Introduction
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has become a memorable tournament in cricket history. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), the team waiting for the trophy for years, has finally fulfilled its dream. This time RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) to win the IPL trophy for the first time and gave a proud moment to crores of fans.
In this article, we will tell you how RCB traveled to this title, which players shone, how was the final match and why this victory was special for cricket lovers.IPL
Team start and strategy
RCB has been bringing a strong team every season but remained away from the trophy. In 2025, the team management adopted a different approach. The team performed balanced under the leadership of captain Faf du Plessis, vice-captain and star batsman Virat Kohli, and experienced all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.
Team Specialty:
- Experienced top order: Kohli, Faf and Patidar gave a great start.
- Finishers: Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik scored runs in the final overs.
- Bowling unit: Siraj, Harshal Patel and Karn Sharma kept the opposition teams tied down.
Group stage performance
RCB won 9 out of 14 matches in the group stage and finished third with 18 points. The team won many thrilling matches, including last-over thrillers and a Super Over match. Virat Kohli and Maxwell scored runs consistently.IPL
Notable matches:
- Vs CSK: Kohli scored 92* runs.
- Vs MI: Siraj demolished Mumbai’s batting by taking 4 wickets.
- Vs GT: Patidar and Faf’s century partnership led to an easy win.
Blasting comeback in the playoffs
RCB defeated Rajasthan Royals in the Eliminator and Lucknow Super Giants in Qualifier-2. The team showed unity in both these matches.IPL
Eliminator:
- Kohli scored 70 runs and Siraj took 3 wickets against RR.
Qualifier-2:
- Maxwell and Hasranga’s contribution was important against LSG.
With these victories, RCB reached the final, where they faced Punjab Kings.
Final match: RCB vs Punjab Kings
The final match was played on 26 May 2025 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. More than 1 lakh spectators were present in the stadium, who witnessed this historic moment.IPL
Toss and strategy:
RCB won the toss and decided to bowl first. Captain Faf du Plessis said that the team was confident that the bowlers would first create pressure and then the batsmen would finish the match.
Punjab Kings innings
Punjab got off to a great start. Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow scored fast runs but RCB bowlers made a comeback in the middle overs.
Score: 174/8 (20 overs)
- Shikhar Dhawan: 58 (44)
- Livingstone: 35 (18)
- Siraj: 3 wickets
- Harshal Patel: 2 wickets
RCB bowled brilliantly in the death overs and prevented a big score.
RCB innings: Virat’s wonder
The target of 175 runs was not easy but not impossible with Virat Kohli. Kohli and Faf made a steady start. RCB’s run rate remained consistent.
Main scores:
- Virat Kohli: 68* (52)
- Faf du Plessis: 34 (26)
- Rajat Patidar: 40 (28)
- Dinesh Karthik: 16* (7)
RCB achieved this target in 19.2 overs by losing 4 wickets and registered a historic win by 6 wickets.
Celebration atmosphere
As soon as the match ended, fireworks broke out in the stadium, fans chanted “Ee Sala Cup Namde”. Virat Kohli became emotional looking towards the sky. Faf du Plessis lifted the trophy and the whole team celebrated by dancing on the ground.
RCBChampions and #ViratKohli started trending on social media. Celebrations continued till late night on the streets of Bangalore.
Records and achievements
- Virat Kohli: Orange Cap winner (652 runs)
- Mohammad Siraj: Purple Cap winner (24 wickets)
- RCB: First time IPL winner
- Maxwell: Highest strike rate
Why was this victory special?
This victory of RCB was not just a tournament, but an explosion of emotions. Fans who have been saying “Virat wants the trophy” for years have now got the answer.
Highlights of the victory:
- Kohli’s performance
- Responsibility of the bowlers
- Maxwell’s all-round role
- Captain Faf’s patience
Players’ reaction
Virat Kohli: “It’s not just a trophy, it’s the peace of my soul. RCB is my family and this victory is dedicated to that family.”
Faf du Plessis: “We played like a family, and today we became a part of history.”
Glenn Maxwell: “This victory is the answer to all the criticism. RCB has now got the trophy tag.”
Conclusion: The dream that has now become reality
RCB’s victory in IPL 2025 is a golden chapter in history. This team proved that anything is possible with hard work, patience and belief. This trophy does not mark a perfect end to Kohli’s career, but a new beginning.
