After 18 seasons of unwavering belief and heartbreak, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally fulfilled the dream their fans had long cherished — lifting the IPL trophy. In a tightly contested IPL 2025 final at Ahmedabad, RCB edged past Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a high-stakes encounter that marked the end of an emotional campaign for both sides.

RCB posted 190 for 9 after being put in to bat. Virat Kohli top-scored with a determined 43 off 35 balls, holding the innings together on a pitch that proved tougher than expected. PBKS’s bowlers, especially Arshdeep Singh (3 for 40) and Kyle Jamieson (3 for 48), executed their plans with precision, restricting the usually explosive RCB line-up. Kohli’s innings, though appearing cautious at times, was a reflection of the testing nature of the surface — a pitch on which bounce and pace varied unpredictably.

Punjab Kings, who chased 204 just two days prior at the same venue, struggled to replicate that success. The new pitch offered assistance to bowlers, and RCB’s bowling attack capitalised brilliantly. Shashank Singh emerged as PBKS’s beacon of hope with an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, including a flurry of sixes in the final over. But his heroics came too late. PBKS needed 29 off the last six balls and despite hitting 6, 4, 6, 6 off Josh Hazlewood to close the gap, the match had slipped beyond reach after two crucial dot balls to start the over.

Krunal Pandya, a seasoned IPL campaigner with multiple titles under his belt, delivered a game-changing spell for RCB. Introduced after the powerplay, he bowled two tight overs, conceding just 17 runs and claiming the wicket of Prabhsimran Singh. His clever changes in pace and tight angles made scoring difficult on a surface offering subtle turn and variable bounce. Prabhsimran, trying to force the issue, was deceived by a slower ball and offered a simple catch.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal also played crucial roles with the ball. Their collective discipline ensured that PBKS never quite got ahead in the chase, despite moments of promise from Josh Inglis (39) and Shashank Singh. For RCB, the presence of multiple bowlers with title-winning experience — Krunal from Mumbai Indians, Bhuvneshwar from Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Dayal recently from Gujarat Titans — made a telling difference in managing the pressure of a final.

The win marked a milestone moment for RCB and their legion of supporters. The franchise had reached the final three times in the past but failed to convert those opportunities. This time, their campaign was built on grit, balance, and a collective desire to silence the doubters. Kohli, the face of the franchise for over a decade, finally saw his loyalty rewarded.

For PBKS, despite the heartbreak, there was much to be proud of. The team had showcased tremendous spirit and resilience throughout the tournament, winning hearts and emerging as one of the most improved sides of the season. With young talents like Shashank Singh stepping up on the big stage, PBKS can take plenty of positives into the next edition.

As the confetti settled and RCB celebrated their long-awaited triumph, it was clear that the IPL 2025 final had delivered one of the most memorable finishes in recent years. A clash of dreams, emotions, and cricketing excellence — all in one night.

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