Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 Victory: A Historic Triumph

Royal Challengers Bengaluru, one of the original eight IPL franchises, had been a perennial contender since the league’s inception in 2008 but had never clinched the title despite reaching the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016. Known for their star-studded line-ups featuring players like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers, RCB had a reputation for exciting cricket but often fell short in crucial moments, earning them a place in the IPL’s “Holy Trinity” of trophy-less teams alongside Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals. Their passionate fanbase, high-profile ownership by Diageo India, and home ground at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium made them one of the most popular franchises, with over 20 million Instagram followers.

The 2025 season, under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar and coaching of Andy Flower, saw RCB adopt a more balanced approach, moving away from their historical reliance on marquee batsmen. A potent bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yash Dayal, complemented a solid batting line-up featuring Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and others. This shift proved pivotal in their campaign.

The Road to the Final

RCB’s 2025 IPL campaign was marked by resilience and consistency, culminating in a second-place finish in the league stage with 8 wins in 11 matches. They achieved a remarkable feat by winning all seven of their away games, including victories against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai, Mumbai Indians in Mumbai, Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata, Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur, Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, Delhi Capitals in Delhi, and Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow. Their highest run-chase of the season came against Lucknow Super Giants, chasing 228 in 18.4 overs, showcasing their batting depth and aggressive approach.

Despite a loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 42 runs, RCB’s overall performance was strong, with key contributions from multiple players. Their bowling unit, particularly Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma, stepped up in crucial matches, while Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar delivered with the bat. The team’s depth was evident in their ability to recover from setbacks, such as the absence of Tim David due to a hamstring injury in the final stages.

In Qualifier 1, RCB faced Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on May 29, 2025. Opting to bowl first, RCB’s bowlers, led by Hazlewood (3/21) and Suyash Sharma (3/17), bowled out PBKS for a paltry 101 in 14.1 overs. Phil Salt’s explosive 56 off 27 balls, including 7 fours and 2 sixes, powered RCB to the target in just 10 overs, securing an eight-wicket victory with 60 balls to spare—the largest margin by balls remaining in IPL playoff history. This win propelled RCB into their fourth IPL final and their first since 2016.

The IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs. Punjab Kings

The final, played on June 3, 2025, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, was a high-stakes clash between two teams seeking their maiden IPL title. Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, had topped the league stage but struggled in Qualifier 1 against RCB. Both teams fielded unchanged line-ups, with RCB missing Tim David but welcoming back a fully fit Rajat Patidar.

Match Summary

• Toss: RCB won the toss and elected to bat first, a rare occurrence in an IPL final, aiming to set a challenging total on a pitch that offered some assistance to bowlers.
• RCB Innings: RCB posted 190/9 in 20 overs. Virat Kohli top-scored with 43 off 35 balls, anchoring the innings, but regular wickets prevented a higher total. Punjab Kings’ bowlers Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) were the standout performers, keeping RCB’s scoring in check.
• PBKS Innings: Chasing 191, Punjab Kings finished at 184/7, falling 6 runs short. Shashank Singh’s late flurry, including three big hits in the final over (a six over deep square-leg, a boundary over the keeper, and another over mid-wicket), brought PBKS close, but it wasn’t enough. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38) and Krunal Pandya (2/17) were RCB’s key bowlers, maintaining pressure with disciplined spells.
• Result: RCB won by 6 runs, clinching their first IPL title. Rajat Patidar sealed the victory with a symbolic six in Qualifier 1, but it was the team’s collective effort in the final that defined their triumph.

Key Performances

• Virat Kohli: His 43 off 35 balls provided stability, and his emotional investment in the franchise was evident in his post-match comments, where he described the win as one of the most special moments of his career. Kohli, who has been with RCB since 2008, finished the season with 614 runs, placing him fifth on the Orange Cap table.
• Phil Salt: After his match-defining 56 in Qualifier 1, Salt’s aggressive approach set the tone for RCB’s campaign. His ability to dominate powerplays was crucial throughout the season.
• Rajat Patidar: As captain, Patidar led with calmness and aggression, scoring 286 runs at a strike rate of 142.28. His leadership and shot-making, especially in Qualifier 1, were pivotal.
• Bowlers: Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya’s tight bowling in the final, combined with Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma’s efforts in Qualifier 1, highlighted RCB’s improved bowling unit.
• Shashank Singh (PBKS): Despite the loss, Singh’s valiant effort in the final over kept PBKS in the hunt, showcasing their fighting spirit.

Significance of the Victory

The 2025 IPL title was a landmark achievement for RCB, ending a 17-year drought and fulfilling the franchise’s rallying cry, “Ee Saala Cup Namdu” (This time, the cup is ours). The win was celebrated as a collective triumph for the team, management, and fans. Virat Kohli, who remained loyal to RCB for 18 years, described the victory as a dream fulfilled, stating, “This is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore.” AB de Villiers, a former RCB icon, was present to celebrate, with Kohli acknowledging his immense contribution to the franchise.

The victory parade in Bengaluru, announced by RCB’s official X handle, promised to be a grand celebration for the fans who had endured years of heartbreak. Posts on X captured the jubilant sentiment, with fans lighting fireworks at Narendra Modi Stadium and celebrating across the city. The win also resonated with the women’s team’s success in the 2024 Women’s Premier League, marking a golden era for the franchise.

Statistical Highlights

• RCB’s Record: The 2025 title was RCB’s first in four final appearances (2009, 2011, 2016, 2025). Their Qualifier 1 win by 60 balls remaining set a new record for the largest margin in IPL playoffs.
• Match Duration: The Qualifier 1 match against PBKS lasted just 145 balls, one of the shortest completed games in IPL history.
• Virat Kohli’s Legacy: Kohli’s loyalty and performance cemented his status as RCB’s cornerstone, with the title adding to his illustrious career, including a T20 World Cup and two Champions Trophies.
• Team Depth: RCB’s balanced squad, with contributions from bowlers like Hazlewood, Kumar, and Dayal, and batsmen like Salt, Patidar, and Jitesh Sharma, marked a departure from their earlier reliance on individual brilliance.

Fan and Media Reactions

The victory sparked widespread celebrations, with posts on X highlighting the emotional release for fans and players alike. One post noted Canadian rapper Drake betting Rs 6.41 crore on RCB, while others shared images of fans performing havans (Hindu prayer rituals) before the final. Media outlets like ESPNcricinfo, NDTV Sports, and the Indian Express praised RCB’s collective effort and Patidar’s leadership, with headlines like “Virat Kohli says he can now sleep like a baby” and “RCB win IPL 2025: Rajat Patidar, the soft-spoken man of steel.”

RCB’s IPL 2025 victory was a testament to their resilience, strategic overhaul, and unwavering fan support. After years of near-misses, the franchise’s balanced approach, led by Rajat Patidar and bolstered by Virat Kohli’s experience and a strong bowling unit, delivered a historic triumph. The win not only ended a long-standing drought but also solidified RCB’s legacy as a powerhouse in the IPL, bringing joy to millions of fans and marking a new chapter for the franchise.