RCB’s 18-year wait ends in euphoria: Bengaluru erupts after maiden IPL title

Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally broke their 18-year IPL title drought by defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in a thrilling final at Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli’s emotional leadership and key performances from Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar sealed a historic victory that sparked massive celebrations across Bengaluru, with fans and Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah joining in the jubilation.

Sources:
ESPNcricinfoNDTV SportsIndiatvnews+7
Updated 4m ago
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Sources: TimesofindiaIndianexpressCricbuzz+4
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended an 18-year wait for their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in the 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

The match was a tense, bowler-dominated contest with RCB setting a target of 191 runs, powered by key innings from Virat Kohli (43 from 35 balls) and Jitesh Sharma (24 from 10 deliveries). Punjab Kings fell short at 184/7.

"This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience," Kohli said emotionally after the victory.

The bowling attack, led by Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was instrumental in defending the total, with Pandya's tactical variations and Bhuvneshwar's disciplined pace under pressure highlighted.

The victory sparked massive celebrations across Bengaluru, with fans flooding streets, waving flags, and bursting crackers. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated the team, calling it a "historic IPL triumph" and praising Kohli's dedication.

RCB's journey to the title included a dominant win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, showcasing their strong form throughout the tournament. Kohli, the only player to have represented RCB throughout his 18-year IPL career, expressed deep loyalty to the franchise.

"And this is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore," Kohli added.

The 2025 IPL final will be remembered as a landmark moment for RCB and their passionate fanbase, ending years of near misses and heartbreak with a well-earned championship.

Sources: TimesofindiaIndianexpressCricbuzz+1
Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended their 18-year IPL title drought by defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in the 2025 final at Ahmedabad. The victory sparked citywide celebrations, with Virat Kohli dedicating the win to fans and teammates, marking a historic moment for the franchise and its supporters.
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The Headline

RCB ends 18-year wait, wins maiden IPL title in thrilling final

This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years. I've given this team my youth, my prime and my experience. I've tried to win it every season, gave it everything I have. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling.
Virat Kohli
RCB Captain
TimesofindiaSports3
Congratulations to RCB for defeating Punjab and finally lifting the IPL trophy. This victory is built on Virat Kohli’s 18 years of dedication. Every RCB player delivered like a true champion. This is a historic day. Ee Sala Cup Namde!
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
1
Key Facts
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings, both franchises yet to win an IPL title, faced off in the 2025 IPL final held at Ahmedabad.NDTV Sports
  • RCB set a target of 191 runs with key batting contributions including Virat Kohli’s 43 runs off 35 balls and Jitesh Sharma’s quick 24 from 10 deliveries.2ESPNcricinfo
  • Punjab Kings struggled in the chase, losing key wickets early including their captain Shreyas Iyer dismissed for 1 run, leaving the team at 79/3.1
  • RCB bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, delivered under pressure to restrict Punjab Kings to 184/7, securing a 6-run victory.IndiatvnewsESPNcricinfoIndianexpress
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the IPL 2025 final by 6 runs, ending their 18-year title drought and clinching their maiden IPL trophy.5TimesofindiaIndianexpress+1
  • Virat Kohli emotionally dedicated the win to fans, reflecting on his 18 years of loyalty and effort with RCB, stating his heart and soul are with Bangalore.TimesofindiaCricbuzzSports3
  • Massive celebrations erupted in Bengaluru with fans pouring onto streets waving flags, bursting crackers, and chanting slogans in euphoria after RCB’s historic win.4TimesofindiaIndianexpress+1
Key Stats at a Glance
RCB victory margin in IPL 2025 final
6 runs
ESPNcricinfo
RCB final innings score
190/9
ESPNcricinfo
Punjab Kings final innings score
184/7
ESPNcricinfo
Virat Kohli runs in IPL 2025 final
43 runs from 35 balls
1
Jitesh Sharma runs in IPL 2025 final
24 runs from 10 balls
1
Shreyas Iyer runs in IPL 2025 final
1 run
1
Punjab Kings score at 3 wickets down
79/3
1

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Background Context

RCB’s journey and key insights behind maiden IPL triumph

It's not an easy thing to bat on. But I think we put up a good performance. Like I said, it wasn't easy to bat. It was a bit of a good pitch. But, you know, this game, the final, it's not about the pitch. It's about the emotion. It's about how much you have in your tank and the fire to win. And I think we had that a lot today.
Dinesh Karthik
Former Cricketer and Commentator
1
It's a team that waited 18 years, played a lot of good cricket, had to wait its time. But it belongs to every fan here because they've been waiting here. They've had a great time. They all cried their hearts out.
Dinesh Karthik
Former Cricketer and Commentator
1
Key Facts
  • RCB had finished second in the points table after the league stage and advanced to their first IPL final in 9 years by defeating Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 with a commanding eight-wicket win.SportsTimesofindia
  • Virat Kohli has been the only player to represent RCB for 18 years, making him the longest-serving player loyal to the franchise.SportsIndiatvnews
  • The 2025 IPL final was a bowler-dominated game with 190 runs by RCB and 184 by Punjab Kings, reflecting the challenging pitch conditions.EspncricinfoESPNcricinfo
  • Krunal Pandya’s bowling strategy involved varying pace and bowling slower deliveries to create wicket-taking chances, which was crucial in the final.CricbuzzIndiatvnews2
Key Stats at a Glance
RCB league stage standing
2nd
Years since RCB last IPL final before 2025
9 years
Virat Kohli tenure with RCB
18 years
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