It has been almost a week since IPL 2025 wrapped up with a new champion in Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The Rajat Patidar-led side won the final and lifted their maiden IPL trophy by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by only 6 runs.

Kings batter Nehal Wadhera can't forget the night; even today he blames himself for the loss PBKS suffered. In a fresh conversation, the middle-order batter expressed the emotions he is containing in his heart from that night when PBKS lost by only 6 runs.

Batting first, Royal Challengers Bengaluru scored 190 on the scoreboard thanks to Virat Kohli's forty-plus runs and some cameos in the middle order. PBKS started the innings well with Priyansh Arya, but soon a stunning catch near the boundary rope by Phil Salt tilted the momentum of the high-octane match. And it was not Virat or Rajat Patidar; it was Krunal Pandya's tight bowling that couldn't allow Punjab batters to score runs in a quick manner.

Read More: Rohit Sharma to miss 2027 World Cup? Captaincy twist sparks speculation

That night was for RCB

Nehal, who is known for his hard hitting, could not push the paddles at the right time to speed up the run rate. The southpaw scored just 15 (18) with a lone six. Supporters of PBKS criticized the batters, including Wadhera, for batting with a relatively slow run rate. Only Shashank Singh's brilliant innings of 61 (30) kept the relevance in the battle. But that was not enough to chase 190.

Blaming himself, Nehal Wadhera said, "I totally blame myself for the IPL 2025 Final. If I had played better, we could've won the IPL. Earlier in the tournament, when I had to accelerate, I did it, and it paid off except for the last game."

Apart from the final match, Wadhera had a decent run in IPL 2025, scoring 369 runs in 16 innings. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their 18-year wait and won their first-ever IPL trophy, while the historic RCB victory broke viewership records in IPL history. The IPL 2025 final between RCB and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) captured the imagination of cricket fans across the country, and viewership reached all-time highs. Since 2008, Virat Kohli has represented the franchise, and he was instrumental in creating the higher emotional value and engagement of the match, which benefited audiences throughout.

The grand final began with a considerable digital viewership of 4.3 crore, but this was just the start; viewership exploded from there. The explosive start by Phil Salt and his dismissal shortly thereafter by Shreyas Iyer had viewer numbers climb. By the 11th over, more than 11 crore viewers were switched on, and with Kohli's exhilarating dismissal for a mark of 43 runs, the viewership peaked at 26.5 crore. Jitesh Sharma's counterattack during the innings saw viewer numbers climb above the 30 crore mark, and when RCB crumbled during the last few overs of PBKS', viewership escalated to 34.7 crore by the end of the innings. By the time RCB posted a total of 190 runs, digital viewership measures were already above 35 crore.

Punjab Kings began their chase with intent but were brought back to earth with Krunal Pandya's early breakthrough of Prabhsimran Singh, which had everyone on the field and , especially in front of the tele, electrified. Moments following the wicket, viewership suddenly spiked to 50 crore with RCB fans chanting slogans from the stands inside Narendra Modi Stadium. As the game progressed into its climax, the viewing audience spiked further, reaching 55 crore by the end of the 14th over. Following the win, the total viewership reached a whopping 67.8 crore.

Digital and Television Viewership Break New Ground

While IPL 2025 will forever live on in history for RCB's victory, it will also be memorable for new benchmarks in how cricket is consumed digitally. On its opening weekend, there were an incredible 4,956 crore minutes of cumulative watch time. The first three matches were able to accrue 137 crore views and increase connected TV (CTV) usage by 54% and peak concurrent viewership to 3.4 crore. Year over year, digital viewing grew by 40%, demonstrating the growth of IPL's OTT audience is sharper than any other platform.

Also Read: Virat Kohli gets heartfelt congratulations from English footballer after RCB's IPL victory

Traditional television audiences followed suit. According to the BARC, IPL matches were viewed by over 25.3 crore people in the opening weekend alone, accruing a total watch time of 2,770 crore minutes - a 22% increase from IPL 2024. On the world stage, the IPL final's digital reach exceeded that of many of cricket's biggest occasions, including the India vs. Pakistan ICC Championship match that attracted 60 crore digital views and the Champions Trophy Final, which saw 6.1 crore simultaneous viewers. The IPL 2025 finale now stands as the biggest live sports event in Indian streaming history.

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.

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) came to a thrilling close as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their title drought, lifting their maiden IPL trophy in a gripping final against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The match epitomized the IPL tournament in the best way possible, which had plenty of nail-biting moments throughout the matches, high-scoring games, amazing comebacks, and the rise of new cricketing talent. RCB’s triumph marked the culmination of years of near misses, with their balanced squad and clutch performances guiding them to glory.

IPL 2025 was more than just about the final—it was a season that showcased some of the most consistent and explosive individual performances in the league’s history. Young talents like B. Sai Sudharsan are proving to be incredible assets, and seasoned players like Suryakumar Yadav and Prasidh Krishna are demonstrating their class. From breathtaking knocks to game-changing bowling spells, this season delivered on every front, making it one of the most entertaining editions to date.

