Fri. Jun 6th, 2025

IPL 2025: RCB Beats PBKS, Wins First Title Since 2008

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) went down to a pulsating finish, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) restoring their glory after 18 long years. In a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) up from a six-run defeat to crown themselves first IPL title since 2008. For those who have been waiting almost two decades, this victory is the dawn of a new era for the Bengaluru-based franchise.

RCB’s Dream Run in the League Stage

RCB began their IPL 2025 campaign with much flourishes and determination. They finished second in the league table, just behind PBKS, with 9 wins out of 14 matches. It was their perfect record in away matches that separated them from the rest-the utmost adaptation and mind strength.

Here’s how RCB’s road to the final looked:

Opponent	Result	Venue
KKR	RCB won by 7 wickets	Eden Gardens (A)
CSK	RCB won by 50 runs	Chepauk (A)
GT	GT won by 8 wickets	Bengaluru (H)
MI	RCB won by 12 runs	Wankhede (A)
DC	DC won by 6 wickets	Bengaluru (H)
RR	RCB won by 9 wickets	Jaipur (A)
PBKS	PBKS won by 5 wickets	Bengaluru (H)
PBKS	RCB won by 7 wickets	Mullanpur (A)
RR	RCB won by 11 runs	Bengaluru (H)
DC	RCB won by 6 wickets	Delhi (A)
CSK	RCB won by 2 runs	Bengaluru (H)
SRH	SRH won by 42 runs	Lucknow (H)*
LSG	RCB won by 6 wickets	Lucknow (A)

*RCB’s home game vs SRH was shifted to Lucknow.

PBKS’ Dominant League Performance

For their part, Punjab Kings themselves had a great season. They finished at the top of the table with 19 points. With a win-loss ratio almost similar to that of RCB, the PBKS topped the table because of a better net run rate and early momentum.

Here’s PBKS’ league performance:

Opponent	Result	Venue
GT	PBKS won by 11 runs	Ahmedabad (A)
LSG	PBKS won by 8 runs	Lucknow (A)
RR	RR won by 50 runs	Mullanpur (H)
CSK	PBKS won by 18 runs	Mullanpur (H)
SRH	SRH won by 8 wickets	Hyderabad (A)
KKR	PBKS won by 16 runs	Mullanpur (H)
RCB	PBKS won by 5 wickets	Bengaluru (A)
RCB	RCB won by 7 wickets	Mullanpur (H)
KKR	No Result	Eden Gardens (A)
CSK	PBKS won by 4 wickets	Chepauk (A)
LSG	PBKS won by 37 runs	Dharamsala (H)
RR	PBKS won by 10 runs	Jaipur (A)
DC	DC won by 6 wickets	Jaipur (H)*
MI	PBKS won by 7 wickets	Jaipur (H)*

*PBKS’ last two home matches were shifted to Jaipur.

RCB’s Path Through the Knockouts

Qualifier 1 witnessed RCB faced PBKS at Mullanpur, where RCB once again showed their clinical approach to the game. Due to the brilliant bowling contributed by Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma, both claiming three wickets each, PBKS were restricted to a meagre 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Phil Salt knocked a cracking half-century, and RCB chased the target in under 10 overs.

This commanding win took them directly to the final against PBKS again, who emerged victorious in Qualifier 2.

PBKS Bounces Back in Qualifier 2

Having suffered defeat in this first qualifier against RCB with a hammering, it was time for PBKS to regroup and face Mumbai Indians (MI) in the second qualifier. PBKS restricted MI to 203 runs, thanks to an excellent display from Arshdeep Singh in the death overs.

Chasing that total, Shreyas Iyer with an unbeaten 87 from 41 balls and Nehal Wadhera with 48 from 29 fouled off the last six balls to seal the win for PBKS, setting the stage for a pulsating final between RCB and PBKS in IPL 2025.

Virat Kohli – The Architect of Victory

Whilst the team effort stood out, Virat Kohli’s leadership throughout the tournament was simply inspirational. He might not have scored the bulk of the runs in the final, but his tactical genius, field placements, and the moral support that he offered definitely rubbed off and made a huge difference.

Kohli’s decision to bring back Hazlewood at a crucial point, and to trust youngsters like Suyash Sharma, paid dividends. His legacy as a leader and player was further cemented with this long-awaited title.

Key Performers in IPL 2025 for RCB

Phil Salt: Consistent match-winner at the top.
Josh Hazlewood: Wrecked top orders with swing and precision.
Suyash Sharma: The breakout star with critical breakthroughs.
Virat Kohli: Calm, collected, and driven—on and off the pitch.

Impact on Fans and the Franchise

Given the enormity of an IPL win for RCB, thousands of devotees would have gained immense emotional relief, and they are considered to be the most passionate among all the teams. Social media exploded with celebrations, and street parades erupted through Bengaluru, bursting crackers, with everybody chanting “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” together.

For the franchise, this win has broken their title jinx and has escalated their brand appeal. Sponsorships- fan engagement should hit the high note this year, and so would the digital viewership. For detailed stats, exclusive videos, and behind-the-scenes reveals from the final, visit LiveMatches.in.

What Lies Ahead?

The victory in IPL 2025 is a landmark moment for RCB. With a strong foundation and with youth talent coming along, the franchise promises to do well for the seasons to come. And PBKS too, despite the loss, has grown leaps and bounds and will return in a much stronger way.

An arresting season unfolds as the curtain goes down, something that is crystal clear- IPL continues to unite, thrill, and inspire millions. And, this year, the RCB finally wrote their fairy tale.