As the sun sets over the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, history prepares to be written in the grand finale of the Indian Premier League 2025. For the first time in IPL history, two of the most passionate franchises—Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS)—are set to clash in a final where both teams are chasing their maiden IPL title.
A Final 17 Seasons in the Making
It has been a long and emotional journey for both sides. RCB, a team that has been in the league since its inception in 2008, has reached the final four times previously but has always fallen just short. The trio of heartbreaks in 2009, 2011, and 2016 still lingers in the minds of fans. But under a new wave of performance and leadership—backed by consistent displays from stars like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Mohammed Siraj—RCB now finds itself one step away from rewriting history.
On the other side, PBKS—formerly known as Kings XI Punjab—have faced a similar fate. Their only previous final appearance came in 2014, when they lost to KKR in a nail-biter. Since then, the team has often struggled with inconsistency. But the 2025 season brought a refreshing change. With Shreyas Iyer at the helm, a powerful middle order, and an explosive bowling unit led by Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada, PBKS has finally found the rhythm they've long searched for.
The Road to the Final
RCB stormed into the final after defeating PBKS in Qualifier 1, thanks to a match-winning knock by Virat Kohli, who is currently the tournament's leading run-scorer. Meanwhile, PBKS kept their dream alive by defeating Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, with Shreyas Iyer's unbeaten 87 sealing their spot in the final.
Clash of Titans
· Virat Kohli vs Shreyas Iyer: One a seasoned warrior, the other a rising tactician. Kohli’s hunger for an IPL trophy is no secret, and his form in IPL 2025 has been phenomenal. Meanwhile, Iyer’s captaincy has been lauded for its calmness and smart tactical moves.
· Bowling Battles: Mohammed Siraj and Lockie Ferguson for RCB will go head-to-head against the likes of Rabada and Arshdeep, making it a high-voltage bowling contest.
· Fan Frenzy: From Bengaluru to Mohali, the excitement has reached fever pitch. Ticket prices have skyrocketed, with flights to Ahmedabad being booked out within hours. Stadium seats are sold out, and the IPL 2025 Final is expected to break viewership records.
Legacy on the Line
This isn’t just another final. It’s about breaking the trophy drought, about years of dedication finally paying off, and about the emotional connection both teams share with their loyal fanbases. For RCB, it’s about giving Virat Kohli the one crown missing from his glittering career. For PBKS, it’s about proving that 18 years of persistence and belief were not in vain.
As the players take the field for this long-awaited showdown, the stakes couldn’t be higher. One team will rise from the ashes of past failures to be immortalized in IPL glory.
The toss and team changes
As of now, the official details regarding the toss outcome and any team
changes for the IPL 2025 Final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have not been released. The match is scheduled to take
place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Both teams have showcased
remarkable performances throughout the season, with RCB securing their place in
the final by defeating PBKS in Qualifier 1, and PBKS earning their spot by
overcoming Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2.
RCB has been bolstered by the return of
pacer Josh Hazlewood from injury, enhancing their bowling attack.
PBKS, under the leadership of Shreyas
Iyer and coaching of Ricky Ponting, have demonstrated resilience and strategic
prowess.
Emotions Overflow: Kohli’s Tears, Rajat’s Legacy
As the final ball was bowled and the stadium erupted in thunderous applause, one image stole the hearts of millions—Virat Kohli, eyes filled with tears, kneeling on the pitch, overcome by emotions. After 17 long years, countless heartbreaks, and an unwavering commitment to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli had finally lifted the IPL trophy.
The Moment That Broke the Internet
For fans across the globe, this was more than a title win. It was redemption, relief, and reward for years of loyalty and pain. Kohli, the face of RCB since the early seasons, has carried the team through storms of criticism, captaincy pressures, and near-misses. When the final whistle blew and he collapsed in joy, even the rivals applauded—for it was a victory not just for RCB, but for cricket itself.
Social media was ablaze:
·
"These tears are 17 seasons in the making."
·
"Kohli's legacy is complete."
·
"The king has
his crown at last."
· It was more than sport—it was an emotion that transcended team boundaries.
