A date that Royal Challengers Bengaluru supporters would always cherish is June 3, 2025. Following years of heartache, hope, and longing, RCB defeated Punjab Kings in an exciting final to win their first IPL trophy. In front of a boisterous audience at the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB amassed a commanding 190 runs and maintained composure under duress to win by 12 runs, shocking the cricket community in RCB VS PBKS
This victory was more than just a title for a team that is frequently characterized by missed opportunities and untapped potential; it was poetic justice. Jitesh Sharma’s explosive hitting, Krunal Pandya precision bowling, and a legendary Virat Kohli performance helped RCB finally emerge from the past. The “Ee Sala Cup Namde” chants were no longer in vain; instead, they were heard in joy during RCB VS PBKS.
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The Build-Up: Fans, Pressure, and the Weight of History
The air was charged with excitement as the sun sank over the magnificent Narendra Modi Stadium. This was more than just another IPL final; it was a momentous occasion for Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru to win their first-ever IPL trophy. Heartbreaks, trolls, and near-misses were all part of the ten-and-a-half-year wait for RCB supporters. This final was their chance to make the song “Ee Sala Cup Namde” a reality. It had come to represent both agony and optimism.
No other team was under as much strain as RCB. Expectations were extremely high because they had players like Josh Hazzlewood who had never lost a final, Krunal Pandya who has won three trophies, and Virat Kohli in their ranks. The story was about rewriting a legacy, not just about winning a match. The ghosts of previous finals hung over the team, which had been steady throughout the 2025 campaign. Would they be able to get past the psychological obstacle at last? Could they perform when it counted most on the grandest stage? RCB VS PBKS.
Ahmedabad was transformed into a miniature Bengaluru as fans streamed into the stadium wearing red jerseys, waving flags, and playing drums. Watch parties were organized all across the country, social media was ablaze, and everyone’s eyes were on one thing: would they be able to end the curse? Expectations, emotion, and intensity created the perfect atmosphere for what would turn out to be one of the most memorable evenings in IPL history.
PBKS Choose to Bowl first in the final🏏
Punjab Kings won the toss and made the audacious choice to bowl first in a crucial final (RCB VS PBKS). Shreyas Iyer , the captain of PBKS, relied on his bowlers to limit the potent RCB batting lineup because chasing was the more effective tactic in Ahmedabad and dew was predicted later in the evening. It was a well-thought-out approach motivated by their bowling unit’s confidence and their capacity to chase large targets under duress, a tactic that had served them well this season.
Reactions to the judgment were not quite uniform. Some thought it was a risk against an team full of explosive batsmen, while others applauded Iyer’s tactical approach and faith in his death bowlers, such as Arshdeep Singh and Chahal. However, Iyer maintained his composure, thinking that early wickets may change the tide in their favor. The Punjabi camp appeared determined, invigorated, and prepared to make history.
PBKS got off to a strong start with the ball, applying pressure during the powerplay and even dismissing RCB’s prolific opener early in the game. However, the RCB middle order regained their rhythm and the pitch played true, which helped them win the game gradually. Although choosing to bowl first was a calculated move, it needed to be executed precisely, and RCB’s batting strength put PBKS to the test.
Target Set: 190 Runs – A Challenge for PBKS
After 20 electrifying overs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a commanding total of 190/6, giving Punjab Kings a mountain to climb under pressure. The innings was built on a solid foundation laid by Virat Kohli’s composed 43 , followed by Jitesh and Livingstone explosive cameo that shifted momentum in RCB’s favor. Despite a few breakthroughs by the PBKS bowlers, RCB’s deep batting ensured they maximized the final overs and crossed the psychological 190-run mark — a total rarely chased in IPL finals.
Punjab Kings now faced a daunting target on the biggest night of the season. A score of 190 in a final is not just a number — it’s a statement. It demands a fearless yet calculated approach, composure under pressure, and individual brilliance. PBKS had the batting firepower with the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Stonis, Inglis, but they needed everything to go right to chase this score on such a grand stage.
