Published Jun 03, 2025 | 11:35 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 03, 2025 | 11:35 PM
Synopsis: Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their maiden Indian Premier League title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings in a tense final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. After setting a target of 191, RCB’s bowlers held their nerve despite a late surge from Shashank Singh to restrict PBKS to 184 for 7. The win marked the end of a 17-year title drought for the franchise, delivering long-awaited glory for Virat Kohli and RCB supporters.
After 17 seasons of near-misses and heartbreaks, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally etched their name into Indian Premier League (IPL) history by lifting their first-ever title defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a tense final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday, June 3 night.
Playing in front of a packed stadium and with the weight of expectation on both sides – neither of whom had previously won the title – RCB held their nerve to deliver a performance worthy of the occasion, ending a long-standing title drought and sending their fans into raptures.
Opting to bat first in the final, RCB’s opening pair of Phil Salt and Virat Kohli started with purpose. Arshdeep Singh, opening the bowling for PBKS, began with a wide and saw Salt take 13 off the first over. Salt continued his aggressive intent in the second over, hitting a boundary off Kyle Jamieson, before the New Zealand pacer had the last laugh, removing Salt for 13, thanks to a sharp running catch by PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer.
Kohli and Mayank Agarwal then steadied the innings. At the end of four overs, RCB were well-placed at 39 for 1. Azmatullah Omarzai bowled a tight fifth over, conceding just seven runs. The Powerplay ended with RCB at 55 for 1.
PBKS introduced Yuzvendra Chahal immediately after, and the leg-spinner struck in his very first over, removing Agarwal for 15. Captain Rajat Patidar joined Kohli at the crease and added valuable runs. RCB reached 80 for 2 after nine overs and were 87 for 2 at the halfway mark.
Patidar looked in control but was dismissed for 26 (16) by Jamieson in the 11th over. PBKS bowlers kept Kohli in check, bowling to a tight line and denying him boundaries for 16 balls.
The 14th over brought momentum back for RCB as Kohli and Liam Livingstone took 14 runs off Chahal. However, Kohli’s innings ended at a crucial stage – he was dismissed for 43 by Omarzai in the 15th over, who took a sharp return catch off his own bowling.
Jitesh Sharma and Livingstone then attacked the death overs. The 17th over, bowled by Jamieson, proved decisive – Jitesh struck two sixes, Livingstone followed with another, and although Jamieson removed Livingstone for 34, he conceded 22 runs in the over.
PBKS struck back in the 18th and 20th overs. Vyshak Vijayakumar removed Jitesh Sharma for 28, while Arshdeep Singh bowled a terrific final over, dismissing Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya and conceding just three runs.
RCB posted 190 for 7 – a formidable total in a final, but one within reach given the conditions.
Chasing 191, Punjab Kings openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh gave their side a brisk start, reaching 28 in just three overs. Arya was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, caught at point by Salt.
PBKS were 52 for 1 at the end of the Powerplay. Prabhsimran Singh, after a promising start, was removed by Krunal Pandya. Romario Shepherd dealt a massive blow by dismissing Shreyas Iyer in the 10th over, and Krunal added a second with the wicket of Josh Inglis. PBKS were 98 for 4 and the required rate kept climbing.
Wadhera and Shashank Singh attempted a recovery, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s twin strikes in the 17th over – removing Wadhera and the dangerous Marcus Stoinis – decisively tilted the game in RCB’s favour. Punjab were 142 for 6 and needed 49 off 18 balls.
Yash Dayal returned and struck immediately, removing Omarzai with a slower ball. A thick edge carried safely to substitute fielder Manoj Bhandage at backward point. PBKS were now 145 for 7.
Shashank Singh struck a four and a six in the penultimate over, adding 13 runs, but with 29 needed off the final six balls, the task was out of reach. Punjab Kings managed 184 for 7 in their 20 overs – falling just short.
For RCB, this title marks the end of an 18-year journey filled with legendary players, bitter finals, and unwavering fan support. Having previously lost finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, the victory was particularly emotional for the franchise and its long-time stalwart Virat Kohli.
Kohli, who scored 614 runs this season, had spoken of this season potentially being his last realistic shot at the IPL title. He did not disappoint, playing a pivotal role throughout the campaign and in the final.
Captain Rajat Patidar led with calm authority. In contrast to past RCB squads filled with star names, this season’s team relied on consistency and smart cricket. Their unbeaten away record – seven wins out of seven – was a testament to their disciplined approach.
The team carried that momentum into the playoffs, especially with a commanding win in Qualifier 1, again over PBKS.
For Punjab Kings, the wait for their first title continues. The side, previously known as Kings XI Punjab, had reached the final only once before in 2014 – and lost that as well.
This time, under the able leadership of Shreyas Iyer – who scored 603 runs this season – they topped the table and showed renewed resilience, but fell short in the final.
Their defeat in Qualifier 1 – bowled out for just 101 against RCB – had already highlighted their batting vulnerabilities. Though they bounced back to reach the final, the Bengaluru side proved a bridge too far, once again.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
