Ahmedabad,: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their name into Indian Premier League (IPL) history by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs in a nail-biting final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Tuesday, ending an 18-year title drought. The victory, witnessed by a roaring crowd including former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his wife Akshata Murty, marked RCB’s first IPL trophy under the leadership of Rajat Patidar and the emotional stewardship of Virat Kohli.

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and opted to bowl first, leveraging Ahmedabad’s batting-friendly pitch, which had an average first-innings score of 219 this season. RCB posted a competitive 190/9 in their 20 overs, with Virat Kohli anchoring the innings with a gritty 43 off 35 balls. Contributions from Phil Salt (quickfire start), Liam Livingstone (25), and Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10) provided momentum, while Romario Shepherd’s explosive finish bolstered the total. Punjab’s bowling attack, led by Kyle Jamieson and Arshdeep Singh (3 wickets each), kept RCB below the expected 200, exploiting slower deliveries on a pitch with 64–72-meter boundaries.

Chasing 191, Punjab Kings started strongly, with Josh Inglis smashing 39 off 23, including four sixes. However, RCB’s bowlers, spearheaded by Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, turned the tide. Pandya’s crucial dismissal of Inglis, caught by Livingstone, and Kumar’s tight spell (2/38) dismantled PBKS’s middle order. Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis fell in quick succession, leaving PBKS at 101/4 after 13 overs, needing 90 off 42 balls. Shashank Singh’s valiant unbeaten 61 off 30, including four sixes in the final over off Josh Hazlewood, brought PBKS close, but Hazlewood’s two dot balls to start the over sealed RCB’s victory, restricting PBKS to 184/9.

Krunal Pandya’s match-turning spell, praised by fans and analysts, earned him accolades for shifting momentum. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s disciplined bowling and Yash Dayal’s slower-ball dismissal of Azmatullah Omarzai were pivotal. For PBKS, Shreyas Iyer’s rare failure with the bat and the loss of key wickets in the middle overs proved costly, despite their strong chase in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians.

Kohli, visibly emotional, was seen in tears as RCB clinched the title. “This is as much for the fans as it is for the team. I’ve given my youth, my prime to RCB. My heart and soul are with Bangalore,” Kohli said post-match, dedicating the win to teammate AB de Villiers, who celebrated with him in Ahmedabad. De Villiers, a franchise legend, joined Kohli on the podium, symbolizing RCB’s redemption after losses in the 2009, 2011, and 2016 finals.

RCB’s journey to the 2025 title was marked by resilience, having secured their final spot with an 8-wicket demolition of PBKS in Qualifier 1. Under coach Andy Flower and captain Patidar, RCB peaked at the right time, overcoming a history of near-misses. Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer and coached by Ricky Ponting, reached their second final (first since 2014) but fell short despite a stellar season.

The Ahmedabad pitch, described by Murali Kartik as a “flat, high-scoring surface,” favored batters, but RCB’s bowlers adapted brilliantly, making 190 a defendable total—the lowest defended at the venue this season. Weather concerns, with a 61% chance of rain, did not disrupt the match, though humidity (58%) and dew aided the chase slightly.

The victory sparked jubilation across Karnataka, with fans in Hubballi cheering on LED screens, as reported by
@ians_india on X. Rishi Sunak, a long-time RCB supporter due to his wife’s Bangalore roots, celebrated in the stands, wearing an RCB jersey gifted by his in-laws. Social media buzzed with posts like @RCBTweets ’ “CHAMPIONS ⭐️ The IPL Trophy is finally coming home,” reflecting 18 years of fan loyalty. Canadian rapper Drake’s reported INR 6.41 crore bet on RCB added to the global hype.

This victory aligns with your interest in IPL dynamics (e.g., Krunal Pandya’s role, Punjab Kings’ ownership by Preity Zinta). RCB’s win, driven by players like Pandya (RCB, INR 5.75 crore) and Kohli, counters narratives of media bias you raised, showcasing India’s sporting prowess on a global stage. Unlike press freedom critiques by RSF, which you questioned, IPL coverage by outlets like Times of India and ESPNcricinfo remained positive, driving traffic with keywords like “RCB victory” and “IPL 2025 final.”

RCB’s 6-run triumph over PBKS in the IPL 2025 final on June 3, 2025, at Narendra Modi Stadium ended a long wait for glory, fulfilling the chant “Ee sala cup namde.” With standout performances from Pandya, Kumar, and Kohli’s emotional leadership, RCB’s victory is a landmark moment in IPL history, celebrated by fans and dignitaries alike. DeshGujarat