RCB and Virat Kohli Finally Lift the IPL Trophy, Ending 18-Year Drought with Thrilling Win Over Punjab Kings

Virat Kohli Finally Lift the IPL Trophy: In a night filled with emotion, grit, and an overwhelming sense of destiny, Royal Challengers Bengaluru scripted history by lifting their maiden IPL trophy, ending a wait that spanned nearly two decades. With a narrow six-run win over Punjab Kings in a pulsating final, RCB brought alive the dreams of millions of fans who have waited patiently for this moment since the inception of the league in 2008.

Batting first, RCB put up a modest total of 190 for nine, a score that looked slightly under par considering the flat nature of the surface. Yet, the total had the hallmark of Virat Kohli’s resilience, as the batting legend top-scored with a composed 43 off 35 balls. Though Rajat Patidar showed promise with his 26 from just 16 deliveries, Punjab Kings bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson, ensured that the scoring was kept in check. Arshdeep was especially lethal, claiming three crucial wickets in the final over, ending with figures of 3 for 40, while Jamieson’s pace and bounce earned him 3 for 48.

Punjab Kings, in reply, looked steady for most of their chase but faltered in the final overs under pressure. Their batters never quite settled into rhythm as RCB’s disciplined bowling, led by Krunal Pandya’s spell of 2 for 17 in four overs, constantly choked the flow of runs. The composure with which Krunal operated in the middle overs proved to be the difference-maker, building pressure that the Punjab middle order couldn’t quite absorb. Azmatullah Omarzai, the Afghanistan all-rounder, managed to get the prized scalp of Kohli, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.

Shreyas Iyer, leading the Punjab Kings in their first final since 2014, looked dejected as his side ended just six runs short, finishing on 184 for seven in their 20 overs. The heartbreak was visible, but so was the fighting spirit they displayed throughout the tournament.

For RCB, the victory was more than just a win—it was redemption, closure, and an emotional release. After finishing runners-up thrice, the elusive title is finally theirs. The celebrations were as much about the trophy as they were about Virat Kohli, who has been the face of the franchise through thick and thin. His tears, his smile, and the embrace with teammates spoke volumes of the years of near misses and undying belief.

The IPL 2025 final will be remembered not just for the cricketing brilliance on display, but for the emotional high it delivered. RCB’s long wait is finally over, and the red and gold brigade can now proudly say—they are champions.