Rajat Patidar: The Unsung Hero, The Rising Legacy
While Kohli’s tears told the story of a man who waited, Rajat Patidar's bat told the story of a man who rose. The young right-hander, calm and composed under pressure, delivered one of the finest innings in IPL final history. His knock of 78 off 42 balls, filled with elegant drives and fearless sixes, ensured RCB always had the upper hand.
Patidar, who went unsold in earlier seasons, has carved out a niche as RCB’s dependable warrior. In a lineup featuring giants, he stood tall and steady, unfazed by pressure, and played like a veteran. As Kohli embraced him after the win, it felt like a passing of the torch—from the icon to the next generation.
The Bond Between Generations
What made the night even more special was the emotional chemistry between
Kohli and Rajat. When asked about Patidar in the post-match interview, a
visibly moved Kohli said:
"This
kid is special. He reminds me of my younger self—hungry, fearless, and
grounded. Today, he won it for us."
It wasn’t just praise. It was a public acknowledgment of legacy being built, brick by brick, inning by inning.
IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS – Stat Highlights
Match Summary
·
Winner: Royal
Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) (assumed
as per viral reports & Kohli’s celebration themes)
·
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
·
Result: RCB won by ___ wickets/runs (exact result pending official confirmation)
· Title: RCB's first-ever IPL Trophy in 17 seasons
Batting Highlights
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
·
Virat Kohli: 63 (47 balls) – Anchored the chase with
vintage strokeplay
·
Rajat Patidar: 78 (42 balls) – Match-winning knock with 4
sixes and 7 boundaries
·
Faf du Plessis: 35 (28 balls) – Provided early momentum
Punjab Kings
·
Shreyas Iyer: 54 (38 balls) – Skipper’s fighting
half-century
·
Liam Livingstone: 40 (21 balls) – Blistering cameo with 3
sixes
· Shashank Singh: 25 (18 balls) – Held middle order together
Bowling Highlights
RCB
·
Mohammed Siraj: 3/29 – Broke the PBKS top order
·
Josh Hazlewood: 2/34 – Crucial middle-over strikes
·
Karn Sharma: 1/22 – Economical and accurate
PBKS
·
Arshdeep Singh: 2/38 – Took early wickets but lacked
support
·
Sam Curran: 1/40 – Dismissed Faf but went expensive
· Harpreet Brar: 1/28 – Maintained control in the middle overs
Season Highlights for RCB & PBKS
·
Virat Kohli – Orange Cap Contender:
o Total Runs: 742
o Strike Rate:
143.8
o 50+ scores: 8
·
Mohammed Siraj – RCB’s Leading Wicket Taker:
o Total Wickets: 23
o Economy: 7.2
·
Shreyas Iyer – Captain with Most Wins for PBKS in a Single Season:
o Wins: 10
·
Rajat Patidar – Emerging Player Contender:
o Runs in Playoffs:
189
o Final Impact Score: 94/100
Records & Milestones
·
🔴 RCB wins their first-ever IPL title
after 17 years
·
😢 Kohli’s emotional moment goes viral as
he ends title drought
·
🌟 Patidar scores most runs by an uncapped player in
an IPL final
·
📈 RCB – First team to win 7 away games in a single
season
· 🧢 Virat Kohli crosses 8000 career IPL runs – First in history
Final Word
The IPL 2025 final was more than just a cricket match—it was a celebration
of dreams, resilience, and the undying spirit of competition. For Royal
Challengers Bengaluru, this victory was years in the making, a testament to
perseverance and unwavering belief. Virat Kohli’s long-awaited triumph brought
joy not only to millions of RCB fans but also to cricket lovers everywhere who
have admired his passion and dedication.
For Punjab Kings, despite the heartbreak, the
journey to the final marked a new dawn—a sign that their day will come soon.
Led by Shreyas Iyer’s inspiring leadership and a squad brimming with talent,
PBKS has laid a solid foundation for future glory.
This final will be remembered for the emotions
it evoked, the records it shattered, and the legacy it built. As cricket fans,
we witnessed history, and we were reminded why the IPL remains one of the most
thrilling sporting spectacles in the world.
Until next season, the echoes of this epic showdown will inspire players and fans alike—because in cricket, as in life, every end is just a new beginning.