Ahmedabad, June 3, 2025 — The night will go down as a golden chapter in cricket history. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended an 18-year-long title drought, edging past Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a dramatic IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
What followed wasn’t just a celebration — it was an emotional outpouring. As the final ball sealed RCB’s victory, Virat Kohli, the face and soul of the franchise, was seen hiding his face before the cameras caught him in tears. For fans across the world, it was a moment they had imagined for years — and one that delivered more than just a trophy.
A Final That Nearly Slipped Away
Batting first, RCB posted a modest 190 for 9. Kohli played a crucial anchor role with a composed 40 off 35 balls, while Punjab’s Kyle Jamieson and Arshdeep Singh kept the Bengaluru batters in check with three wickets apiece.
In reply, PBKS looked strong, especially with Shashank Singh launching a late onslaught. With 29 needed off the final over, tension gripped the stadium. But after two dot balls to start the last over, the pressure mounted. Despite Shashank’s heroic unbeaten 61 off 30, Punjab fell agonisingly short.
Virat Kohli: The Tears Behind the Triumph
Kohli’s emotional reaction post-match said it all. The man who gave RCB his youth, loyalty, and relentless commitment, finally had his moment.
“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,” said the 36-year-old in a heartfelt post-match interview. “It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, my prime. I gave it everything. There were moments I doubted it would ever happen… but here we are.”
Kohli also paid tribute to former teammate AB de Villiers, saying:
“Told him before the game — this one’s as much his. What he did for this franchise… he deserves to be on that podium with us.”
A Win for the Loyalists
RCB’s campaign wasn’t about dominance — it was about belief, grit, and holding nerve at key moments. From the roaring crowds at Chinnaswamy to die-hard fans across the globe, the victory was a collective release of emotion and joy. “Ee Sala Cup Namde,” once a punchline, finally became prophecy.
As fireworks lit up the Ahmedabad sky and Kohli raised the trophy with trembling hands, one thing became clear — this wasn’t just about a title. It was about validation, closure, and an enduring bond between a team and its fans.