IPL 2025 Full Awards List

• Champions: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• Runners-Up: Punjab Kings
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians) – 320.5 points
• Orange Cap (Most Runs): B Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) – 759 runs
• Purple Cap (Most Wickets): Prasidh Krishna (Gujarat Titans) – 25 wickets
• Emerging Player of the Season: B Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans)
• Super Striker of the Season: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) – Strike Rate: 207
• Most Sixes: Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants) – 40 sixes
• Most Fours: B Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) – 88 fours
• Most Dot Balls Bowled: Mohammed Siraj (Gujarat Titans) – 151 dot balls
• Best Catch of the Season: Kamindu Mendis (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – Against CSK to dismiss Dewald Brevis
• Fair Play Award: Chennai Super Kings
• Best Pitch and Ground: Delhi District Cricket Association (Arun Jaitley Stadium)
• Most Fantasy Points: B Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) – 1495 points

Also Read: IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS Post Match Reactions

The IPL 2025 awards showcased the unusual and unique nature of IPL as newcomers came into the limelight and left an impeccable mark. The individual and team achievements, such as B Sai Sudharsan topping everything with the bat and on fantasy points leaderboards and RCB rewriting their own history, were a testament to the raw talent, rich strategy, and iron will. As franchises regroup and fans relive the highlights, IPL 2025 stands tall as a benchmark for competitiveness and entertainment in the world of T20 cricket.

Finally, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their long wait for a trophy, as they lifted the IPL 2025 trophy after beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Final by six runs in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night (June 3).

After Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer chose to field first, RCB scored 190/9 in 20 overs. In reply, Punjab Kings managed to score 184/7 in 20 overs, while they required 29 runs in the last over. Despite hitting three sixes and one four in the final four balls of the match, as Shashank Singh scored a fighting 61 not out off 30 balls with three fours and six sixes, it wasn’t enough for the Punjab franchise. 

For RCB, opener Virat Kohli scored 43 off 35 balls, while the team also had four useful 20s. 

Among the Punjab Kings bowlers, Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) picked up three wickets each. Meanwhile, the Player of the Match Krunal Pandya had the bowling figures of 4-0-17-2, and he was one among the two RCB bowlers with two wickets in the second innings, along with the pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38).

Here, we have brought the top 3 moments that changed the IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS

WATCH: RCB finally lift IPL Trophy after 18-year wait – Iconic Moment!

Virat Kohli's innings, which Punjab Kings missed

Although Virat Kohli may face criticism for his slow knock by scoring 43 off 35 balls with three fours, his presence allowed the other batters to play comfortably, and most importantly, rotating the strike continued in the crucial middle overs. His presence didn’t allow many dot balls for RCB in the middle overs (7th to 15th overs), as RCB played only nine dot balls during the period, while PBKS played 20 dot balls (excluding leg byes). Meanwhile, Kohli played only three dot balls in the match, including two dot balls in the middle overs (excluding his dismissal). Although RCB were losing wickets in their possible dominant moments, Kohli’s presence assured the balance in the innings to drive the team to a challenging total.

Krunal Pandya: Andy Flower’s special name proved once again

Krunal Pandya was the hero for RCB in the first game of the season when they beat the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata. It was just a glimpse of his incredible IPL 2025 story, as the head coach Andy Flower was desperate to secure him for RCB in the IPL 2025 auction after previously working with him for the Lucknow Super Giants.

In the IPL 2025 final, Krunal delivered the best bowling figures of the match, 4-0-17-2, along with the most dot balls (12 dot balls). The left-arm spinner superbly controlled Punjab Kings’ middle overs while he took two important wickets of the set batters Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Josh Inglis (39). Krunal finished the season with 17 wickets, the joint second-most wickets for RCB in the IPL 2025, along with the best economy rate (at least bowled in two innings) for his team this season (8.23). 

Early dismissal of captain Shreyas Iyer  

Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer played many inspiring innings for his franchise in the IPL 2025. The leading run-scorer of the team this season was crucial for the Final as PBKS were expecting another strong batting performance from him. Coming to bat at no.4 in the ninth over after the dismissal of the set opener Prabhsimran Singh, PBKS skipper Iyer scored only one run as he was caught behind playing a lazy cut while facing the second delivery of the innings. That dismissal cost the team hugely, as they failed to rotate the strike properly. 

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.

The moment has finally arrived for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB); they are the champions of IPL 2025. RCB, with a dominating performance, defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) and claimed their first-ever IPL title. Emotions are flowing in the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli covered his face; his eyes went numb. Tears of happiness. After a long, long spell of drought, the franchise with a dedicated fan base fulfilled the dream, a night to remember for fans of Virat Kohli and for the fans of RCB.

Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, pushed themselves to perform their level best, but it is the moment for Virat and RCB. Virat himself probably couldn't believe what was going to happen; he probably couldn't believe his eyes when the scoreboard displayed the final verdict of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, champion of the tournament after making their fourth appearance in the final.

Read More: WATCH: Phil Salt acrobatic catch against PBKS in IPL 2025 Final

An iconic night for the icon

Before tonight, RCB played three finales but never succeeded; this time they did it. The cosmic connection of 18 RCB fans were talking about proved to be on point. Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, the former RCB players, are presented on the ground after the neck-to-neck contest and hug Virat Kohli, the cornerstone of the team, the solitary person who has been with the franchise during all ups and downs; he deserves it, cricket fans are saying. 

THIS MOMENT. 🥹❤️

- CHRIS GAYLE HUGGING VIRAT KOHLI. pic.twitter.com/MhZ9mPcnjS

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 3, 2025

Anushka Sharma is there for the perfect frame also with the teammates and staff of the entire RCB family. Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings by 7 runs after making 190 in the first innings. One of the most memorable IPL finals to ever happen in the history of the tournament. 

VIRAT KOHLI AND AB DE VILLIERS CELEBRATING THE IPL WIN. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/7NBBYkGfb6

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 3, 2025