RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final Highlights | Royal Challengers Win by 6 Runs, Clinch Maiden Title | RCB Won IPL 2025

Summary

The long wait is finally over. On a historic night at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) held their nerve to edge out Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs in the IPL 2025 Final, clinching their first-ever IPL title in 17 seasons. In a contest filled with momentum swings, mini battles, and standout performances, it was Krunal Pandya who emerged as the Player of the Match with a game-changing spell, while Suryakumar Yadav took home the Player of the Series for his outstanding tournament form.

The atmosphere was electric, and fans were treated to a classic final between two teams that had never lifted the trophy before. With both franchises eager to break their IPL duck, this match had the intensity, drama, and heartbreak worthy of a grand finale.

Short Scorecard

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 190/9 (20 overs)
Top Scorers: Phil Salt 16 (9), Virat Kohli 43 (35), Rajat Patidar 26 (16)
Best Bowler (PBKS): Kyle Jamieson 4-0-48-3, Arshdeep Singh 4-0-30-3

Punjab Kings: 184/7 (20 overs)
Top Scorers: Josh Inglis 39 (23), Prabhsimran Singh 26 (22), Shashank Singh 61* (30)
Best Bowler (RCB): Krunal Pandya 4-0-17-2, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4-0-38-2

Result: RCB won by 6 runs
Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya
Player of the Series: Suryakumar Yadav

Final Showdown: How RCB Edged PBKS in a Thriller

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it’s been a journey defined by near-misses and heartbreak. But on June 3, 2025, everything changed. This wasn’t just a win—it was a long-overdue validation of years of rebuilding, smart auction strategies, and leadership that finally clicked.

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Punjab Kings aimed to exploit early movement under lights. While they managed to send Phil Salt back early, Virat Kohli played a captain’s role at the top, anchoring the innings with 43 off 35 deliveries. Mayank Agarwal added a quick 24, but it was a collective effort through the middle that helped RCB push to a competitive 190/9.

Kyle Jamieson, leading the PBKS bowling charge, bagged three crucial wickets, but it was Arshdeep Singh who stood out with both his accuracy and his late-over execution. His spell of 3/30 kept RCB in check when it looked like they’d breach 200.

PBKS’s chase got off to a decent start with Priyansh Arya showing intent, but the turning point came in the middle overs. Krunal Pandya—who had a quiet tournament until now—delivered a game-defining spell, dismissing both Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis. His spell of 2/17 broke PBKS’s rhythm and created pressure that proved too hard to recover from.

Despite Shashank Singh’s valiant unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, which included a flurry of boundaries in the final overs, RCB’s bowling unit held firm. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience came to the fore, and Yash Dayal’s calm under pressure sealed the game in the last over.

A Historic Moment for RCB Fans

For years, RCB fans had been mocked for the team’s inability to win titles despite their star-studded lineups. The “Ee Sala Cup Namde” chants have finally been fulfilled, and it came with a team that played as a unit more than ever before. From Patidar’s measured captaincy to Krunal’s unexpected heroics, every player had a role in this triumph.

Tactical Masterclass in a High-Stakes Game

What separated RCB from PBKS wasn’t just a few runs it was how the team adapted. While PBKS had power hitters like Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, and Josh Inglis, they failed to stitch a meaningful partnership through the middle overs. RCB’s spin choke through Krunal and the pace duo of Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood ensured PBKS were always chasing the game.

Credit must also go to RCB’s bench and coaching staff, with Andy Flower, Malolan Rangarajan, and Dinesh Karthik executing a clear plan that addressed years of inconsistency.

The Future Looks Bright for Both Sides

While RCB celebrates their long-awaited title, PBKS can walk away with their heads held high. Shashank Singh's emergence, the consistency of Josh Inglis, and the resilience of their bowling attack indicate a team that isn’t far off from its maiden crown. Under Ricky Ponting’s guidance, PBKS will surely come back stronger next season.