The Dawn of a New Era: RCB Finally Wins Their First IPL Title
Virat Kohli and team triumph after 18 seasons, defeating Punjab Kings in a dramatic IPL 2025 final
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| Image credit: RCB (instagram) |
On June 3, 2025, history was made in Ahmedabad as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lifted their first-ever IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in a thrilling final that brought an end to 18 years of heartbreak and near-misses.
Batting first, RCB posted a competitive 190/9, with vital contributions from Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Cameron Green. Punjab Kings started strong in their chase but faltered in the death overs as RCB’s bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya, closed out the game under immense pressure.
What followed was an emotional eruption—on the field, in the dressing room, and across India.
> “Eighteen years of waiting… this means everything. This team, these fans—we never gave up,” said an emotional Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since its inception in 2008.
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| Image credit: RCB(instagram) |
The post-match scenes were unforgettable. Kohli embraced teammates with tears in his eyes, while AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, invited to the presentation, shared in the celebration.
> “We built this legacy together. This title is for every RCB player past and present,” Kohli said, hugging de Villiers on the podium.
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer praised RCB’s resilience:
> “They were hungry, disciplined, and they delivered when it mattered most.”
Fans across Bengaluru celebrated into the early hours, finally chanting “Ee Sala Cup Namde”—a slogan of hope turned into reality. The victory parade is expected to draw lakhs as the city welcomes its long-awaited champions.
