RCB vs PBKS IPL Final 2025:
The IPL 2025 Final between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) captivated spectators worldwide, particularly in Bengaluru and India. Weeks of thrilling cricket culminated in this high-stakes match at Ahmedabad’s famous Narendra Modi Stadium. It was PBKS’s attempt at their first championship and RCB’s journey of atonement.
Here is a thorough match report and analysis of the RCB vs. PBKS IPL 2025 final, which had fans on the edge of their seats, in case you missed it.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the IPL in 2025 after a grueling 18 years and innumerable heartaches. For one of cricket’s most ardent supporters, their thrilling triumph over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final in Ahmedabad was a moment of pure atonement. Virat Kohli, Krunal Pandya, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar all put up outstanding performances in a close match between RCB and PBKS, which ended with a victory of just six runs.
Match Scorecard:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 190 for 9 (Kohli 43, Arshdeep 3-40, Jamieson 3-48) beat Punjab Kings 184 for 7 (Shashank 61*, Inglis 39, Krunal 2-17, Bhuvneshwar 2-38) by 6 runs.
The Long-Awaited Moment of Glory for Kohli
Virat Kohli, who has represented RCB from the beginning of the IPL, finally received the prized trophy in what may have been one of the most dramatic triumphs of his career. Even though his innings of 43 off 35 balls wasn’t very noteworthy, it was crucial. Kohli adapted to the challenging Ahmedabad surface, where it was difficult to make strokes, particularly while facing PBKS’s back-of-a-length bowling.
In addition to his skill at bat, Kohli’s leadership and experience were demonstrated by the way he rallied his bowlers, remained composed under duress, and guided RCB to their first IPL championship.
The Spell of Krunal Pandya That Changed Everything
Unquestionably, Krunal Pandya’s bowling was the pivotal moment in the RCB vs. PBKS final. Even though he didn’t do much with the bat, his bowling changed the outcome of the match. Just as it appeared that PBKS was cruising, Krunal’s 2/17 in his four overs put a stop to their chase.
His ability to read the hitters, change up his speed, and use of angles wisely were all very important. Prabhsimran Singh, who was gaining ground before Krunal’s deft change of pace destroyed him, was one of the biggest victims he claimed.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar Brings Experience to the Fore
Experience counts in crucial games, as demonstrated by veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has already won IPL titles in his career. During the last overs, he skillfully employed reverse swing and variations in his 2/38 spell.
Despite Shashank Singh’s explosive style, he was very effective in the 19th over, giving up just 10 runs.
The Heroism of Shashank Singh—Too Little, Too Late
In this game, Shashank Singh was PBKS’s bright spot. He almost achieved a remarkable victory with his 61 not out from 30 balls. In the final over, he hit Hazlewood for 6, 4, 6, 6, but PBKS needed 29 at that point, which was a bit too much even for his valiant efforts.
This match would have turned out very differently if PBKS had been able to accelerate more effectively in the middle overs, particularly after Iyer and Inglis were dismissed.
Inglis and Iyer Falter at Crucial Moments
Josh Inglis looked like the most dangerous batter on the pitch for PBKS, especially with his ability to play the short ball. He scored 39, with a bulk of those runs coming from pull shots that he executed effortlessly.
However, his dismissal—trying to go big against Krunal Pandya—came at the worst possible time. Shreyas Iyer, too, fell early in what was a déjà vu moment from the 2023 World Cup final.
Arshdeep and Jamieson Shine with the Ball
Despite being on the losing side, Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson delivered excellent spells. Arshdeep’s last over was particularly impressive, grabbing three wickets and conceding just five runs.
Jamieson used slower deliveries and variations effectively to dismantle RCB’s middle order, accounting for key wickets including Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone.
Jitesh Sharma’s Underrated Cameo
Towards the end of RCB’s innings, Jitesh Sharma played a quickfire 24 off 10 balls, propelling the score closer to 200. His fearless hitting—particularly the flat-batted six over cover—brought much-needed momentum to the innings.
His dismissal in the 18th over, however, slowed RCB down and allowed PBKS to keep the chase within reach.
What This Win Means for RCB
The RCB vs PBKS final wasn’t just a game—it was history in the making. This win breaks the curse that has haunted RCB since the IPL’s inception in 2008. For the fans chanting “Ee Sala Cup Namde” year after year, this moment was long overdue.
And for Virat Kohli, who has given his heart and soul to RCB, this title cements his legacy not just as a world-class player but as a leader who finally delivered silverware to the franchise.
IPL Titles by Team (2008–2025)
| Team | Titles | Winning Years |
|---|---|---|
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | 5 | 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020 |
| Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 5 | 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | 3 | 2012, 2014, 2024 |
| *Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 1 | 2025 |
| Rajasthan Royals (RR) | 1 | 2008 |
| Deccan Chargers (DC) | 1 | 2009 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | 1 | 2016 |
| Gujarat Titans (GT) | 1 | 2022 |
Virat Kohli’s Emotional Tribute After RCB Clinches First IPL Title
Virat Kohli: “I’ve Given This Team My Youth, My Prime, My Experience”
An emotional Virat Kohli broke down on the field after RCB’s triumph. Seen kneeling on the turf with tears streaming down his face, Kohli described the victory as a dream come true.
“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 when I come, give it everything I have. To have this moment is an unbelievable feeling.”
A Title for the Fans, the Team, and Bengaluru
For Kohli, the IPL 2025 title wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a tribute to the fans who stuck by RCB through thick and thin.
“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. I’ve always dreamt of winning it with them. My heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore.”
A Year of Triumphs: Kohli’s Golden Run
RCB’s IPL win adds another jewel to Kohli’s crown. In the past 12 months, he also clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy, making this one of the most successful phases in his storied career.
“This is right up there with all my achievements. But this one is special because I stayed loyal. I had moments of doubt, but I stood behind this team, and they stood behind me.”
Kohli on Retirement, Motivation & Playing the Game Right
Kohli recently retired from Test cricket, a format he has often called his favorite. Yet his hunger for the game remains undiminished. He finished IPL 2025 as RCB’s top scorer, amassing 657 runs with eight half-centuries—each contributing to a win.
“I can’t just be an Impact Player. I want to field for 20 overs, dive around, and help the team win. I want to walk away from this game knowing I gave it everything.”
Praise for the Team & Management
Kohli credited RCB’s auction strategy and team unity as key reasons behind the 2025 title. Despite facing criticism early on, the squad stuck together and peaked at the right time.
“A big shout out to this team. It wouldn’t have been possible without every single person—players, support staff, and management. They kept us positive even when the going got tough.”
A Message to the Youth: Respect Test Cricket
When asked about his recent Test retirement, Kohli took the opportunity to urge young cricketers to honor the longest format of the game.
“Test cricket is five levels above anything else. If you perform in Tests, you earn respect all around the world. To the younger generation—take it up, respect it, and give your heart and soul to it.”
