Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stars went wild celebrating their historic win in the Indian Premier League (IPL), igniting social media posts. The players all returned from Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, led by skipper Rajat Patidar and backed by icon Virat Kohli, to their hotel in very high spirits. Video footage of the arriving players showed them dancing to everyone's excitement, with Kohli, Krunal Pandya, Patidar, and the vice-captain Jitesh Sharma joining the festivities.

Though Kohli kept his dance moves minimal, it was Patidar who stole the show in the lively dancing, appearing to fully enjoy their historic win. RCB won the IPL title for the first time in franchise history with a thrilling six-wicket win over the Punjab Kings (PBKS), and after an 18-year wait, Kohli finally captured his first IPL title. After a competent performance from the spinners and standout death bowling, RCB wrapped it up despite a battling performance from Shashank Singh, who was unbeaten on 61.

In an emotional post-match interview, Kohli dedicated the win to RCB's loyal fanbase and reflected on his long journey. “It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, prime, and experience. Every season I tried to win it and gave it my all. To finally have it—it’s an unbelievable feeling,” he said, visibly moved.

Tribute to AB de Villiers

Kohli paid a heartfelt tribute to his ex-teammate AB de Villiers and the huge impact he made on the franchise. “What ABD has done for the franchise is incredible. I told him, ‘this win is as much yours as it is ours.’ Even in retirement, he still remains one of the most effective players in our history,” Kohli said.

Watch the video here

Entry but make it BOLD. ❤️‍🔥 pic.twitter.com/JihkcQCJXO

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 4, 2025

Also Read: WATCH: RCB skipper Rajat Patidar speaking 'Ee Sala Cup Namdu' after winning their Maiden IPL title

De Villiers is still RCB’s second-highest run-scorer with 4,522 runs in 157 matches, averaging 41.10 and a strike rate of 158.33. He has scored 2 hundreds and 37 fifties, and his legacy lives on and continues to inspire the team and fans.

After 18 seasons of heartbreak, suspense, and unrelenting faith, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at last captured their very first IPL trophy. In a high-voltage final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB overcame Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs to earn their place in the league's history books. The much-awaited victory placed RCB supporters in a tizzy as the iconic chant "Ee Sala Cup Namdu"—essentially "This year, the cup is ours"—echoed through stands and social media.

The road to this achievement was laid out with close calls and emotional reverses. RCB has had strong teams and mythic players over the years, but that elusive title always seemed to elude them—until now. Tuesday night’s victory was not just about the win; it was about validation, redemption, and fulfilling the dreams of a loyal fanbase that never stopped believing. It marked the ultimate reward for a franchise that has carried the weight of expectations for nearly two decades.

In the final, PBKS won the toss and chose to bowl, which on paper looked like a smart decision as they held RCB to 190 for 9. Virat Kohli scored the top score with a well-timed 43 off 35 balls, and Rajat Patidar added a rapid 26. In spite of a late burst of wickets—that included three off Arshdeep Singh in the last over—RCB managed to put up a fighting total. In response, Punjab Kings battled valiantly but collapsed under pressure, scoring just 184/7 as RCB's bowlers showed nerves of steel.

RCB's Bowlers Hold Firm in Final Moments

Krunal Pandya was RCB's ball hero, posting a masterful spell of 2 for 17 from his four overs and snuffing out PBKS's middle-order pace. His mastery and variations in the middle overs proved to be crucial in mounting pressure, enabling RCB's pacers to finish the game in the death.

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Moments he will never forget 🏆
Moments they will never forget 🤩

🎥 Virat Kohli 🤝 The #RCB faithful ❤#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/ObyJxRI0C0

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025 Awards: MVP, Best Bowler, Best Catch & More

For PBKS, the chase was missing a conclusive finisher in the face of a good beginning. Though Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson impressed with the ball, it was not sufficient to counter RCB's defensive solidity. As Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar held the trophy aloft, the "Ee Sala Cup Namdu" slogans did not just echo as an overused slogan but also as a declaration of satisfaction for millions of fans all over the world.

