The Indian Premier League 2025 came to a thrilling end as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) clinched their maiden IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the grand final. In a high-intensity match held under the lights, Rajat Patidar, the newly appointed RCB captain, led from the front as he received the coveted IPL trophy from ICC chief Jay Shah. Patidar was joined on stage by his jubilant teammates, including the ever-loyal Virat Kohli, in what became an emotional and historic moment for RCB fans around the world. After years of heartbreak, near misses, and unfulfilled potential, this victory marked the culmination of dreams for Kohli and the passionate Bangalore fanbase.

The final was a tactical battle where RCB posted a competitive score of 190 on a slightly sluggish pitch. Patidar emphasized how the team believed in their chances post-Qualifier and praised his bowling unit for executing plans to perfection. Krunal Pandya played a pivotal role with the ball, picking up crucial wickets by using clever variations in pace. His performance earned him the Player of the Match award, and he attributed his success to reading the pitch well and having the courage to bowl slower deliveries under pressure.

Rajat Patidar, in his post-match statement, described the win as incredibly special for him, Kohli, and the loyal fans who had supported RCB for years. He acknowledged the team's efforts throughout the season, highlighting key performances from Krunal, Suyash, and Romario Shepherd. Shepherd's wicket during the final proved to be a game-changing moment. Patidar also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to lead a team with someone like Virat Kohli in the ranks, calling it a learning experience and noting that Kohli deserves this triumph more than anyone.

On the other side, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer expressed disappointment but was proud of how his team rose to the occasion. He credited the management and players, particularly the younger ones, for their fearlessness and performance in what was their debut season. Despite not clinching the trophy, Iyer believes the team gained valuable experience and will come back stronger next year. He admitted that the turning point of the game was Krunal Pandya's spell, which applied pressure during critical overs and disrupted their batting rhythm.

The post-match ceremony also saw several individual accolades being distributed. B Sai Sudharsan emerged as the Orange Cap winner, amassing 759 runs over the season, and also claimed the award for most fours with 88. Prasidh Krishna bagged the Purple Cap for his 25 wickets. Nicholas Pooran, despite not being present, was awarded for hitting the most sixes—40 in total—while Kamindu Mendis won the Catch of the Season award for a sensational grab to dismiss Dewald Brevis.

Among the most heartwarming moments of the night was Kohli’s emotional speech. He reflected on his journey with RCB, calling it a mix of youth, prime, and experience dedicated to one franchise. Kohli acknowledged that while there were times he could have considered other options, he remained committed to Bangalore and their dream of lifting the trophy. He mentioned AB de Villiers, crediting him as an integral part of the team’s journey, and emotionally declared that this win was as much AB’s as it was the team’s. “My heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore,” he stated, as he finally saw years of dedication pay off.

Phil Salt, another integral figure in RCB's campaign, was overcome with emotion and humorously mentioned he hadn’t slept in days, attributing the team’s success partly to his new fatherhood, calling his child a lucky charm. He acknowledged the immense support from fans and the impact of legends like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle being present for the final.

Veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood summed up the collective sentiment of the squad by saying that this experience was second to none and justified his decision to return this season. The final may have been won on the field, but it was years in the making, with emotions, loyalty, and resilience at its core.

With this monumental win, RCB finally shed the ‘underdogs’ and ‘chokers’ tag that had haunted them since the inception of the IPL. As the celebrations unfold and players reflect on their season, fans are left with the sweet satisfaction that persistence and passion have finally been rewarded. IPL 2025 concluded with a sense of closure for millions who have waited nearly two decades for this moment. The tournament will return next year, but this edition will be remembered as the one where dreams finally came true for Royal Challengers Bangalore.