A Monumental Win for RCB
RCB fully made history in the IPL after 18 heart-breaking years, multiple attempts, and relentless support from their fans. RCB became the champions for the first time in their history. This moment was long awaited after 18 years of supporting RCB in the 2025 tournament final. RCB beat PBKS by 6 runs and claimed the trophy. This moment was monumental for the fans and, after so long, worked for the fans.
Match Recap: RCB vs. PBKS—IPL 2025 Final
RCB: 190/9 (Virat Kohli 43, Arshdeep Singh 3/40, Kyle Jamieson 3/48)
PBKS: 184/7 (Shashank Singh 61*, Josh Inglis 39, Krunal Pandya 2/17, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/38)
Result: RCB won by 6 runs.
RCB’s Redemption Arc
RCB's victory was more than just a result; it was the culmination of nearly two decades of devoted support and disappointed expectations. A franchise that has been mocked for failing to produce despite having great players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle over the years eventually won the cup in their fourth final appearance. The success justified their mantra "Ee Sala Cup Namde" (This year, the cup is ours), which had become a rallying cry and meme throughout the years.
Vijay Mallya's Nostalgic Post: “When I Founded RCB…”
Disgraced former owner Vijay Mallya, who bought the franchise during IPL’s inception in 2008, marked the moment with a nostalgic post on X (formerly Twitter):
“RCB are IPL Champions finally after 18 years. Superb campaign right through the 2025 tournament. A well-balanced team playing bold with outstanding coaching and support staff. Many congratulations! Ee sala cup namde!!”
Mallya had a hand in shaping RCB’s identity, notably drafting a young Virat Kohli in 2008 and later bringing in superstars like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. Though now a fugitive, his post sparked mixed emotions online — from appreciation for his foundational role to criticism for basking in the moment from afar.
Kohli: No. 18 Gets It Done in the 18th Season
The emotional center of this triumph was undoubtedly Virat Kohli. With the No. 18 on his back, Kohli delivered a composed 43 off 35 balls, steadying RCB in a low-scoring battle on a tricky pitch.
Gayle and De Villiers, RCB legends, were also present in the stadium to witness the moment Virat finally lifted the IPL trophy — a full-circle moment for the franchise.
Key Performances in the Final
Krunal Pandya—The Game-Changer
Krunal, a veteran of IPL finals, turned the game with the ball. His economical spell (2/17) on a two-paced Ahmedabad pitch choked PBKS in the middle overs and derailed their chase.
Shashank Singh—A Blazing Finish
With 29 needed off the final over, Shashank launched a mini-assault with 6, 4, 6, 6 — but his unbeaten 61 off 30 balls was just too late to change the outcome. The valiant knock earned admiration, though not the title.
Jitesh Sharma—Late Cameo
His 24 off 10 for RCB featured two innovative sixes and helped RCB breach 190. A crucial cameo on a sluggish pitch.
Punjab Kings: So Near, Yet So Far
PBKS had arguably one of their strongest squads in years. From Prabhsimran and Inglis to Shreyas Iyer and Shashank, their 2025 campaign had plenty of flair and grit. But once again, the trophy slipped away. It was their second final, and while heartbreak remains, their future looks bright.
Celebrations Turn Tragic in Bengaluru
A night that ought to have been celebrated with unrestrained glee turned tragic when a stampede during the RCB celebration parade outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in the deaths of 11 fans, according to reports. Supporters had already gathered in large numbers on the street in anticipation of the victory parade ever since the news of the procession broke earlier in the day.
The overwhelming jubilation and frenzy, as expected, reached uncontrollable levels despite repeated attempts from police and traffic authorities aimed at containing the situation. The franchise and government were warned time and again that public celebrations should be avoided due to the dangerously heightened emotional frenzy but proceeded without adequate mitigative measures.
While RCB’s victory was historic and laudable, the somber backdrop of lives lost in the resultant mayhem will now forever taint the celebration.
Scorecard Summary: IPL 2025 Final
RCB Batting Highlights
Virat Kohli: 43 (35)
Jitesh Sharma: 24 (10)
Phil Salt/Rajat Patidar/Livingstone: Combined 66 (43)
PBKS Bowling
Arshdeep Singh: 3/40
Kyle Jamieson: 3/48
Vyshak: 1/22
PBKS Batting Highlights
Shashank Singh: 61* (30)
Josh Inglis: 39 (19)
Prabhsimran/Wadhera: 41 (40)
RCB Bowling
Krunal Pandya: 2/17
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 2/38
Yash Dayal: 1/31
A Legacy Rewritten
With the 2025 championship, RCB has put an end to years of suffering, trolling, and memes. With their maiden IPL trophy, they have gone from being "underachievers" to champions. Although fans are experiencing a range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, RCB's legacy has entered a new era that will be characterized by triumph rather than close calls.
