Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended a 17-year-long wait in style as they clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in a high-octane final at Ahmedabad. After 6,255 days and 286 competitive matches, the elusive trophy finally found its way to Bengaluru.
The IPL 2025 final, played on June 3, 2025, marked a turning point in the franchise’s history, delivering long-awaited joy to its passionate fanbase and rewriting the record books with standout performances and milestones.
End of an Era of Near Misses
Before this triumph, RCB had featured in four T20 finals — three in the IPL and one in the now-defunct Champions League T20 (CLT20) — and lost all while chasing. This time, however, the team broke the jinx and created history, leaving behind painful memories of finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
With this win, RCB became the 8th team to lift the IPL trophy, joining elite company and pushing Delhi Capitals (DC) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) into a rare and unwanted club — the only original 2008 franchises yet to win a title. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), launched in 2022, remain the only other active team without a championship.
Key Highlights from IPL 2025 Final
Rajat Patidar – From Underdog to Champion Captain
RCB’s stand-in captain Rajat Patidar scripted a dream debut as skipper. With only four international appearances to his name, Patidar joined an exclusive club of captains to win the IPL in their debut season, alongside Shane Warne, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya.
Krunal Pandya’s Final Brilliance
Krunal Pandya once again rose to the big occasion, winning the Player of the Match in an IPL final for the second time — the only player to do so, following his performance in 2017. He also extended his perfect record in IPL finals to 4-0, with three titles at Mumbai Indians (MI) and now one with RCB.
Virat Kohli Breaks IPL Record
RCB’s talisman Virat Kohli etched his name deeper into the record books by becoming the player with the most fours in IPL history (771), surpassing Shikhar Dhawan’s tally of 768. Kohli’s consistency and leadership from the front have remained central to RCB’s journey over the years.
All-Round Team Effort
RCB’s final win was not just about star power—it was a collective performance. 10 different players either scored 20+ runs or took a wicket, a feat matched only once before in a men’s T20 final (Delhi in the 2017-18 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final). Such depth in contributions was key to their commanding win over Delhi Capitals.
DC’s Title Drought Continues
While RCB celebrated a new dawn, Delhi Capitals faced yet another heartbreak. With 274 matches across formats without a title, DC now hold the record for the most men’s T20 games played without winning a trophy — a record they would not have wanted.
What This Means for RCB and IPL History
This victory is more than just a title win. It symbolizes redemption, resilience, and the rewards of long-term belief. For fans who stuck by RCB through thick and thin, the Ahmedabad final was nothing short of poetic justice. From being labeled “underachievers” to finally reigning supreme, RCB’s 2025 IPL triumph will go down as one of the most emotional victories in franchise cricket history.
Courtesy: Data taken from ESPNCricinfo and google
