Kohli’s Dream Realized: RCB Lifts Maiden IPL Trophy After 18 Years

Jun 4, 2025 - 15:41
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Kohli’s Dream Realized: RCB Lifts Maiden IPL Trophy After 18 Years
RCB Lifts Maiden IPL Trophy After 18 Years

In a historic moment at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a narrow margin of six runs in the 2025 final. This victory ended an 18-year wait for the franchise and marked a significant milestone in Virat Kohli's illustrious career.

Match Highlights

  • RCB won by 6 runs, defending a total of 190/9 in 20 overs.

  • Punjab Kings ended their innings at 184/8, falling short despite a late surge.

  • Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 43 off 35 balls

  • Krunal Pandya delivered a stunning bowling spell, taking 2 wickets for just 17 runs in 4 overs.

  • Josh Hazlewood bowled a brilliant final over, defending 29 runs and sealing the win.

  • Arshdeep Singh was PBKS’s top bowler with 3 wickets, but couldn’t stop the RCB charge.

  • This was the lowest target successfully defended in an IPL final since 2017.

 

Virat Kohli's Emotional Triumph

After years of near misses and unwavering dedication, Virat Kohli finally lifted the IPL trophy. Overcome with emotion, he stated:

"This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years. I've given this team my youth, my prime and my experience. I've tried to win this every season when I come, give it everything I have. To have this moment is an unbelievable feeling.”

In a touching gesture, Kohli invited former teammates Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers to the podium to lift the trophy together, honoring their contributions to the franchise.

Celebrations and Accolades

  • Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar congratulated RCB, noting the symbolic significance of jersey No. 18 lifting the trophy after nearly two decades.

  • Industrialist Anand Mahindra praised Kohli's resilience and loyalty, emphasizing that the victory was more than just a sports achievement. 

  • The city of Bengaluru erupted in celebrations, with chants of "Ee Sala Cup Namdu" (This year, the cup is ours) echoing through the streets. A special victory parade is scheduled to take place in the city on June 4. 

Season Statistics

  • Virat Kohli: 657 runs in 15 innings, averaging 54.75 with a strike rate of 146.5. He registered eight half-centuries and became the first Indian to surpass 13,000 T20 runs.

  • Josh Hazlewood: RCB's leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets in the season.

  • Phil Salt: Most catches for RCB with 9.

A New Era for RCB

This victory not only ends RCB's long-standing title drought but also sets the stage for a new chapter in the franchise's history. With a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, RCB has finally transformed years of potential into championship success.

For fans and players alike, the 2025 IPL season will be remembered as the year when dreams were realized, and perseverance paid off.