Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title after a thrilling six-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 3 June 2025. The victory was a moment of intense joy and the pinnacle of RCB’s fervent pursuit of the title, largely due to an emotional Kohli, whose poignant post-match speech captivated the audience.
RCB made 190/9 in their 20 overs, with Kohli holding one end with a sedate 43 off 35 balls. Supporting contributions from Rajat Patidar (26), Liam Livingstone (25) and Jitesh Sharma (24) helped ensure a competitive total. Despite a fighting half-century from Josh Inglis (39 off 22), the Punjab Kings fell short at 184-8. The RCB bowling attack, led by 2/17 from Krunal Pandya and 2/38 from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, responded well, with Priyansh Arya’s blinding catch by Phil Salt a key moment. The six-run win was the third narrowest margin in playoff history and equalled the margin in the 2009 final.
Kohli, an RCB mainstay since the IPL began in 2008, cried as the last ball sealed the win. He then sprinted to the stands to celebrate with his wife, Anushka Sharma, followed by a hug to former teammate AB de Villiers, who was in the stands to cheer for the team. In his post-match speech after the 10-wicket win over the Sunrisers, Kohli dedicated it to RCB’s loyal fan base and Anushka, terming her a “Bengaluru girl” who has put up with the team’s highs and lows for 11 years. “This is for the fans who have never let us down through every heartbreak. And Anushka has been there with me emotionally, supporting RCB as well; her feelings about the outcome have also been quite emotional and passionate,” he said, his voice choking with emotion.
It was that kind of match. Pandya, who won Player of the Match, made history by being the first to win it in two IPL finals, having done so in 2017. RCB’s tight bowling and fielding, which also saw a review of a caught-behind call against Shreyas Iyer working in their favour, put PBKS under pressure. Recalling the defeat, PBKS captain Iyer said, “We loved the fight, but credit should go to RCB’s management and players, who outplayed us.” RCB skipper Rajat Patidar praised the team’s togetherness: “This is for Virat, the fans, and all those who backed us. Ee sala Cup Namdu!”
On social media, fans came out in droves to celebrate the “Virushka” moment, with hashtags like #RCBChampions and #Kohli trending. Anushka’s emotional response, which ranged from disappointment at Kohli’s dismissal to tears of joy at the win, became viral. Fans poured in with messages of congratulations, one reading, “Kohli’s address was worth the 18-year wait. ‘Anushka’s win is our win!” RCB declared a victory parade in Bengaluru to let fans celebrate with the team.
While this race for the second spot is now wide open, this historic win, RCB’s first in four final attempts, stakes their claim as a fanbase-favourite franchise. With Kohli indicating this could be his “last dance” in the IPL, the win has deep emotional significance. Bengaluru gears up to receive their champions. The victory marks a new era for RCB and their loyal “12th Man Army.”
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