Royal Challengers Bengaluru etched their name in the history books by clinching their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a thrilling 6-run victory over Punjab Kings in the 2025 final. The dramatic summit clash, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, brought an end to RCB’s 18-year-long wait for the elusive silverware.

Led by Rajat Patidar, who was handed the reins this season, RCB held their nerve in a high-stakes encounter. Cricket legend Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since the inaugural edition in 2008, finally got his hands on the trophy that had eluded him for nearly two decades. His top score of 43 off 35 balls was the cornerstone of RCB's batting effort, though the team never quite found momentum on a sluggish pitch.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer had opted to bowl first after winning the toss. His decision initially paid dividends, with RCB unable to post a commanding total. Despite a few solid starts, no batter could convert, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Kohli’s composed innings aside, Patidar (26) and Romario Shepherd (17* off 8) contributed quick runs towards the end. However, Punjab’s disciplined bowling attack kept the scoring in check.