RCB finally lifts the IPL 2025 trophy in Ahmedabad! A historic win led by Kohli, with standout performances from Jitesh, Krunal, and emotional fanfare.
Historic Night at Narendra Modi Stadium
The final match of IPL Season 18 in 2025, originally scheduled to be played in Kolkata, was relocated to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium due to weather concerns. The decision turned out to be a masterstroke as nearly 90,000 fans packed the stadium to witness history unfold. For Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), this night turned the stadium into a memory they’ll cherish forever.
Punjab’s Brave Call and RCB’s Wait Ends
Punjab Kings (PBKS) won the toss and chose to bat first. Throughout IPL 2025, Punjab had performed exceptionally well, especially with their bold strategy of backing uncapped players, which paid off handsomely. This was the first time ever that both RCB and PBKS reached the IPL final, and the excitement was through the roof.
RCB, a franchise that had previously reached the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, had finished as runners-up each time. But in 2025, they finally broke the jinx — the trophy was theirs.
Match Summary
RCB had a shaky start with their top order not scoring much. But Jitesh Sharma delivered a stunning performance, scoring 190 runs, setting a target of 191 for Punjab. Punjab began their chase strongly, putting pressure on RCB’s bowlers.
Turning Point: Krunal Pandya’s Spell
The turning point came when Krunal Pandya stepped up as the game-changer, delivering an economical spell of 4 overs, 17 runs, 2 wickets, including 12 dot balls, which shifted momentum back to RCB.
Even though Shashank Singh played a stormy unbeaten knock of 61 runs, Punjab fell 6 runs short, finishing on 184/7.
Kohli’s Emotional High
As the last ball was bowled, Virat Kohli had tears in his eyes — tears of joy, relief, and fulfillment. He didn’t let the fans down. Former RCB legends like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers were present, backing their team with pride. Kohli, deeply moved, thanked all the fans and supporters, saying he believes the number 18 jersey and the 18th IPL season brought good luck.
In His Final Words as Captain, Kohli Said in Kannada:
“Ee Sala Cup Namde” – “This year, the cup is ours.”
Punjab ended the match with 184 runs for 7 wickets. Despite their loss, they earned the respect of fans and players alike.
Post-Match Reactions
Jitesh Sharma:
“I can’t express how I feel right now. I’m so happy for Kohli. He’s been part of this franchise for 18 years and has waited just as long for this moment. Before the tournament began, I said – when you play for someone else, you do extraordinary things. Tonight was one of those magical moments.”
Virat Kohli:
“My heart belongs to Bengaluru, and it always will. Whether it’s AB de Villiers or every RCB fan — this win is as much yours as it is mine. AB deserved to be here on the stage. I’ve stuck with this team through everything, and tonight, I will sleep like a child.
I’ve given my prime, my youth to this team. Never imagined this day would come. But when that last ball was bowled, I couldn’t hold back the emotions.”
“This win is one of the best moments of my career — though still five levels below a Test victory. If you want to earn real respect, play Test cricket.”
Virat Kohli’s Major Achievements
- 2008: U19 World Cup – Malaysia
- 2010: Asia Cup – Sri Lanka
- 2011: ODI World Cup
- 2013: Champions Trophy
- 2016: Asia Cup – Bangladesh
- 2023: Asia Cup – Pakistan/Sri Lanka
- 2024: T20 World Cup
- 2025: Champions Trophy
- 2025: IPL Trophy with RCB
Shreyas Iyer’s Rise
Shreyas Iyer’s leadership has been commendable, having captained Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Punjab Kings.
- Led in 85 IPL matches (50 wins, 34 losses, 2 no results)
- Scored a century on Test debut
- Part of India’s 2023 World Cup squad
- 2024 IPL Champion with KKR
- 2023 Asia Cup winner
He remains one of India’s most promising leaders across formats.
IPL 2025 Final Awards
- Player of the Match (Final): Krunal Pandya – 4-0-17-2
- Super Striker (Final): Jitesh Sharma – 24 (10)
- Super Sixes (Final): Shashank Singh – 6 sixes, 61*
- On the Go Fours (Final): Priyansh Arya
- Green Dot Ball (Final): Krunal Pandya
IPL 2025 Season Awards
- Emerging Player: Sai Sudharsan
- Super Striker of the Season: Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Super Sixes of the Season: Nicholas Pooran
- On the Go Fours of the Season: Sai Sudharsan
- Green Dot Ball of the Season: Mohammed Siraj
- Catch of the Season: Kamindu Mendis
- Fair Play Award: Chennai Super Kings
- Purple Cap: Prasidh Krishna
- Orange Cap: Sai Sudharsan
- Most Valuable Player: Suryakumar Yadav