Introduction: A night of pure ecstasy unfolded at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) celebrated their long-awaited, first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 title. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) hosted a grand felicitation event, where the city’s beloved team, led by the dynamic duo of Virat Kohli and captain Rajat Patidar, soaked in the adulation of a fanbase that has stood by them for 18 arduous years. The roar of the crowd was so deafening that even the ever-composed Kohli struggled to get his words out, a moment that encapsulated the sheer emotion of this historic triumph.
The Emotional Core: As Kohli took the stage, the stadium erupted into a sea of red and gold chants, rendering the star batter momentarily speechless. “Let me speak…” he pleaded with a smile, his voice drowned out by the passionate Bengaluru faithful. Once the noise subsided, Kohli delivered a heartfelt tribute to the fans, declaring, “It’s no longer ‘ee saala cup naam de’ (This year the cup will be ours), but ‘ee saala cup naam du’ (This year the cup is ours). This victory is for you, our incredible fans, and for this beautiful city that has backed us through thick and thin for nearly two decades. I’ve never witnessed a fanbase like this anywhere in the world.” His words resonated deeply with the crowd, many of whom have waited since RCB’s inception in 2008 to see their team lift the coveted trophy.
Kohli also took a moment to laud captain Rajat Patidar, revealing a prediction he made during the RCB Unbox event earlier this year, where the team’s new jersey and leadership were unveiled. “I saw the potential for long-term leadership in him back then,” Kohli shared. “Give him the loudest cheer because he has proven himself in his very first season as captain.” Patidar, who scored 312 runs in 14 matches at an average of 24.00 with two fifties, showcased not just batting prowess but also tactical brilliance with his astute bowler rotations and on-field decisions throughout the campaign.
Key Performances and Milestone: Kohli himself was a pillar of strength for RCB, emerging as the franchise’s leading run-scorer and the tournament’s third-highest with a staggering 657 runs in 15 matches. Boasting an average of 54.75 and a strike rate over 144, including eight fifties, his consistency provided the backbone for RCB’s journey to glory. The final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) was a nail-biter, with RCB posting 190/9 in 20 overs, thanks to Kohli’s 43 off 35 balls, Patidar’s quickfire 26 off 16, and contributions from Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10) and Liam Livingstone (25 off 15).
In response, PBKS fought valiantly with Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 61 off 30 balls nearly stealing the show, especially with a stunning 22-run final over when 29 were needed. However, RCB’s bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya (2/17), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38), and Yash Dayal (1/18), held their nerve to restrict PBKS to 184/7, sealing a dramatic 6-run victory. This marked PBKS’s second-ever IPL final appearance and their first in 11 years, but for RCB, it was the end of a heartbreaking drought.
Voices of Pride: The victory sent waves of joy across Karnataka, with dignitaries joining in the celebrations. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar expressed his delight, stating, “The whole of Karnataka is elated, from the young to the old. After 18 years of waiting, we’ve tasted success. I congratulate Kohli for standing like a rock and showing unwavering loyalty to Karnataka. I hope this is just the beginning, and the cup stays with RCB.” Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot echoed similar sentiments, saying, “On behalf of the Karnataka government and its people, I congratulate RCB for winning the IPL 2025 trophy. May they continue to make Karnataka and the nation proud.”
Conclusion: As the confetti rained down and the trophy gleamed under the Bengaluru night sky, RCB’s maiden IPL title win felt like a dream 18 years in the making. For Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and the millions of fans who have chanted ‘RCB, RCB’ through every heartbreak, this was more than a victory—it was a testament to resilience, loyalty, and unyielding belief. The Chinnaswamy Stadium bore witness to history, and as Kohli’s voice trembled with emotion amidst the roaring crowd, one thing was clear: the cup is finally home, and Bengaluru will never forget this night.