For PBKS, the chase was not just about runs — it was about handling the occasion. With every ball, the pressure would mount. RCB had set the tone, and the onus was now on Punjab to respond. As the players walked out for the second innings, the crowd was on edge, knowing that this run-chase could define destinies and possibly deliver one of the greatest finals in IPL history.
PBKS Starts Aggressively: Priyansh Leads the Charge
With a daunting target of 190 on the board, Punjab Kings knew they had to start strong — and that’s exactly what they did. Young opener Priyansh Arya, playing with fearless intent, took the attack to the RCB bowlers right from the first over. Unfazed by the occasion, Priyansh displayed remarkable maturity and flair, punishing anything short or wide. His strokeplay was elegant yet powerful, and he quickly silenced the Bengaluru fans with a flurry of boundaries.
While senior players like Inglis played the anchor role, it was Priyansh’s fearless batting that kept the required run rate within reach during the powerplay. He showcased his full range — flicks, drives, and even a massive six over long-on that made a bold statement. The youngster raced to 24 off just 19 balls, giving PBKS the start they desperately needed in such a high-pressure chase.
However, just when Punjab looked in full control, RCB’s bowlers regrouped. The introduction of spin and clever changes in pace began to build pressure. A mistimed shot led to Priyansh’s dismissal, breaking the momentum and swinging the match slightly back in RCB’s favor. Still, his knock had set the tone — it gave Punjab belief and reminded the opposition that they were here to fight till the very last ball.
Bigger the Occasion, Bigger the Impact😱
In a high-pressure IPL final, experience and composure often make the difference, and Krunal Pandya rose to the occasion brilliantly for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Known for his all-round abilities, Krunal played a crucial role in bowling department, proving why he is such a valuable asset in crunch moments. When the stakes were at their highest, his calm presence helped steady the ship and added crucial runs in the middle overs.
With the scoreboard ticking but wickets falling at intervals, Krunal showcased his versatility by accelerating the innings when needed. His smart shot selection and ability to rotate the strike kept the momentum going, allowing RCB to build a competitive total of 190. Beyond the bat, his sharp fielding and timely breakthroughs with the ball put immense pressure on the Punjab Kings batsmen during their chase.
Krunal’s impact went beyond statistics — it was his ability to remain unfazed, execute plans perfectly, and perform under pressure that truly mattered. In a final where every run and wicket counted, Krunal Pandya’s all-round performance became a turning point, reminding everyone why big matches call for big players. His contribution was a key pillar in RCB’s historic triumph.
Iyer’s Masterclass Throughout the Season 2025
Shreyas Iyer was the heartbeat of Punjab Kings’ batting lineup throughout the IPL 2025 season. With a remarkable tally of 604 runs, he emerged as the highest run-scorer for PBKS, showcasing remarkable consistency, elegance, and resilience. From explosive starts to steady middle-over innings, Iyer’s masterclass with the bat kept Punjab in many tight games and was a major reason the team reached the final. His ability to adapt to different match situations made him a fan favorite and a vital cog in the team’s success story.
However, on the biggest stage of all — the IPL final against RCB — Iyer found himself standing largely alone. Despite early wickets falling around him and the pressure mounting, he tried to hold the innings together with his characteristic calm and determination. Unfortunately, luck did not favor the star batter, and he was dismissed early for just 1 run. His dismissal left a huge void in the Punjab batting order, making the already challenging chase even tougher.
While the final didn’t end the way Iyer or PBKS would have hoped, his incredible run tally across the season remains a testament to his skill and perseverance. He carried the hopes of his team all season long and proved that he belongs among the elite batsmen in the IPL. For Iyer, this final will be a learning experience — a motivation to come back stronger and lead PBKS to the ultimate prize in the seasons to come.
