After years of heartbreak, Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have finally clinched their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings by a narrow 6-run margin in a nail-biting final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
From 2008 to 2025, RCB had been perennial contenders, reaching the finals three times before but falling short each time. This victory marks the end of an 18-year drought, fulfilling the dreams of millions of loyal fans.
The historic moment was witnessed by former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, along with RCB legends AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, whose presence added to the emotional triumph.
Batting first after losing the toss, RCB posted a competitive 190/9 in their 20 overs. Virat Kohli led the charge with a crucial 43, while contributions from the middle order kept the scoreboard ticking.
RCB (190/9 vs 184/7) PBKS
In response, Punjab Kings fought hard but were restricted to 184 all out, falling just short despite a heroic unbeaten 61 off 30 balls from Shashank Singh, who nearly pulled off a miracle in the final over. Needing 29 off the last six deliveries, Shashank smashed 22 runs off Josh Hazlewood, including four sixes, but Punjab’s slow start and lack of support from other batters proved costly.
Punjab Kings chase was hampered by a sluggish powerplay, with openers Priyansh Arya (24 off 19) and Prabashiram Singh (26 off 22) failing to accelerate. Shreyas Iyer (1) and Marcus Stoinis (6) fell cheaply, leaving too much for Shashank to do in the death overs.
Krunal Pandya was named Player of the Final for his economical spell of 2/17, which stifled Punjab’s middle order. RCB’s bowlers held their nerve in the final moments to secure the long-awaited victory.
For Kohli and RCB, this win is more than just a trophy it’s redemption. After years of near-misses, Bengaluru’s faithful can finally celebrate their team as IPL champions.
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, will rue their missed chances, having now lost two finals without lifting the trophy. Had their top order fired, the result might have been different.
But tonight belongs to Virat Kohli and RCB the wait is over, and the crown is finally theirs.