IPL 2025: Suryakumar Yadav Breaks Tendulkar’s Record as MI Score 184/7 Against PBKS
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings by 6 runs to win their first-ever IPL title in 2025.
Introduction: A Historic Victory for RCB and Virat Kohli
The 2025 IPL final was nothing short of a fairy-tale for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as they clinched their first-ever IPL trophy, breaking an 18-year-long drought. The moment was especially emotional for RCB’s star player, Virat Kohli, whose tears on the field spoke volumes about the significance of this victory. After three heart breaking final losses in the past, RCB finally tasted success, defeating Punjab Kings by just six runs in a thrilling encounter at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium on June 3, 2025.
The IPL Final: A Nail-Biting Contest
RCB’s win was no easy feat. Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, put up a valiant fight but fell short while chasing a target of 191 runs. The RCB players, though under pressure, showed remarkable composure in the final moments, ensuring they lifted the trophy.
RCB’s Batting Performance
After losing the toss, RCB were asked to bat first. They managed to post a competitive total of 190/9, thanks to key contributions from the top order. While the Punjab Kings’ bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson, kept RCB’s innings in check, the team found themselves in a tough situation after losing wickets at crucial moments. Virat Kohli (52) and Mayank Agarwal (45) provided vital runs, but the middle order couldn’t quite capitalize, resulting in RCB finishing with a total that, although challenging, was within reach for Punjab.
Punjab Kings’ Chasing Struggles
Punjab Kings’ chase started off decently, with openers Priyansh Arya (29) and Shreyas Iyer (33) keeping up with the required rate. However, the pressure of the final began to show as wickets fell at regular intervals. At 74/2 after 9 overs, Punjab seemed in control, but soon after, they lost momentum. A collapse in the middle overs, sparked by crucial breakthroughs from RCB bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, left Punjab struggling at 101/4 after 13 overs.
With the required run rate climbing, the Punjab batsmen could not cope with the mounting pressure. Despite late efforts from Marcus Stoinis (22) and Yuzvendra Chahal (14), Punjab Kings could only reach 184 runs, handing RCB a thrilling six-run victory.
RCB’s Final XI: Key Performances
RCB’s final XI delivered a collective performance that led them to victory:
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Virat Kohli (52) – Captain and run-scorer, played a pivotal role in stabilizing RCB’s innings.
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Mayank Agarwal (45) – Important knock at the top of the order.
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Liam Livingstone (23) – Contributed crucial runs in the middle order.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) – Key bowler in restricting Punjab’s chase.
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Josh Hazlewood (1/32) – Took a vital wicket during the middle overs.
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Rajat Patidar (Captain) – Led the team well under pressure, contributing with the bat and in the field.
Punjab Kings’ Performance: Missed Opportunities
Punjab Kings, despite putting up a brave fight, were undone by their own inconsistencies. Their opening partnership was solid, but they couldn’t maintain their momentum. Key players like Shreyas Iyer and Azmatullah Umarzai failed to accelerate when it mattered the most, and the team’s lower order was unable to finish the job.
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Shreyas Iyer (33) – Showed promise but couldn’t take his team home.
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Marcus Stoinis (22) – Fought hard but ran out of partners.
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Arshdeep Singh (1/29) – Was the standout bowler for Punjab.
Virat Kohli’s Emotional Moment
The victory meant the world to Virat Kohli, who had seen his team reach the final thrice before without winning. The images of him holding the IPL trophy, with tears in his eyes, will forever be etched in the memories of RCB fans. His dedication to the franchise, his leadership, and his performance over the years had all come to fruition in this magical moment.
Conclusion: A New Era for RCB
With their historic win, RCB has not only silenced the critics but also solidified their place as one of the most successful teams in IPL history. The long-awaited title gives fans hope for even greater things to come. As for Virat Kohli, his dream of lifting the IPL trophy has finally been realized after 18 years of perseverance, hard work, and heartache. This victory is a testament to the strength of RCB as a team and the indomitable spirit of their captain.