In a pulsating IPL 2025 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged past Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs to clinch their maiden IPL title. The match was a rollercoaster, filled with emotional highs and moments of brilliance from both sides. Here's how the players and coaches reacted to the unforgettable night:

Rajat Patidar (RCB Captain)

“This is really special — for me, for Virat, and for all the RCB fans. They’ve stood by us through thick and thin. 190 was a strong total on this pitch, and our bowlers executed beautifully.

I have immense faith in Krunal — he's my go-to man under pressure. The pacers — Bhuvi, Hazlewood, Dayal, and Romario — all stepped up when it mattered most.

Leading RCB with Kohli playing under me is a dream. He deserves this more than anyone. This win is for him and every RCB fan.

One line for the fans — EE SALA CUP NAMDU!”

Shreyas Iyer (PBKS Captain)

“We are dejected, yes — but proud. We restricted RCB to 190, which was below par in our eyes. Our bowlers tried hard, especially Krunal. But hats off to RCB; they held their nerves.

I'm very proud of our youngsters. This experience will serve them well. The goal now is to come back stronger and lift the trophy next year.

We’ve built a core here — one full of heart, hunger, and belief. This campaign has shown that we can compete with the best, and I truly believe this is just the beginning of a new era for PBKS.

The support from the owners, coaches, and fans has been phenomenal. They believed in us even when we were written off, and that belief carried us through tight matches all season.

There are plenty of positives — our fearlessness, the emergence of young talent, and our ability to handle pressure. This final was painful, but it’s also fuel. We’re coming back hungrier, stronger, and with unfinished business.”

Virat Kohli

“18 long years. I’ve given my everything to this team — my youth, my prime. I dreamt of this day, and finally, it’s here.

AB de Villiers deserves this too. He’s been an integral part of this journey.

This is one of the biggest moments of my life. I stayed loyal to this team, and I’ll retire with this badge. Tonight, I’ll sleep like a baby.”

Krunal Pandya (Player of the Final)

“I observed from the dugout that bowling slower was the key. You need guts in this format — I just backed myself to vary pace and stay brave.

I told Hardik, there’ll be nine trophies in the Pandya household — now it’s true! Manifested this on day one with RCB.”

Josh Hazlewood

“Winning this with RCB means everything. We've fought for this for years. You only improve in pressure situations like these — and we did.”

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

“We knew 180 was defendable on this pitch, and getting 190 was a bonus. Everyone executed slower balls perfectly — Krunal’s spell turned the match.”

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Punjab Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

Dinesh Karthik (Mentor, RCB)

“This title belongs to every RCB fan, player, and staff member. Kohli, ABD, and Gayle — they laid the foundation. Andy Flower’s vision and planning were spot-on.”

Andy Flower (RCB Head Coach)

[Received the Winners’ Trophy on behalf of RCB]
“This is a reward for discipline, belief, and vision. The boys delivered when it mattered most.”

Shashank Singh (PBKS)

*Played a valiant knock of 61 off 30.*
“We came so close. It hurts to fall short, but I'm proud of the fight. We’ll take this experience and return stronger.”

Phil Salt

“This is unreal. So proud of the boys. Becoming a father this season brought us luck. Thanks to the amazing fanbase.”

Jitesh Sharma

“I’m so happy for Virat bhai. 18 years of effort finally paid off. You do something extraordinary for others — magic happens.”

Mayank Agarwal

“Life is unpredictable. Stick with it, keep grinding — and you’ll get your moment. RCB’s journey is proof.”

In an exciting IPL 2025 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on June 1, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) narrowly defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs to deny PBKS their maiden IPL title after years of disappointment.

RCB managed to set a competitive score of 190/9, with Virat Kohli turning in the best performance for RCB with 43 off 35, followed by Rajat Patidar (26 off 16) and Liam Livingstone (25 off 15). PBKS picked up wickets with bowlers Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) while conceding runs at crucial times, although Vyshak Vijay Kumar bowled tightly for 1/30.

