Royal Challengers Bengaluru 190-9 (20 overs): Kohli 43 (35); Arshdeep 3-40, Jamieson 3-48
Punjab Kings 184-7 (20 overs): Shashank 61* (30); Pandya 2-17
Result: RCB won by 6 runs
Royal Challengers Bengaluru were finally crowned Indian Premier League champions after nearly two decades of heartbreak, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a nail-biting final at Ahmedabad.
For Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since its inception in 2008, the victory marked a long-awaited personal and professional milestone. The 36-year-old top-scored with a composed 43 off 35 deliveries and led celebrations alongside RCB legends AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, who joined him on the field with the trophy.
“I never thought this day would come,” Kohli said, visibly emotional. “This means the world to me. I’ve given my everything to this team, year after year. Winning the IPL at last is an incredible feeling.”
Kohli's Grit Guides RCB
Opening with England's Phil Salt, Kohli anchored the innings, helping RCB post a competitive 190 despite late-order setbacks. Salt struck 16 off nine balls before falling to Kyle Jamieson, and though no middle-order batter passed 30, contributions from Liam Livingstone (25) and others kept the scoreboard ticking.
RCB looked set for a bigger total but faltered in the final over, where Arshdeep Singh struck thrice to finish with figures of 3-40.
Kings Fall Short Despite Shashank’s Brilliance
In response, Punjab Kings stumbled early and were reduced to 98-4 by the 13th over. Star batter Shreyas Iyer managed only one run before being caught off Romario Shepherd.
A spirited knock from Shashank Singh, who remained unbeaten on 61 off 30, nearly turned the tide. With 29 needed from the final over, he slammed Josh Hazlewood for 22 off the last four balls, but it wasn’t enough.
Punjab’s quest for their first title ended in heartbreak, while RCB celebrated their breakthrough triumph after three previous final losses (2009, 2011, 2016).
Kohli: “I’ve Given RCB My Youth, Prime, and Experience”
Kohli's journey with RCB is the story of loyalty, persistence, and emotional investment. Having debuted for the team in the inaugural 2008 IPL season at just 19, he has since played 267 matches, amassing 8,661 runs at an average of 39.54, including 8 centuries and 63 fifties.
Despite his efforts, success had always eluded him—until now.
“This win is for the fans as much as the team,” said Kohli. “I’ve poured everything—my youth, my prime years, my experience—into this franchise. I’ve come into every season trying to win this, and finally, we did it.”
With 657 runs in the 2025 season, he finished as the third-highest run-scorer, averaging 54.75. His recent trophy haul includes the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, making this IPL victory a crowning achievement.
“My heart and soul are with Bangalore,” he added. “I’m going to play for this team until my last day in the IPL. Tonight, I’ll sleep like a baby.”
Andy Flower Delivers Historic Win
This title also cements Andy Flower’s credentials as a world-class coach. Taking charge of RCB in 2024, the former England head coach guided the team to a fourth-place finish in his first season and took them to second place in the league table this year—behind Punjab on net run rate.
RCB beat the Kings in the first qualifier and repeated the result in the final, showcasing tactical clarity and composure under pressure.
Flower now adds an IPL title to his resume, having previously coached Multan Sultans to the 2021 Pakistan Super League title and Trent Rockets to The Hundred title in 2022.
England Trio Taste IPL Glory
England players Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Jacob Bethell were all part of RCB’s winning squad.
While Salt and Livingstone contributed with catches and quick runs, Bethell missed the final while representing England in an ODI against the West Indies but will still receive a winner’s medal. This marks Livingstone’s second consecutive IPL title after his 2024 win with Kolkata Knight Riders.
After 18 years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are finally champions. For Virat Kohli, RCB, and millions of fans across the globe, the wait was long—but the reward, unforgettable win.
