How did RCB win their epic IPL 2025 trophy? Relive their thrilling victory, key moments, stats, and what’s next with THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA’s recap!
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RCB – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The wait is over!
On June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made history, clinching their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs in a nail-biting final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
After 18 years of heartbreak, the chant “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This year, the cup is ours) echoed across Bengaluru as fans celebrated their long-awaited triumph.
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we dive deep into how RCB pulled off this epic victory through strategy, star performances, and unrelenting passion.
From Virat Kohli’s grit to Rajat Patidar’s leadership, let us unpack the magic behind RCB’s 2025 glory and what it means for the future.
From Heartbreak To History: RCB’s Journey
Since the IPL began in 2008, RCB has been a powerhouse of talent and emotion, boasting stars like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers.
Their fanbase is unmatched, with over 21 million Instagram followers and a $117 million valuation.
However, the IPL trophy remained elusive, with crushing losses in the finals of 2009 (to Deccan Chargers), 2011 (to Chennai Super Kings), and 2016 (to Sunrisers Hyderabad).
Each defeat fueled the fire of RCB’s loyal supporters, who never stopped believing in their team’s potential.
The 2025 season, the 18th IPL edition, was different.
RCB’s June 3, 2025, victory was not just a win but a redemption story that silenced doubters and ignited celebrations.
How did they do it?
Through a perfect blend of aggressive batting, clutch bowling, and a captain’s cool-headed leadership.
IPL 2025: A Season Of Dominance
RCB’s 2025 campaign was a masterclass in consistency and firepower.
They finished second in the league stage with 17 points from 14 matches, posting a net run rate of 0.482.
Their batting was the talk of the tournament, with a run rate of 10.65—the highest in the IPL.
Key victories, like a thrilling 2-run win over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 3, showcased their ability to perform under pressure.
Captain Rajat Patidar and Virat Kohli led from the front while a bolstered bowling attack turned heads.
The season faced a hiccup with a suspension from May 9 to May 17 due to external events, pushing the final from May 25 to June 3.
RCB’s ability to stay focused during this disruption was key.
Their perfect away record and fifth playoff appearance in six years set the stage for a historic run to the final.
IPL 2025 League Stage Standings (Top 4)
| Team | Points | Matches | Run Rate | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat Titans (GT) | 18 | 14 | 0.793 | League leaders |
| RCB | 17 | 14 | 0.482 | Highest run rate (10.65) |
| Punjab Kings (PBKS) | 17 | 14 | Not finalized | Explosive middle order |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | 16 | 14 | Not finalized | Veteran-led resurgence |
Note: Some NRR and point details await final updates, but playoff spots were confirmed.
The Final: How RCB Sealed The Deal
The IPL 2025 final on June 3 was a clash for the ages.
PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and chose to bowl, putting RCB’s batting under the spotlight.
Early wickets fell, but Virat Kohli’s gritty 43 off 35 balls, with four boundaries and a six, steadied the ship.
Captain Rajat Patidar’s 28 off 18, Cameron Green’s 22 off 15, and Dinesh Karthik’s 19 off 12 powered RCB to 190/9 in 20 overs.
PBKS’s Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) kept the pressure on, but RCB’s total would always be tough to chase.
PBKS’s reply was electric.
Josh Inglis’s 39 off 25 set the tone, but Shashank Singh is unbeaten 61* off 30 balls, including a 22-run onslaught (6, 4, 6, 6) in the 19th over against Josh Hazlewood, bringing them within striking distance.
Jitesh Sharma’s 24 off 10 added to the drama, but RCB’s bowlers rose to the occasion.
Krunal Pandya’s 2/17, including two crucial middle-order wickets, earned him Player of the Match.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38) and Yash Dayal (1/32) bowled tight lines, and Hazlewood’s two dot balls in the final over, with 29 needed, sealed RCB’s 6-run victory as PBKS finished at 184/7.
IPL 2025 Final Snapshot
| Team | Score | Top Batter | Top Bowler | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RCB | 190/9 (20 overs) | Virat Kohli (43) | Krunal Pandya (2/17) | Won by 6 runs |
| PBKS | 184/7 (20 overs) | Shashank Singh (61*) | Arshdeep Singh (3/40) | Lost |
Detailed Final Scorecard
| RCB Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s | PBKS Bowling | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 43 | 35 | 4/1 | Arshdeep Singh | 4 | 40 | 3 |
| Rajat Patidar | 28 | 18 | 3/1 | Kyle Jamieson | 4 | 48 | 3 |
| Cameron Green | 22 | 15 | 2/0 | Kagiso Rabada | 4 | 36 | 2 |
| Dinesh Karthik | 19 | 12 | 2/1 | Harpreet Brar | 4 | 30 | 1 |
| PBKS Batting | Runs | Balls | 4s/6s | RCB Bowling | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
| Shashank Singh | 61* | 30 | 4/5 | Krunal Pandya | 4 | 17 | 2 |
| Josh Inglis | 39 | 25 | 5/1 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 4 | 38 | 2 |
| Jitesh Sharma | 24 | 10 | 2/2 | Yash Dayal | 4 | 32 | 1 |
| Shreyas Iyer | 15 | 14 | 1/0 | Josh Hazlewood | 4 | 45 | 1 |
The Masterminds and Heroes
How did RCB turn their dream into reality?
It started with a balanced squad and smart leadership:
- Virat Kohli: The heart of RCB since 2008, Kohli’s 43 in the final and season average of 54.75 were game-changers. His 8,000+ IPL runs, including a record 7 centuries for a single team, make him a legend.
