The IPL 2025 Final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) was nothing short of historic. After years of heartbreak, near-misses, and endless anticipation, fans finally witnessed an epic showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on June 3, 2025. Both teams were desperate for the ultimate glory: RCB seeking their first IPL title in 18 years, and PBKS looking to grab their maiden crown.
If you’ve been following the buzz around this match, you might have already come across predictions and detailed analysis like this one that asked the big question—Who will be the champions? Now that the match is over, let’s dive into how the battle unfolded and why this final will go down as one of the most memorable in IPL history.
The Build-Up to the Grand Finale
The lead-up to the IPL 2025 RCB and PBKS final was electric. Both sides entered the game with outstanding performances in the playoffs. RCB had a stellar campaign, finishing second in the league table, while PBKS clawed their way through a tough eliminator and qualifier, proving their resilience.
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RCB’s Strengths:
Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB had a balanced squad featuring experienced campaigners like Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and the explosive Liam Livingstone. Their strategy revolved around strong top-order batting and a dependable bowling attack. -
PBKS’s Power:
PBKS, under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, relied on an aggressive batting approach with players like Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Sam Curran. Their bowling unit, featuring Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada, was lethal in the death overs.
Both teams carried the baggage of being title-less franchises, making this final a battle not just for the trophy, but for legacy.
Toss and RCB’s Innings – A Strong Start with Twists
PBKS won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that raised eyebrows but reflected their faith in chasing under pressure.
RCB’s Batting Highlights
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Phil Salt gave RCB a blazing start, smashing 16 off 9 balls before falling early.
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Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a classic 43 off 35 balls, playing the role of stabilizer.
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Rajat Patidar chipped in with a useful 26, while Liam Livingstone added firepower with quick boundaries in the middle overs.
At one point, RCB looked set for 200+, but disciplined bowling from Rabada and Sam Curran kept them to 190/9 in 20 overs. It was a competitive total, but far from unbeatable.https://regic.net/
PBKS’s Chase – Drama Till the Last Over
Chasing 191 in a high-pressure IPL final is never easy, but PBKS came out with intent. Their openers provided a steady start, but wickets at crucial intervals kept RCB in the game.
Key Moments in the Chase
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Shashank Singh played the knock of his life, hammering an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls. His fearless hitting almost snatched victory away from RCB.
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Shreyas Iyer, however, played a rash shot at a crucial moment, which former cricketers later criticized as the turning point of the match.
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RCB’s experienced bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya (2 wickets) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, held their nerve in the death overs.
PBKS needed 13 runs off the last over, but brilliant execution from Harshal Patel ensured RCB clinched the game by 6 runs. Final score:
RCB – 190/9 (20 overs)
PBKS – 184/7 (20 overs)
Player of the Match & Accolades
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Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya – for his all-round brilliance under pressure.
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Player of the Series: Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians) – for his consistent heroics throughout the season.
Emotions Overflow – Virat Kohli’s Tears & Fans’ Euphoria
As the final wicket fell, emotions erupted on the field. Virat Kohli, who had carried the dreams of millions for almost two decades, was seen in tears. This was the moment RCB fans had been chanting for with their iconic slogan: “Ee Sala Cup Namdu”—and finally, it came true.
Across Bengaluru and Karnataka, streets lit up with celebrations. Social media exploded with congratulatory messages from fans, celebrities, and political leaders.
The Flip Side – A Tragic Aftermath
Unfortunately, the celebrations turned into tragedy the following day. During RCB’s victory parade in Bengaluru, a crowd crush outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured over 50 people. The incident sparked debates about event safety and crowd management during large-scale celebrations.
Why This Final Was Historic
The IPL 2025 RCB and PBKS final wasn’t just a cricket match—it was a battle of legacies. Here’s why this night will be remembered forever:
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First IPL Title for RCB: After 18 long years, RCB finally shed the “chokers” tag.
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PBKS’s Heartbreak: Despite a valiant effort, PBKS’s wait for a title continues.
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Thriller Till the End: A final-ball finish that had fans on the edge of their seats.
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Individual Brilliance: Shashank Singh’s knock and Krunal Pandya’s composure defined the game.
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Emotional Resonance: Virat Kohli’s tears symbolized years of struggle and passion for the franchise.
Stats That Defined IPL 2025
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Most Runs: Sai Sudharsan (GT) – 759 runs
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Most Wickets: Prasidh Krishna (GT) – 25 wickets
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RCB’s Record: First team to win all away games in a season
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Total Matches: 74, spanning from March 22 to June 3, 2025
Looking Ahead – What’s Next for RCB and PBKS?
For RCB, this victory could mark the beginning of a new era. Their strategy of investing in young Indian talent, coupled with experienced international stars, finally paid off.
For PBKS, this defeat will sting, but the core of their team remains strong. With better finishing strategies and composure in key moments, they can bounce back next season.
Final Thoughts
The IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS was everything fans hoped for and more—a classic battle of nerves, skill, and heart. For RCB, it was redemption. For PBKS, it was heartbreak. For cricket fans, it was history.
As we look back at this unforgettable season, one question remains: Will RCB build a dynasty now that the jinx is broken, or will PBKS return stronger than ever to claim what slipped away?
One thing is certain—IPL 2025 will be remembered as the year when dreams turned into reality for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and when the phrase “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” finally echoed with truth.
