The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was a cauldron of anticipation and nerves as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final on June 3. Both teams, long haunted by near-misses and heartbreaks, were desperate to etch their names into history. The air crackled with excitement as RCB, led by Rajat patidarsought to break their finals jinx, while Punjab, captained by Shreyas Iyereyed their first title since 2014. When the dust settled, it was RCB’s night, sending their sea of fans into delirious celebration.

Virat Kohli anchors RCB’s calculated onslaught in IPL 2025 final

Opting to bat first on a true Ahmedabad pitch, RCB’s innings was a blend of aggression and composure. Phil Salt gave a brisk start with 16 off just 9 balls before falling early, but it was Virat Kohli who anchored the innings with a masterful 43 from 35 deliveries, steadying the ship after early wickets. Mayank Agarwal chipped in with a lively 24, while Rajat patidarthe captain, played a crucial cameo of 26 off 16 balls, ensuring the run rate never dipped.

The middle order surged forward with Liam Livingstone’s 25 off 15 and Jitesh sharma’s explosive 24 from just 10 balls, peppering the boundaries and keeping the PBKS bowlers under pressure. Despite regular wickets from Punjab—Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson both snaring three each and Azmatullah Omarzai and Yuzvendra chahal chipping in—RCB’s lower order eked out vital runs, pushing the total to a formidable 190/9 in 20 overs. The innings was punctuated by flurries of boundaries, clever running, and a late flourish that ensured RCB had a challenging total to defend.

RCB bowlers seal glory against PBKS

Chasing 191, Punjab Kings began with intent as Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh navigated the powerplay confidently, reaching 52 for 1 after six overs. Arya’s 24 and Prabhsimran’s 26 kept hopes alive, but RCB’s bowlers struck at crucial junctures. Krunal pandya’s double blow, removing both Prabhsimran and the dangerous Josh Inglis (39 off 23), shifted momentum decisively in Bengaluru’s favor. Hazlewood’s early breakthrough and Bhuvneshwar kumar’s disciplined spell tightened the screws, while Yash dayal and Romario sheepherd chipped in with vital wickets.

Punjab’s chase unraveled under scoreboard pressure. Iyer’s early dismissal for just 1, followed by a flurry of wickets in the middle overs, left too much for the lower order. Despite Shashank Singh’s late resistance, PBKS crumbled to 184/7 in 20 overs, falling just short of 6 runs as RCB’s bowlers held their nerve in the cauldron of a final.

As the last ball was bowled, the stadium erupted. RCB’s players and fans—long starved of IPL glory—celebrated a maiden title, their jubilation echoing across the cricketing world. The night belonged to Bengaluru, their resilience and collective brilliance finally rewarded with the coveted trophy.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Azmatullah Omarzai grabs a stunner to dismiss Virat Kohli in the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final