Finally, RCB Won a Trophy in Their 18th Season🏆
After 18 long seasons filled with hope, heartbreak, and countless near-misses, RCB finally lifted their first-ever IPL trophy — and as a fan, the feeling is beyond words. For years, we’ve cheered, cried, and believed through every twist and turn, waiting for this moment of glory. Seeing our team rise from underdogs to champions fills my heart with immense pride and joy. It’s like watching a lifelong dream come to life, one that many of us thought might never happen.
Being an RCB fan means experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions every season — the highs of breathtaking wins and the lows of crushing defeats. But this victory is different. It’s a reward for the loyalty, passion, and unwavering support we’ve shown through thick and thin. The chants of “Ee Sala Cup Namde” finally have a powerful meaning, and the joy of celebration with millions of fans worldwide feels like pure magic. It’s a moment that makes every disappointment worthwhile.
From Heartbreak💔 to Healed😀
The story of Royal Challengers Bengaluru has always been one of passion intertwined with heartbreak. For years, the team came agonizingly close to glory, only to fall short at the final hurdle. RCB lost three IPL finals — in 2009, 2011, and 2016 — moments that left fans heartbroken and dreams deferred. Each loss felt like a personal blow to millions of supporters who had poured their hearts into the team, hoping that this time would be different.
Those finals were filled with unforgettable moments: the 2009 defeat against Deccan Chargers where the team fought valiantly but missed out; the nail-biting 2011 final against Chennai Super Kings, which slipped away by a narrow margin; and the 2016 final against SRH where the heartbreak was almost unbearable. These losses, though painful, forged the character of the team and its fans — teaching resilience, patience, and unwavering loyalty.
Now, after years of near misses and shattered hopes, RCB has finally healed those wounds. Winning the IPL trophy in the 18th season was not just a victory on the field but a redemption of all those past heartbreaks. It was a moment of closure, pride, and pure joy — a testament to the fact that persistence and belief can turn even the deepest pain into the sweetest triumph.
For Virat Kohli, the IPL isn’t just another tournament — it’s a lifelong journey intertwined with his growth as a cricketer and a leader. Playing 18 seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the very beginning, Kohli has been the face of the franchise, carrying the hopes and dreams of millions of fans on his shoulders. Throughout these years, he gave everything — breathtaking innings, fiery captaincy, and unrelenting passion — yet the elusive IPL trophy remained just out of reach.
This victory in 2025 means more than just a title for Kohli; it’s the fulfillment of a personal dream and a career milestone. After years of relentless hard work, perseverance, and enduring immense pressure, lifting the trophy is a validation of his dedication and leadership. It symbolizes not just success but also the overcoming of challenges that tested his resilience time and again. For Kohli, it’s a moment of pure joy and emotional release, a reward for never giving up despite the setbacks.
Beyond the statistics and records, this trophy win cements Kohli’s legacy as not only one of the greatest batsmen of his generation but also as the ultimate champion of RCB’s journey. It’s a triumph that connects deeply with his fans, who have witnessed his evolution and stood by him through every high and low. This IPL title is truly the crowning glory of Virat Kohli’s remarkable career with RCB.
Conclusion: A Night That Redefined RCB’s Legacy
The 2025 IPL final was more than just a cricket match — it was a historic saga of passion, perseverance, and ultimate triumph. Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory, after 18 long seasons, is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the team and its fans. Scoring a commanding 190 and defending it with heart and skill, RCB finally etched their name on the IPL trophy, turning years of near-misses into a glorious celebration.
This win not only breaks the long-standing “curse” but also ignites a new era of confidence and ambition for the franchise. For players like Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya, it validates their dedication and leadership. For fans around the world, it’s a moment of pure joy — a dream fulfilled that strengthens the bond with their beloved team.
As the celebrations echo far and wide, one thing is clear: RCB’s story is no longer about heartbreak but about triumph, resilience, and legacy. This victory would inspire generations to come, proving that with belief and perseverance, dreams do come true.
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