RCB 183/4 (19.2 overs) beat Punjab Kings 179/7 (20 overs) by 6 wickets
The wait is finally over—Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the Champions of the Indian Premier League! After 18 years of longing, heartbreak, and near misses, the Men in Red and Gold lifted their maiden IPL trophy with a memorable win over Punjab Kings in the final of IPL 2025, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Chasing a target of 180, RCB reached 183/4 in 19.2 overs, thanks to a match-winning knock of 82 (48) by Rajat Patidar, sealing the win with four balls to spare and sending millions of fans into jubilation.
Despite the whirlwind of challenges—ranging from unexpected injuries and rain delays to a temporary suspension due to geopolitical tensions—IPL 2025 proved that cricket, above all, finds a way to unite and triumph. The tournament faced an unprecedented pause when, on May 9th, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the difficult decision to suspend the league following heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Security concerns forced matches to be rescheduled and even led to a mid-way abandonment of a game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala. The IPL resumed on May 17th with tighter security and a renewed sense of purpose—and what followed was one of the most emotionally charged and thrilling conclusions in IPL history.
And at the heart of this fairytale ending was Royal Challengers Bengaluru. On Tuesday night, under the floodlights of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Men in Red and Gold finally exorcised the ghosts of 2009, 2011, and 2016 to lift their maiden Indian Premier League trophy. Facing Punjab Kings in the final, RCB chased down a competitive total of 179/7 with skill, spirit, and a sense of destiny.
Rajat Patidar played the innings of a lifetime, his 82 off 48 balls guiding the chase with calm composure. Crucial support from Faf du Plessis and Glenn Maxwell ensured RCB crossed the line at 183/4 with just four balls to spare. The stadium erupted, but the moment that touched millions was off the scoreboard—Virat Kohli, emotional and overwhelmed, embracing AB de Villiers. Years of shared disappointment melted into tears of joy and redemption. It was a hug that echoed across a nation that had watched their bond, and this dream, grow over the years.
Meanwhile, the city of Bengaluru exploded into celebration. Fireworks lit up the skyline, fans danced in the streets, and social media turned red and gold. For 18 years, they waited—for this cup, for this night, for this feeling. And when it finally came, it was sweeter than ever.
IPL 2025 may have been paused, tested, and nearly derailed, but in the end, it gave us everything. Drama, resilience, redemption—and a champion team that never stopped believing. Bengaluru, your moment has arrived.
