. From there on, it was a struggle. Mayank Agarwal, skipper Rajat Patidar, and even Liam Livingstone failed to convert their starts into something big. But all eyes were on Virat Kohli – the heartbeat of this franchise since day one.

However, Kohli’s innings wasn’t the kind fans were hoping for. On a night when expectations were sky-high, the maestro looked out of rhythm. Battling to find the boundaries, Kohli managed a sluggish 43 off 35 balls, becoming the target of criticism for slowing down the momentum at a crucial time. When he eventually got out, the RCB total looked underwhelming.

But then came the late surge. Jitesh Sharma, known for his explosive batting, smashed 24 runs off just 10 balls, injecting energy into the innings. Livingstone, despite his poor season, chipped in with a quickfire 25. RCB ended their innings at 190/9 in 20 overs – a competitive total, but not a match-winning one on paper.

Punjab’s bowling was commendable. Kyle Jamieson and Arshdeep Singh both picked up three wickets each, keeping RCB under constant pressure.

Punjab’s Chase – Close, But Not Close Enough

With a target of 191, Punjab Kings started confidently. Their top-order batters found boundaries regularly and kept the required run-rate within sight. However, as pressure mounted in the latter half of the innings, RCB’s bowlers stepped up in style.

Veterans Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya rolled back the years with tight spells. But the real hero turned out to be Yash Dayal, whose death-over heroics tilted the match in RCB’s favor. Punjab faltered just at the finish line, ending their chase at 184/7, falling short by just six runs.

Virat Kohli – From Heartbreaks to History

For Virat Kohli, this wasn’t just another trophy. It was the culmination of nearly two decades of belief, commitment, heartbreak, and hope. Having been part of RCB since the inaugural season in 2008, Kohli had endured it all – from crushing defeats in the finals to years of finishing at the bottom.

Over the years, memes and jokes about RCB’s inability to win a title had become a norm. Kohli, despite his individual brilliance, was always seen as the man who couldn’t get RCB over the line. That narrative changed forever on this unforgettable night in Ahmedabad.

Interestingly, fans had built a superstition around Kohli’s jersey number 18, the 18th IPL season, and even the 18th day of the Mahabharata war, all pointing towards a victorious climax. And somehow, fate aligned perfectly.

A New Chapter Under Rajat Patidar’s Captaincy

One of the biggest surprises of this season was Rajat Patidar being appointed RCB’s captain. Not many expected this move, but it proved to be a masterstroke. Patidar led with calmness, made bold decisions, and brought a fresh mindset to a team haunted by its past.

Even though he couldn’t play a defining knock in the final, his leadership and trust in his bowlers during crunch moments made the difference.

The Unsung Heroes: RCB’s Bowling Unit

This title win wasn’t about a single performance – it was a team effort. Bhuvneshwar Kumar showed why he’s still a dependable option with the ball. Krunal Pandya’s tight spell in the middle overs dried up the runs when Punjab was gaining momentum. And Yash Dayal, with his nerves of steel at the death, bowled possibly the most important over of his career.

The Wait is Over

RCB fans can finally breathe. The taunts can stop. The pain is replaced with pride. On June 3, 2025, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru rewrote their story. No longer just a team of stars. No longer the “underachievers” of IPL.

They are now Champions. And leading that celebration, with teary eyes and a wide smile, was Virat Kohli – the man who gave everything for the badge. The legend finally got what he truly deserved.

RCB – Champions of IPL 2025.
A fairytale ending, 18 years in the making.