After years of passionate support and near misses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in the 2025 season. The historic victory came after an intense final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, where RCB triumphed by 6 runs in a nail-biting finish.

A Season Built on Consistency and Teamwork

RCB entered IPL 2025 with a clear focus on balance and depth. Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar and guidance of coach Andy Flower, the team finished second in the league stage with 10 wins from 14 matches, demonstrating consistent form.

Their blend of experienced stars and emerging talent helped them navigate tough fixtures and high-pressure playoff games.

Batting Excellence Led by Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli was the standout performer for RCB throughout the tournament. In 16 matches (14 league games plus two playoff matches), Kohli amassed 657 runs at an impressive average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.75. He registered eight half-centuries, with a highest score of 73*.

In the final, Kohli contributed a crucial 43 runs off 35 balls. During this innings, he broke the IPL record for the most fours in the tournament’s history, reaching a career total of 771 boundaries, surpassing the previous record held by Shikhar Dhawan.

Supporting Kohli was captain Rajat Patidar, who provided stability at the top, while dynamic middle-order batsmen like Glenn Phillips and finisher Jitesh Sharma added depth. Sharma particularly shone behind the stumps, recording 19 dismissals (18 catches and 1 stumping) across the season, the highest for any wicketkeeper in IPL 2025.

Bowling: Precision and Impact

Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood spearheaded RCB’s bowling attack, claiming 22 wickets in 12 matches at an impressive average of 15.81. His control and ability to take wickets at key moments were critical to RCB’s success.

Alongside Hazlewood, experienced campaigners like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinner Karn Sharma provided crucial breakthroughs and tight bowling spells. In the final, Krunal Pandya’s economical bowling, including 2 wickets for 17 runs, helped restrict PBKS and ultimately tilt the game in RCB’s favor.

The Thrilling Final

Batting first, RCB posted a competitive total of 190/9. Contributions came from across the lineup: Patidar and Kohli laid a solid foundation, while Jitesh Sharma’s explosive cameo of 24 runs off just 10 balls, featuring two sixes and two fours, gave the innings momentum towards the end.

Punjab Kings began their chase with promise but lost wickets at regular intervals. Despite a valiant 61-run innings from Shashank Singh, PBKS could only muster 184/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Key wickets from Hazlewood and Pandya broke crucial partnerships, and Punjab fell short by 6 runs.

What This Victory Means

For RCB, this IPL 2025 championship is a momentous achievement, ending a long wait that began with the league’s inception in 2008. Known for assembling star-studded squads but missing out on the title, RCB’s win is a testament to strategic team building, leadership, and resilience.

For Virat Kohli, the tournament was a reaffirmation of his status as one of T20 cricket’s greatest, finally achieving the IPL title with his home franchise.

The victory sparked celebrations among RCB fans worldwide and established the team as a formidable force in Indian cricket’s premier league.

Looking Forward

With a core of experienced performers and exciting young talent, RCB is well-positioned to defend their crown in the coming years. The management’s emphasis on nurturing emerging players alongside seasoned professionals bodes well for sustained success.

IPL 2025 Quick Stats Recap

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 2025 IPL triumph is a landmark in their history, proving perseverance and teamwork pay off. The franchise and its passionate supporters finally have the championship glory they long deserved.