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RCB Finally Crowned Champions: 17-Year Wait Ends With Maiden IPL Title Win
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have etched their name in history by lifting their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, ending a 17-year-long wait in the tournament. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB held their nerves to register a thrilling 6-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final.
Match Summary: IPL 2025 Final – RCB vs PBKS
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Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium
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Date: June 3, 2025
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RCB: 190/9 (20 Overs)
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PBKS: 184/8 (20 Overs)
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Result: RCB won by 6 runs
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Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya (2/17)
A Night of Glory: RCB’s Journey Comes Full Circle
From three heartbreak finals (2009, 2011, 2016) to lifting the trophy in 2025, RCB’s maiden title run was built on consistent all-round performances and match-winning contributions from seasoned players and rising stars. Rajat Patidar’s calm leadership, Virat Kohli’s experience, and a world-class bowling unit delivered when it mattered most.
Where the Final Was Won: Middle Overs Make the Difference
Despite a valiant chase from Punjab, it was the middle-overs phase where RCB created the decisive gap.
🧮 Middle-Overs Comparison
| Parameter | RCB | PBKS |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 77/3 | 67/3 |
| Run Rate | 8.56 | 7.44 |
| 4s/6s | 3/3 | 2/5 |
RCB’s calculated acceleration in the middle overs, coupled with disciplined bowling from Krunal Pandya, made it a steep climb for PBKS in the final five overs.
🧨 PowerPlay: Scratchy Yet Productive Start
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RCB Phase Score: 55/1 [RR: 9.17 | 4s/6s: 5/2]
Phil Salt looked aggressive early, targeting Arshdeep Singh. But his mistimed shot off Kyle Jamieson ended his stay. Kohli faced only 10 balls in this phase, while Mayank Agarwal managed a streaky but vital contribution. PBKS’s seamers, aided by some movement off the deck, made RCB work hard for their runs.
🎯 Middle Overs: Kohli, Patidar Try to Stabilize
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RCB Phase Score: 77/3 [RR: 8.56 | 4s/6s: 3/3]
Spin came into play as Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Mayank. Kohli’s struggle against change of pace was evident as Azmatullah Omarzai removed him with a well-directed short ball. Patidar, RCB’s captain, attempted to lift the scoring rate but was trapped LBW by Jamieson after a series of clever slower deliveries.
Liam Livingstone joined Kohli but couldn’t fully assert himself against Chahal, who bowled a brilliant six-run over. RCB looked stuck midway, but a late charge lifted their total near 190.
🔥 Death Overs: Jitesh and Shepherd Fire Late
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RCB Death Overs Score: 58/5 [RR: 11.60 | 4s/6s: 3/4]
Jitesh Sharma launched a brilliant counterattack with two fours off Arshdeep and back-to-back sixes off Jamieson. Romario Shepherd complemented him with a crucial cameo. RCB looked poised to cross 200, but PBKS clawed back with regular wickets in the final two overs.
💥 PBKS Innings: Chase Falters Despite Late Fight
PBKS began with intent, but RCB’s bowlers executed plans with precision. Prabhsimran Singh started well, but wickets in clusters hurt Punjab’s rhythm. Shashank Singh, Jitesh Sharma, and Rilee Rossouw gave it a go, but Krunal Pandya’s spell of 2/17 through the middle overs was the ultimate difference-maker.
🧠 Tactical Mastery: Krunal Pandya’s Winning Spell
A seasoned IPL campaigner, Krunal Pandya turned the game with his clever variations. He removed key middle-order batters and broke PBKS’s momentum right when they looked set to push RCB on the backfoot. His control and flight earned him Player of the Match honors.
🏅 RCB’s Road to the Title
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League Stage: Finished 2nd
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Qualifier 1: Lost to Mumbai Indians
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Qualifier 2: Beat MI in the rematch
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Final: Beat PBKS by 6 runs
After years of heartbreaks, missed chances, and rebuilding, RCB’s 2025 squad — a mix of grit, flair, and smart leadership — finally delivered glory to the franchise and their passionate fans.
📸 Memorable Moments from the Final
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Rajat Patidar lifting the trophy with tears in his eyes
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Kohli embracing Krunal after the final wicket
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Fans erupting at Chinnaswamy and across Bengaluru
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Team dedicating the win to past RCB legends like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle
📚 Related Articles
- How Patidar Transformed RCB’s 2025 Campaign
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Full IPL 2025 Final Scorecard on ESPNcricinfo