- Rajat Patidar: The captain’s 28 in the final and calm decision-making steered RCB through pressure moments.
- Krunal Pandya: His 2/17 in the final, dismissing key PBKS batters, was a turning point, earning him Player of the Match.
- Bowling Unit: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38), Yash Dayal (1/32), and Josh Hazlewood’s clutch final over showed RCB’s bowling depth, a marked improvement from past seasons.
- Andy Flower: The coach’s strategies, from aggressive batting to disciplined bowling, were key to RCB’s success.
The IPL 2025 season also saw standout performers league-wide.
Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan topped the run charts with 759 runs, while Prasidh Krishna led with 25 wickets.
Mumbai Indians’ Suryakumar Yadav was named MVP, but RCB’s team effort outshone individual brilliance.
IPL 2025 Top Performers
| Category | Player | Team | Stats | Final Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Most Runs | Sai Sudharsan | GT | 759 runs | – |
| Most Wickets | Prasidh Krishna | – | 25 wickets | – |
| MVP | Suryakumar Yadav | MI | – | – |
| RCB Top Batter | Virat Kohli | RCB | Avg 54.75, 8,000+ runs | 43 (35) |
| RCB Top Bowler | Krunal Pandya | RCB | 15 wickets, 7.2 econ | 2/17 (4 overs) |
Key Moments That Shaped RCB’s Victory
RCB’s path to the title was marked by defining moments:
- CSK Heart-Stopper: A 2-run win over CSK on May 3, with Kohli and Patidar’s heroics, secured RCB’s playoff berth and boosted confidence.
- Perfect Away Record: RCB won all their games, showcasing adaptability and resilience.
- Playoff Mastery: Beating the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 set the tone for their showdown.
- Resilience Under Pressure: The season’s suspension from May 9 to May 17 tested teams, but RCB returned stronger, with Andy Flower’s game plans keeping them focused.
The final itself was a microcosm of RCB’s journey.
Kohli’s steady knock, Pandya’s tight bowling, and Hazlewood’s nerve in the final over showed a team that had learned from past mistakes.
Unlike 2016, when they crumbled under pressure, 2025 saw RCB stay composed when it mattered most.
Bengaluru’s Celebration And Fan Passion
When Yash Dayal bowled the final ball, Bengaluru erupted.
Fireworks painted the sky, and Chinnaswamy Stadium hosted a victory parade that drew thousands.
Social media exploded with #RCBChampions and #EeSalaCupNamde trending globally.
Fans shared raw emotions on X: “Kohli’s tears broke me,” one wrote.
Another posted, “18 years of waiting, and it is finally ours!” A reported stampede during celebrations underscored the intensity of RCB’s fan base, a testament to their unwavering loyalty.
Kohli captured the mood: “This is for every fan who believed when we did not. Bengaluru is my heart, my soul.” Flower added, “This team’s belief made this possible.
The fans carried us.” PBKS coach Ricky Ponting was gracious in defeat: “RCB were the better side. We will come back stronger.”
Social Media Highlights
| Platform | Hashtag | Trending | Fan Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| X | #RCBChampions | Top trend in India, 2 M+ posts | “Kohli crying hit different!” |
| X | #EeSalaCupNamde | 1.5M+ posts, global reach | “18 years, worth every second!” |
| #RCB | 500K+ story mentions | “Bengaluru is red and gold tonight!” |
What Is Next For The Champions?
RCB’s 2025 victory marks them as the eighth team to win the IPL, joining giants like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, each with five titles.
With a core of Kohli, Patidar, Cameron Green, and a now-reliable bowling attack, RCB is poised to chase more silverware.
The 2026 season will test their ability to defend the title, but this win has lifted a weight.
RCB can now play with freedom, backed by a fanbase that’s stronger than ever.
The victory also reshapes RCB’s legacy.
They are no longer the “nearly men” of the IPL; they have proven they can go the distance.
Their aggressive batting, improved bowling, and passionate leadership make them a blueprint for success.
The question now is not if RCB will win again but when.
IPL Winners (2008-2025)
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | RCB | Punjab Kings | 6 runs |
| 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 8 wickets |
| 2023 | Chennai Super Kings | Gujarat Titans | 5 wickets (DLS) |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | RCB | 8 runs |
| 2011 | Chennai Super Kings | RCB | 58 runs |
| 2009 | Deccan Chargers | RCB | 6 runs |
A Fan’s Heartbeat
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we are not just cricket analysts.
We are fans who have lived RCB’s rollercoaster.
The 2016 final loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad stung like nothing else, but June 3, 2025, washed away the pain.
Watching Kohli lift the trophy, seeing Patidar’s grin, and hearing the Chinnaswamy roar felt like a personal victory.
This is not just RCB’s win; it is a shared triumph for every fan who has never given up, from Bengaluru’s streets to living rooms worldwide.
The Road Ahead
RCB’s 2025 triumph is a milestone but also a launchpad. With the monkey off their back, they can chase a dynasty in 2026.
Can they match the dominance of CSK or MI?
Will Kohli lead them to another title? The future is bright, and Bengaluru is still buzzing.
We want to hear from you: What moment did you get goosebumps in the final?
Kohli’s four, Pandya’s wickets, or Hazlewood’s dot balls?
Drop your thoughts in the comments and keep the celebration alive!
Craving more cricket stories? Check our website for player profiles, match analyses, and IPL deep dives.
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we are here to fuel your love for the game with heartfelt, fan-driven stories.
Trivia Tidbit
Virat Kohli’s 8,000+ IPL runs for RCB include a record 7 centuries, the most by any player for a single IPL team. His 2025 season added another chapter to his legendary career with RCB.
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