In pursuit of 191 runs, PBKS put up a fight, finishing on 184/7. Shashank Singh’s 61 off 30 balls at the end gave PBKS hope with contributions from Josh Inglis (39) and Prabhsimran Singh (26). RCB bowlers kept their composure with Krunal Pandya's great economical bowling (2/17), Bhuvneshwar Kumar's (2/38), and Yash Dayal’s (1/18 in 3 overs) fast and tight death bowling. Dayal’s penultimate over changed the course of the match and ultimately led RCB to lift the IPL trophy with all-round performances, which gave the lossless team a historic journey and fulfilled their long-waiting fan base’s dreams. Here are the key reasons that PBKS lost to RCB.

1. Lack of Support for Shashank Singh’s Heroics

From 61*, Shashank Singh scored a brilliant knock off in only 30 balls, but there was no support from the rest of the PBKS batting order. Josh Inglis (39) and Prabhsimran Singh (26) had starts, but the middle and death order lacked the finishing ability. Key elements of the collapse were the lack of stable partnerships and the failure to rotate the strike for long periods, which affected PBKS's reply, forcing pressure on them, and ultimately they fell 6 runs short of an achievable chase.

Also Read: WATCH: RCB skipper Rajat Patidar speaking 'Ee Sala Cup Namdu' after winning their Maiden IPL title

2. Costly Bowling by Key Pacers

While taking wickets, pace bowlers Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) were expensive at key times for PBKS. Their inability to slow the opposition down led to PBKS conceding a very respectable 190, particularly at the end of the innings (38 runs off the last 2 overs). A failure to bowl tidy death overs undid their hard work during the earlier periods of their innings and led to RCB attacking freely.

3. No Major Wickets at the Right Time

PBKS failed to get key partnerships when necessary. Virat Kohli's 43 helped to build the foundation for RCB's inning, and PBKS did not provide him early, resulting in a steady contribution from both Patidar and Livingstone, which allowed RCB to control the run rate. In the middle overs, Punjab lacked penetration with the ball, and in a tight final like this, they would regret that.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) broke their 18-year title drought in 2025 when they won their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL), defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final by a margin of six runs. The match, held on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, ushered in a new chapter in RCB's history. Amid the wild celebrations, one moment stood out—RCB skipper Rajat Patidar passionately declaring, “Ee Sala Cup Namdu,” a phrase that has long echoed through the hearts of RCB fans.

In a lot of ways, the iconic Kannada slogan, which translates to "This time, the cup is ours," has been both a blessing and a curse for RCB fans over the years. After witnessing so many near misses, Patidar shouting out "Ee Sala Cup Namdu" in elation following the final win re-awakened a river of emotions from the fans. The phrase, which was once out of reach of the fans, was now validated. For the first time, it was no longer just a battle cry but reality. 

Rajat Patidar, who led the team with a cool head and vision all season long, was excellent in the final as captain and with the bat. Indeed, leadership - along with strong senior executive performances from Virat Kohli and others - enabled RCB to manufacture 190 runs in the first innings and successfully defend that total. When Patidar shouted the famous phrase on live television, it was a sequence of emotions for a fanbase that had waited nearly twenty years for the magical moment when they could be champions. 

Watch the video here

Ee sala cup namdu🔥.... The Rajaaaat king🔥 pic.twitter.com/fcWlgCSIUN

— 🦅STEYN🧡 (@SrhSteyn) June 3, 2025

Also Read: [WATCH] RCB vs PBKS: Virat Kohli signs the camera after winning IPL 2025 Final

A New Era Begins for RCB

With a thrust of that emphatic declaration, Patidar not only celebrated a victory; he made a 10-year dream into a celebratory proclamation of confidence. A slogan that represented unfulfilled promise is now a new era for RCB. Within minutes after the confused firework display in Ahmedabad, fans across the globe finally heard the words they were consistently hoping to hear—"Ee Sala Cup Namdu" is no longer a dream, but it is history.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their long-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating the Punjab Kings in a nail-biting IPL 2025 final. RCB finally overcame an 18-year odyssey, and their emotions were raw as they soaked in what became a historic moment on the field at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. At the heart of this triumph was Virat Kohli, who has stood by the franchise since its inception. As celebrations erupted, Kohli marked the iconic moment in a way only he could—by signing the broadcast camera lens.

