Ahmedabad, June 3, 2025 – In a moment etched into cricketing history, Virat Kohli finally lifted the IPL trophy after an agonizing 18-year wait, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a dramatic 6-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Before a roaring crowd of over 100,000 fans, with nearly 90,000 donning Kohliâs iconic No. 18 jersey, the night belonged to RCBâs talisman and his teamâs unbreakable spirit.
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At the pre-match press conference, RCB captain Rajat Patidar emphasized treating the final like any other game. True to his words, RCB played with composure under pressure, blending their hallmark aggression with strategic brilliance to end a drought that spanned nearly two decades. This victory marks RCBâs first IPL title after three heartbreaking final losses in 2009, 2011, and 2016, where over-reliance on individual brilliance often proved their undoing. This time, it was a true team effort.
Kohliâs Emotional Triumph
While Kohli himself wasnât at his explosive best in the final, scoring a modest 29 off 22 balls, his presence as a leader and symbol of resilience inspired those around him. The superstar, who has been with RCB since the IPLâs inception in 2008, was visibly emotional at the presentation ceremony, tears streaming down his face as teammates mobbed him. Reflecting on past struggles, Kohli had once shared his frustrations with the RCB womenâs team after a disappointing Womenâs Premier League season in 2023, saying, âIf we donât win, Iâm not going to go to my grave thinking, âOnly if I had won the IPL, I wouldâve been happy dying.ââ On this historic night, that unfulfilled wish was finally laid to rest.
RCBâs Batting Masterclass
RCBâs journey to 190/6 was a collective effort that showcased their depth. Phil Salt set the tone with a blistering 17 off just 9 balls, while Mayank Agarwal kept the momentum with a brisk 24 off 18. Captain Patidar anchored the middle overs with a composed 26 off 16, but it was Jitesh Sharmaâs explosive 25 off 10, including two towering sixes off PBKS pacer Kyle Jamieson in the 17th over, that turned the game. Late fireworks from Liam Livingstone (25 off 15) and Romario Shepherd (17 off 9) ensured RCB posted a challenging total, albeit slightly below par on Ahmedabadâs batting-friendly surface.
Bowling Brilliance Seals the Deal
RCBâs bowling, often their Achillesâ heel in past seasons, has been a revelation in IPL 2025. After their win in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur, pacer Josh Hazlewood had confidently stated, âWeâve got all bases covered. Any of our five or six bowlers can step up at any stage of the game.â His words rang true in the final as Krunal Pandya delivered a match-defining spell of 2/17 in 4 overs. The left-arm spinner dismissed Prabhsimran Singh and the dangerous Josh Inglis, while his 11 dot balls choked PBKSâs chase. Hazlewood himself returned in the death overs, conceding 22 runs in his last over to the valiant Shashank Singh (61* off 30), who nearly pulled off a miraculous heist. Had Shashank connected on a full toss on the first ball of that over, the story might have been different.
Punjabâs Valiant Effort Falls Short
For PBKS, Shashank Singhâs unbeaten knock was a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing night. His late assault kept fans on the edge of their seats, but the early damage by RCBâs bowlers proved too much to overcome. Punjab needed 191 to win, finishing at 184/7, a mere 6 runs shy of glory.
A Night of Destiny
In the end, it felt as if destiny had scripted this moment for Kohli and RCB. The sea of red in the stands, the chants of âKohli! Kohli!â, and the sheer weight of 18 years of longing culminated in a celebration that will be remembered for generations. As fireworks lit up the Ahmedabad sky, Kohli held the trophy aloft, a symbol of persistence, passion, and unparalleled loyalty to a franchise that has now etched its name in IPL folklore.
For Virat Kohli, June 3, 2025, is not just a dateâitâs redemption. And for RCB, itâs the dawn of a new era.