The low attendance of the fans during the opening Test of the two-match series against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was a concern for the BCCI. Many reckoned that the opening day was empty, perhaps due to Dusshera, but the numbers didn’t rise for the rest of the contest.

The former Indian opening batter, Aakash Chopra, pointed out that the Ahmedabad stadium didn’t get filled like the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur was filled for the unofficial ODI between India A and Australia A. Chopra suggested that the board should host more pink-ball games and use the smaller cities like Indore, Guwahati, and Ranchi.

See Also: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to retire from ODIs? Sunil Gavaskar drops bombshell statement ahead of Australia ODIs

“Take Test matches to smaller centers. If you don't want a tier system, that's fine, but if it is important, go to smaller centers. Play in Guwahati, Ranchi, or Indore, and the stadium will be full. Or play a pink-ball Test, as it will add some excitement because, in this form and shape, it is not about the love for the game.” Chopra expressed during a recent Instagram video.

Aakash Chopra suggests pink-ball Tests' increment for better crowd attendance in Tests

Aakash Chopra highlighted that because Ahmedabad always hosts high-profile games like the World Cup final or the IPL final, the fans were not interested in coming to the ground to see the West Indies, who are no longer a strong side in the longest format.

“People are coming to watch matches; they came to Kanpur for India A's match, they came to Delhi for a Ranji Trophy match, so they will come here too. But the chances of people coming to watch in Ahmedabad, no, there are multiple reasons. The gap between India and the West Indies is very big. Coming to watch the West Indies play seems like a laborious task. The other thing, look at the size of the stadium.” The former opener addressed.

“It has a capacity of 1,32,000. So, even if 10-15 thousand fans come, it still looks empty. Ahmedabad hosts so many big-ticket matches like the IPL final and the World Cup final, and whatnot. So, there isn't any appetite for a low-key contest like this.” Aakash Chopra concluded.

After a tough 2-2 series in England, India are back home to continue their ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign. Shubman Gill will lead a young Indian side in a two-Test series against the West Indies, starting in Ahmedabad on Thursday (October 2).

This series is a big chance for the team to settle and grow after the retirements of legends like Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and former captain Rohit Sharma. It’s also India’s first home series since the disappointing 3-0 loss to New Zealand last November. Gill and his players will now look to start fresh and build their own strong record at home, just like the teams before them.

Pitch Report – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

The red-soil pitch in Ahmedabad is expected to have a healthy green cover. The curator has left grass that will likely be trimmed to about 4–5mm before the toss. Fast bowlers should find help early on with seam movement and bounce from the new ball. As the game progresses, the surface may wear down, giving spinners more of a role.

ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin goes unsold in ILT20 auction despite $120,000 base price

India vs West Indies 1st Test – Match Details

How to Watch India vs West Indies 1st Test in India

After the end of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, the focus will shift to the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, which, according to the reports, is expected to be played between February 07 and March 08. The event will be co-hosted, as Pakistan will play all of its clashes in Sri Lanka due to the mutual agreement between the two countries on the political relationships.

The games will be played in at least five venues in India and two in Sri Lanka. The final is expected to be hosted by the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad unless Pakistan qualifies for the round. India and Pakistan are likely to meet each other in Colombo as the ICC is still trying to finalize the potential schedule for the competition.

See Also: [WATCH] 'Could have disrespected...'- Dhanashree Verma criticizes Yuzvendra Chahal on divorce case

India, which won the last edition under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will look to defend their title. It will also be the first ICC event in a decade that the Blue Brigade will play without Rohit and Virat Kohli, both of whom retired from the shortest format after the final in Barbados.

T20 World Cup 2026 likely to take place between February 07 and March 08

The format will be the same as the last edition in the West Indies and the USA, where 20 sides were divided into four groups of five each, with the top two from each group qualifying to the Super Eight stage, where once again the eight sides were divided into two groups of four. The two top sides from both groups will progress to the semis.

At present, 15 teams have already been confirmed for the event, including the two co-hosts, Pakistan, Australia, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, USA, West Indies, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, Netherlands, and Italy, who have made their first qualification for a World Cup.

India will feel the pressure with arrangements on the dates and venues for the upcoming Women’s Premier League. The BCCI has earmarked a window between early January and early February before they look to host the IPL, with the tentative window between March 15 and May 31. They will also host the Kiwis for ODIs and T20Is from January 11 to 31.

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.

Watch the video here

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)