RCB's Glorious Dawn: Ending an 18-Year Quest for IPL Glory

Introduction

On June 3, 2025, the cricketing world witnessed a historic moment as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a nail-biting six runs in the final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. After 18 years of relentless pursuit, heartbreaks, and unwavering fan support, RCB’s dream of lifting the coveted trophy finally came true, encapsulated by their iconic slogan, “Ee Sala Cup Namde”—this year, the cup is ours. This blog dives into the journey, key performances, and the emotional crescendo of RCB’s triumphant 2025 IPL campaign.

A Legacy of Near Misses

Since their inception in 2008, RCB has been one of the IPL’s most popular franchises, boasting a star-studded lineup featuring legends like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli. Despite their firepower, the team had faced agonizing defeats in three previous finals (2009, 2011, and 2016) and earned a reputation as perennial underachievers. Their journey was marked by highs, like holding the record for the highest IPL total (263/5 until 2024), and lows, like the lowest total of 49. Fans remained loyal through every storm, chanting for their team at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and beyond.

The 2025 season, however, was different. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar and the guidance of coach Andy Flower, RCB showcased a blend of resilience, strategy, and explosive talent. The team’s transformation was evident, culminating in a season that saw them dominate on the road and finally conquer the ultimate prize.

The Road to the Final

RCB’s 2025 campaign was a rollercoaster of brilliance and redemption. After a shaky start in IPL 2024, where they won just one of their first eight games, RCB turned their fortunes around with six consecutive victories to reach the playoffs. This resilience carried into 2025, where they finished second in the league stage with nine wins and an abandoned game, becoming the first team to win all seven away matches—an unprecedented feat.

Key matches highlighted their dominance:

• RCB vs KKR (March 22, 2025): RCB kicked off the season with a commanding seven-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata, setting the tone with a blistering 80/0 in the powerplay, led by Virat Kohli and Phil Salt.

• RCB vs RR (April 24, 2025): A home victory by 11 runs against Rajasthan Royals showcased their ability to defend totals, with Josh Hazlewood’s match-winning spell earning him Player of the Match.

• RCB vs MI (April 7, 2025): A 12-run victory in Mumbai, with Rajat Patidar’s stellar knock earning him Player of the Match, underlined RCB’s batting depth.

• Qualifier 1 vs PBKS (May 29, 2025): RCB demolished PBKS, bowling them out for 101 and chasing the target in just 10 overs, with Phil Salt’s 56 off 27 balls sealing their place in the final.

Despite a rare home loss to Delhi Capitals, RCB’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure made them favorites heading into the final.

The Final: RCB vs PBKS

The IPL 2025 final was a clash of two teams desperate for their first title. PBKS, led by Shreyas Iyer, had topped the league table, but RCB’s eight-wicket thrashing of them in Qualifier 1 gave them a psychological edge.

RCB’s Batting: A Collective Effort

Batting first after losing the toss, RCB posted a competitive 190/9. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a composed 43 off 35 balls, while Phil Salt contributed a quickfire 16. Contributions from Mayank Agarwal (24), Rajat Patidar (26), Liam Livingstone (25), and Jitesh Sharma (24) kept the scoreboard ticking, though no batter crossed 50. A late cameo from Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10) boosted RCB’s total, but PBKS’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson (three wickets each), kept them in check. Krunal Pandya’s brief 4 off 5 showed his intent, but it was his bowling that would steal the show.

The Bowling Masterclass

RCB’s bowlers turned the final into a showcase of discipline and experience. On a pitch with bounce and carry, they exploited natural variations to stifle PBKS’s chase. Krunal Pandya, a three-time IPL champion with Mumbai Indians, was the game-changer, earning Player of the Match for his tight spell. His first over conceded just three runs, and his ability to vary pace and cramp batters for room disrupted PBKS’s rhythm. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2 wickets), Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Romario Shepherd chipped in with crucial wickets, while sharp fielding and catching kept PBKS under pressure.

PBKS reached 70/1 by the eighth over, thanks to openers Priyansh and Prabhsimran Singh, but RCB’s bowlers struck back. Hazlewood dismissed Priyansh for 24, and Suyash Sharma’s leg-spin accounted for three wickets, including Shashank Singh and Marcus Stoinis, who fell to reckless sweeps. Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 61 off 30, including 22 runs off the final over, brought PBKS close, but two dot balls at the start of Josh Hazlewood’s last over sealed their fate at 184/7, six runs short.

The Emotional Triumph

For Virat Kohli, the victory was personal. The only player to represent RCB in every IPL season, Kohli’s 267 matches, 8,661 runs, and unwavering loyalty culminated in tears of joy as he hugged his wife, Anushka Sharma, post-match. “I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, and my experience,” he said. “This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team.” The celebration was shared with former RCB stalwarts Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, who joined the festivities, marking a full-circle moment for the franchise.

Rajat Patidar, reflecting on the win, credited the team’s belief after their Qualifier 1 victory and praised the bowlers’ execution on a slow pitch. The fans, who had waited 6,256 days for this moment, erupted as confetti rained down and the team lifted the trophy, fulfilling the promise of “Ee Sala Cup Namde.”

Andy Flower’s Strategic Masterstroke

Coach Andy Flower, who took over in 2024, played a crucial role in RCB’s transformation. His experience as an Ashes-winning coach and his ability to manage big personalities helped RCB navigate high-pressure situations. Flower’s decision to back Rajat Patidar as captain over marquee names like Kohli was a bold move that paid dividends, with Patidar’s composure shining through. The addition of players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone bolstered RCB’s squad, creating a balanced unit capable of outclassing any opponent.

The Fans: The Heart of RCB

RCB’s victory was as much for their passionate fanbase as it was for the players. Known for their unwavering support, RCB fans filled stadiums across India, from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, chanting for their team. Social media posts from @RCBTweets captured the euphoria: “18 years of storms, for one perfect sunrise. TATA IPL 2025 CHAMPIONS.” The victory sparked celebrations across Bengaluru, with fans performing havans and flocking to temples in anticipation of the win.

Looking Ahead

RCB’s 2025 triumph could mark the beginning of a new era. With a settled core, a astute captain in Patidar, and a coach like Flower, RCB has the potential to challenge the dominance of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, who have five titles each. For PBKS, the loss was a bitter pill, but their spirited campaign under Shreyas Iyer showed promise for 2026.

Conclusion

RCB’s IPL 2025 victory was a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and belief. After 18 years of near misses, the franchise silenced critics and rewarded their fans’ loyalty with a performance that will be etched in IPL history. As Virat Kohli said, “This is far more special than winning it with anyone else, because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore.” The cup is finally home, and for RCB, the sunrise has never been brighter.