IPL 2025 Final | Ahmedabad
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 190-9 (20 overs) – Kohli 43 (35); Arshdeep 3-40
Punjab Kings 184-7 (20 overs) – Shashank Singh 61* (30); Pandya 2-17
RCB won by 6 runs

After 18 seasons of heartbreak, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally won their first Indian Premier League title, edging Punjab Kings by six runs in a tense final in Ahmedabad.

The long-awaited victory was particularly emotional for Virat Kohli, who has played every season with RCB since the IPL’s launch in 2008.

“I never thought this day would come,” said a visibly emotional Kohli. “I’ve given every ounce of my energy to this team. To have finally won the IPL is an amazing feeling.”

Kohli Leads from the Front

Kohli, 36, top-scored with a vital 43 off 35 balls as RCB posted 190-9. Opening with England’s Phil Salt, he helped his side recover from early setbacks before falling to Azmatullah Omarzai.

RCB’s middle order chipped in, with Liam Livingstone adding 25, but the team stumbled in the final over, where Arshdeep Singh claimed three wickets, limiting them just shy of 200.

Punjab’s Comeback Falls Short

Punjab’s chase got off to a shaky start, with the dangerous Shreyas Iyer dismissed for just 1. Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh attempted to rebuild, but crucial wickets fell at key moments — including Marcus Stoinis, who was caught in the same Bhuvneshwar Kumar over as Wadhera.

Despite a thrilling late charge from Shashank, who scored an unbeaten 61, Punjab were left needing 29 from the final over and fell just short.

Kohli’s Redemption Story

Kohli’s journey has come full circle. From scoring just one run in RCB’s first-ever IPL game as a teenager to lifting the trophy after 267 matches and 8,661 runs at an average of 39.54.

He captained RCB from 2013 to 2021 and endured three heartbreaking final defeats — in 2009, 2011, and 2016. Now, as a senior figure, he’s finally tasted IPL glory.

“I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, and my experience,” Kohli said. “This is far more special than winning it with anyone else. My heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore.”

Flower’s Impact: Coach Delivers Again

This title also cements coach Andy Flower’s legacy in franchise cricket. After joining RCB in 2024, Flower has lifted the team from fourth last year to champions in 2025.

His past successes include titles in the Pakistan Super League with Multan Sultans (2021) and in The Hundred with Trent Rockets (2022).

English Players Taste Success

England stars Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone both contributed in the final and will receive winner’s medals. Youngster Jacob Bethell, who appeared in two matches this season before returning for England duty, also shares in the title.

Livingstone now has back-to-back IPL titles, having won with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.

Key Stats:

• Kohli’s IPL 2025 Stats: 657 runs | Average: 54.75 | 3rd top run-scorer
• RCB’s IPL Titles: 1 (2025)
• Final Defeats Before This: 2009, 2011, 2016

Kohli summed it up best:

“Tonight, I’m going to sleep like a baby.”