Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made history by lifting their maiden IPL trophy. They beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final match of IPL 2025 in Ahmedabad by 6 runs. Virat Kohli, who has been the franchise right from the first season, looked very emotional as the victory was almost certain in the last over.
An elated Virat Kohli said, “This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience. Tried to win it every season, gave it everything I can. Never thought this day would come, was overcome with emotion after we won.”
When asked how he rates this win considering he had also been a part of India’s winning ODI and T-20 world cup teams, Virat said, “This win is right up there, I've stayed loyal to this team. I had moments otherwise, but I stayed with them and them with me. My heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. This is a high-intensity tournament, I want to win the big tournaments and moments. Tonight, I'll sleep like a baby.”
Virat has already retired from T-20 and Test Cricket. He said, “Well, I have an opportunity to play this game for not many years. So there is an end date to our career, as you know. And by the time that I hang up my boots, I want to sit at home and say I gave it everything I had. So I look for ways to improve. I can't play as an impact player, I want to feel 20 overs and make an impact in the field. That's the kind of player I have been. And God's blessed me with that perspective, with the talent. And then you find different ways to help the team. This management, this group of players has been outstanding, to be honest. They've gotten the right kind of players, match winners, people who take the game on. In the auction, a lot of people questioned our tactics. But by day two, we were very happy with what we had. And we had a lot of confidence in the strength of this group.”
Batting first RCB made 190/9. Virat Kohli was the top scorer with 43 runs. Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamison took 3 wickets each for PBKS. Shashank Singh made a fighting 61* for Punjab. Krunal Pandya bowled exceptionally well and took 2 wickets. He gave away just runs in his 4 overs with an economy rate of 4.25.
