A Dream Realized: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Win First-Ever IPL Title Under Virat Kohli's Leadership

In a night that will be etched in IPL history, Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their title drought, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a high-voltage final in Ahmedabad. It took 18 long seasons, multiple heartbreaks, and relentless determination, but RCB now has their hands on the coveted IPL trophy for the very first time.

More than 91,000 fans filled the colossal Narendra Modi Stadium, a sea of red and the number 18 — Kohli's jersey number — dominating the stands. When the final ball was bowled and victory was sealed, chants of “Kohli, Kohli” echoed through the night sky, celebrating not just a win, but the culmination of a legacy in the making.

Kohli Anchors the Innings With Grit

RCB’s innings started with Virat Kohli walking out to bat with England’s Phil Salt, a pairing that had served them well throughout the season. Though not at his most fluent, Kohli once again proved why he is considered one of cricket’s all-time greats. His 43 off 35 balls, laced with just three boundaries, may not seem explosive, but it laid the foundation for a defendable total of 190-9.

The team lost Salt early to Kyle Jamieson, but Kohli held firm, building key partnerships with Mayank Agarwal (24) and skipper Rajat Patidar (26). Punjab’s bowlers, particularly Yuzvendra Chahal and Azmatullah Omarzai, kept the pressure on, but Kohli’s composure at the crease ensured RCB stayed in the contest.

Kohli’s innings ended when he mistimed a rising delivery from Omarzai — caught and bowled — but by then, RCB had enough on the board to challenge the Punjab Kings.

Middle-Order Fireworks and Late Drama

The middle and lower order chipped in with quick cameos from Liam Livingstone (25 off 15), Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10), and Romario Shepherd (17 off 9), even as wickets tumbled rapidly in the final overs. Arshdeep Singh was particularly effective at the death, picking up three wickets and conceding just three runs in the 20th over.

Still, the scoreboard read 190, and in a final, every run counted.

Punjab Kings Fight Hard But Fall Short

Punjab Kings came out to chase 191 with determination. Openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh looked promising but were quickly sent packing. Josh Hazlewood, who had recently returned from injury, drew first blood with Arya’s dismissal — brilliantly caught by Salt at the boundary.

Krunal Pandya then spun a web around Punjab’s middle order, returning with figures of 2-17 in four overs, removing Prabhsimran and the dangerous Josh Inglis (39).

The turning point came when Shepherd dismissed Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer for just 1 run. Punjab's chase began to unravel from there.

Shashank Singh’s Lone Battle

Despite the collapse around him, Shashank Singh refused to go down without a fight. He remained unbeaten on 61 off just 34 balls, smashing three sixes and a four in a dramatic final over bowled by Hazlewood, who had 29 runs to defend.

Hazlewood, the calm Aussie, held his nerve — and that over sealed the deal.

As the final run remained unscored, the Bengaluru crowd erupted. On the field, Virat Kohli collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed by emotion, before being lifted up and embraced by his teammates.

A Victory 18 Years in the Making

This victory was more than just another title — it was a redemption story, a dream realized, and legacy cemented. RCB had made it to three finals before (in 2009, 2011, and 2016), only to return empty-handed. But 2025 changed everything.

For Kohli, who had stepped down from RCB’s captaincy a few seasons ago and then returned to guide them through the playoffs, it was the missing piece in his legendary career.

A Season to Remember

This year’s IPL was not without its drama. Due to regional tensions and a temporary pause in the tournament, the 18th edition ran nine days late. But none of that dimmed the enthusiasm of fans or the intensity of the competition.

With this win, RCB not only ends a long wait but also sets a new benchmark for resilience, consistency, and belief.

Final Score Summary:

  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 190-9 (Kohli 43, Patidar 26, Arshdeep 3-18)

  • Punjab Kings: 184-7 (Shashank Singh 61*, Pandya 2-17, Hazlewood 1-29)