Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year-long wait for an Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The historic win marks RCB’s first championship since the league’s inception in 2008.
Punjab, chasing a target of 191, made a solid start with Prabhsimran Singh (24) and Priyansh Arya (26) putting up 43 runs for the first wicket. But RCB bowlers struck back quickly, removing key batters at regular intervals. Despite a powerful late surge by Shashank Singh, who remained unbeaten on 61 off 30 balls, PBKS fell agonisingly short.
RCB’s bowling unit held firm under pressure. Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar led the charge, taking two wickets each, effectively choking PBKS in the crucial middle and final overs.
Earlier, Punjab Kings had opted to bowl first after winning the toss. RCB responded with a collective batting effort, reaching 190/8. Virat Kohli, playing in what could be one of his most meaningful games, scored 43 off 35 balls, anchoring the innings. Though he missed a half-century, his knock proved vital. PBKS bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson took three wickets apiece to restrict the damage.
The match’s emotional peak came at the final whistle. Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since its beginning, collapsed to his knees, visibly emotional as tears filled his eyes. This victory marked the end of a long and often heartbreaking journey for one of the IPL’s most iconic players.
Kohli later took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message, thanking his teammates, coaches, support staff, and fans for standing by him over the years.
“This trophy has taken everything,” he wrote,
“but it has given me more than I ever imagined.”
The win not only brings relief to RCB fans but also seals a legacy moment for Kohli, whose wait for IPL silverware has now ended in the most dramatic fashion.
