After almost two decades of anticipation and unwavering loyalty, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally achieved their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) win, defeating the Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Led by Rajat Patidar, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a gritty performance with crucial contributions from players Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, and Josh Hazelwood. Kohli scored spectacularly with a steady 43, and Hazelwood and Pandya’s excellent bowling sealed the victory during the final overs.
The triumphant win marks a historic moment for the franchise and its devoted fanbase, who have stood beside it through the years, with the stands dominated by red and gold, making the evening electric.
The long-awaited victory holds special meaning for star Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since the early years. Having played in the IPL’s first-ever match in 2008, Khoi was visibly emotional after the win. Following the victory, the player stated, “It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, and my experience. I’ve tried to win this every season. Tonight, I can finally say we did it.”
Kohli’s remarkable journey has included three previous final defeats—in 2009, 2011, and 2016—but the 2025 victory erases those memories. He finished the season with 657 runs at an average of 54.75, placing third in the overall run-scorers list and cementing his reputation as one of the tournament’s all-time greats. Over 267 IPL matches, Kohli has amassed 8,661 runs, including eight centuries and 63 half-centuries. The IPL 2025 victory is his latest triumph in the space of 12 months, following his wins in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
The title victory triggered celebration across Bengaluru, with the Karnataka government hosting a grand felicitation for the champions at Vidhana Soudha with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar presenting the honors. Royal Challengers Bengaluru then held a victory parade through the city, finishing at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where tens of thousands of fans gathered to greet the beloved team.
Franchise legends AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle also joined in the celebrations, adding emotional weight to the occasion. The stadium turned into a sea of red, with chants of “Ee Sala Cup Namde” echoing through the stands.
However, the celebrations took a negative turn due to an unexpected crowd surge. The team later addressed the fans during a short ceremony inside the stadium and thanked them for their support over the years.
The star of the season, Patidar, dedicated the win to the city, stating, “This win is for the fans. Their patience, their belief—this is their trophy as much as ours.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s 2025 IPL journey has been nothing short of dramatic, with the players displaying remarkable resilience in the second half of the tournament, storming into the playoffs, and winning key knockout matches under pressure. Kohli’s consistency, combined with Patidar’s breakout form and a rejuvenated bowling unit, were undeniable contributing factors in RBC’s charge into victory.
With this victory, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has reclaimed its place among the elite franchises of the IPL.
Speaking to the onlookers of the celebration, Kohli summed up the victory: “This is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bengaluru. This is the team I’ll play for until the last day I step on the IPL field.”