The act generated a storm on social media, with fans globally taking a snapshot of Kohli's signature in the air, indicating not only a victory but also a milestone that carried both personal and emotional significance. The camera-signing has often been intended to signify individual brilliance during player celebrations, but in this moment it meant team success, a journey of resilience, and Kohli's steadfast loyalty to the RCB badge.

Kohli's signature was more than pen on paper. It was a message to fans who had waited nearly 18 years, to teammates, past and present, and to himself, for never giving up. This followed one emotional hug with AB de Villiers and moments before RCB was ready to lift their trophy for the first time. 

Watch the video here

VIRAT KOHLI SIGNING ON CAMERA AFTER THE WIN 🥶 pic.twitter.com/4GGdICslfw

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 3, 2025

Also Read: WATCH: AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli celebrate together after winning IPL 2025 trophy

A Mark of Legacy

To the world, Virat Kohli’s signing of the camera was merely an emotional celebration; but to Kohli, it was closure and purpose. For a player who has bled for the franchise year after year, for him, this small act captured the weight of the moment. While Ahmedabad was showered with fireworks, Kohli’s signing would be playing on millions of screens, a signature on RCB's historic night in IPL history.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a historic 6-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling IPL 2025 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. With this win, RCB lifted their maiden IPL trophy, ending an 18-year wait for championship glory.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings

RCB put up a formidable score of 190 for 9 off their 20 overs, highlighted by a composed innings from Virat Kohli, who scored 43 off 35 balls under pressure. In the middle overs, Rajat Patidar (26 off 16) and Liam Livingstone (25 off 15) recorded cameos in RCB's innings, which kept the scoreboard ticking. As was the case through the innings, Punjab Kings' bowlers settled on the pitch with frequent breakthroughs, the best of the bowlers being Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48). Despite never being in absolute control, RCB's batters managed to find the boundary with some regularity, finishing the innings at 190, just short of the 200 mark.

Punjab Kings Innings

Chasing 191 for championship glory, PBKS were off to a rocky start but were brought back into contention through Shashank Singh's sensational 61* off 30 balls. Josh Inglis then settled in to score 39 off 23 deliveries, and Prabhsimran Singh added 26 from 22 balls, but RCB's disciplined approach made scoring quite hard, with Krunal Pandya (2/17) and Vyshak Vijay Kumar (1/30) doing significant damage at vital times. A late flourish by PBKS had Punjab Kings finishing their innings at 184 for 7, agonisingly falling just six runs short of the target.

Also Read: WATCH: AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli celebrate together after winning IPL 2025 trophy

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings: Match Scorecard

Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 190/9 (20 Overs)

Punjab Kings – 184/7 (20 Overs)

The highly anticipated IPL 2025 Final between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium got under way with a rousing and emotional tribute to the Indian Armed Forces. The ceremonious opening ceremony, brimming with emotion and patriotism, started on a somber yet resounding note ahead of the high-voltage cricketing action.

Renowned singer and composer Shankar Mahadevan was the lead performer for the tribute and wowed the immense audience with a host of patriotic songs. His memorable performance captured the hearts of fans around the world when the audience spontaneously applauded on their feet, and you could feel the people feeling reverence and unity in the stands. And then, to make the musical tribute even more special, Mahadevan was joined by his two sons, Siddharth and Shivam Mahadevan, in a generational performance in honor of our nation’s selfless defenders.

Adding to the poignancy, veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle Harsha Bhogle addressed the audience in his wonderful and emotional style. Bhogle spoke about the Armed Forces and their obligations of selfless service, sacrifice, and a lifetime of steadfast resolve to our warriors. Whereas Bhogle talked, there was a pre-recorded emotional montage that had run of the Indian Army and their sacrifice and dedication to India had covered the big screen; it was a surreal visual for most in the crowd, and you could see the crowd collectively moved.

A Night to Remember

The powerful tribute reached a climax as the Indian tricolor was unfurled to chants of “Jai Hind,” marked by a dazzling choreographed performance by a troupe of dancers attired in theme costumes. Their elegant yet high-spirited movements captured the essence of oneness and sacrifice, hailing the true heroes who stand sentinel over the country's sovereignty.

Watch the video here

Lighting up the #Final with an enthusiastic Tribute Ceremony 🇮🇳#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile pic.twitter.com/b0WptvNnIO

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

Also Read: England stars arrive on cycles – Real reason will surprise you!

When the tribute was complete, the celebration ascended to a higher level with exciting performances of Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Disha Patani, Varun Dhawan and Shreya Ghoshal, Karan Aujla, and others. Their electric performances lit the stadium aglow, all the while presenting glamour and gratitude and remembering this moment of the IPL and the ability to present Bollywood, sport, and acknowledgments of our armed forces in the same night in the same spectacular moment.

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has revealed his heartfelt support for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they prepare to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As a result of his marriage into a Bangalore family, Sunak's affection for RCB has always been personal. His memories of the team, the fandom, and the family ties have been crafted over the years of his devotion towards the team.

Sunak emphasized that he proposed to his wife, Akshata Murty, in her native Kannada while jokingly saying he did not know how to speak it properly. His mother-in-law also got him an RCB jersey on the wedding day, which to Sunak was an indication of him being an RCB fan. It was after that he started supporting RCB and, to date, claims to watch them play live during his stint as Prime Minister of England.

Sunak claims RCB wins for him owing to the fact that he is their diehard fan and therefore became the UK Premier, and after they become UK Prime Minister fans on the downning st. Apart from that, Sunak said that his most favorite RCB player is Virat Kohli, a total legend whom he fervently supports the most. As exciting as it is, he does possess a signed bat by Kohli, which was a gift from S. Jaishankar. Beyond Kohli, he has high hopes for RCB’s English stars, Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone, urging the team to bring home their first IPL title.

Rishi Sunak on IPL’s Global Impact and Cricket Diplomacy

Sunak also lauded the IPL for transforming cricket globally. Sunak noted how the league has developed into a dream platform for players from all corners of the globe, contributing to a growth in benefiting English cricketers like Jacob Bethell. He also commended the Women's Premier League (WPL) for giving young girls the opportunity for the sport and for taking India's cultural reach across the globe.

Also Read: 3 things RCB need to do right to beat PBKS in IPL 2025 final ft. Virat Kohli

In a humorous interlude, Sunak noted how cricket has traditionally acted as a diplomatic bridge, noting the friendly banter with Australian PM Anthony Albanese during this past Ashes series. Sunak noted how cricket often sets a more friendly tone in talks with Indian PM Narendra Modi prior to discussing issues of significance. With the IPL final approaching, Sunak’s fervent support amplifies excitement and is inscribed with inspiration for RCB, who attempt to secure their first title.

The IPL 2025 final is set for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs. Punjab Kings (PBKS), and the weather in Ahmedabad has been troublesome. The match is to take place on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium at 7:30 PM IST, but there are likely going to be delays due to the light rain that has been pouring over the venue. Live pictures from the stadium show light showers.

Fan and officials' concerns are justified, as at 4:30 PM IST a light drizzle was reported in the city. Conditions were expected to improve by the evening, so the weather forecast the chance of rain during the afternoon to be 61%, but with showers continuing, the possibility of a delayed toss or a shortened game is increasing. Ground staff in the stadium have their guards up, and the covers are already on.

To counter the threat of delays caused by rain, the Board of Control for cricket in India (BCCI) has set certain arrangements. A buffer of 120 minutes has been set to ensure that if there are interruptions, the match can still be completed. If the final match can’t be completed today because of constant rain, a reserve day has been set for June 4.

What Happens If Rain Washes Out the IPL 2025 Final?

If the match can't be played today and the rain continues to fall on the reserve day, Punjab Kings will be declared the IPL 2025 champions. PBKS finished higher on the league-stage points table than RCB, so in the event of no result, the title would go to PBKS. What a heartbreaking finish that would be for RCB, who also crush for their first-ever IPL title as well.  

Also Read: 3 things RCB need to do right to beat PBKS in IPL 2025 final ft. Virat Kohli

Fans around the nation are glued to the latest weather updates, hoping the rain stops before the final. The BCCI and IPL broadcasters are closely watching the situation and will update as to any potential changes to the schedule if required.