June 3, 2025 — a date Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans will remember for generations. After 18 long seasons, heartbreaks, and near-misses, RCB finally lifted their first-ever IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in a gripping final.
Posting a par score of 190/9, RCB displayed nerves of steel in the field, with a collective bowling performance led by Krunal Pandya (2/17 in 4 overs), who was named Player of the Match.
Following the triumph, players shared heartfelt and emotional reactions that captured the journey, pressure, and ultimate ecstasy of winning cricket’s most glamorous league.
🗣️ Dinesh Karthik – Coach and Mentor
“It’s not about the pitch. The final is about emotion, about how much fire you have left in the tank to win.”
An emotional Dinesh Karthik, now in a leadership role post-retirement, described how grit, belief, and hunger fueled RCB’s path to glory. He praised the team for standing up under pressure and hailed the support staff, particularly Andy Flower, for laying the groundwork with rigorous preparation and long-term planning.
💬 Virat Kohli – The Heart of RCB (Quoted by Others)
Though Kohli did not speak directly post-match, the emotion around him was evident. Jitesh Sharma summed it up:
“I’m happy for Virat Kohli. Eighteen years of waiting. He stood there quietly—he couldn’t believe it.”
Kohli’s journey with RCB has become symbolic of perseverance. Players, staff, and fans alike dedicated this win to his unwavering commitment.
🎯 Krunal Pandya – Match-Winner with the Ball
“I manifested this moment when I joined RCB. I told them I love winning trophies—and we did it.”
Krunal, who claimed 2 key wickets with slow, clever bowling on a two-paced surface, explained how gut instinct and situational awareness shaped his strategy. His understanding of the pitch, and courage to bowl slower deliveries, proved decisive in slowing down Punjab’s chase.
🔥 Josh Hazlewood – Holding the Fort
“190 was a very good score. We knew it was defendable. Everyone chipped in, and the bowlers held their nerve.”
The Australian pacer praised the team’s collective bowling effort and emphasized how Virat’s loyalty to the franchise made this victory even more special.
🎙️ Phil Salt – The Game-Changer
“I haven’t slept much, but this feeling is unreal. We did it for the fans!”
Having just flown in from England on the day of the final, Salt produced a stunning boundary catch to dismiss Priyansh Arya, one of Punjab’s key batters. His athleticism and dedication were lauded by coaches and players as a turning point in the match.
🙌 Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Strategic Execution
“We thought 180 would be enough, and we got 190. That gave us the edge.”
Bhuvneshwar highlighted Krunal’s ability to adapt and change pace based on the situation. The experienced seamer also credited the bowling unit’s adaptability and calmness in high-pressure situations.
💡 Mayank Agarwal – A Message of Perseverance
“Life is unpredictable. Keep grinding—it can turn 360.”
Mayank’s words reflect RCB’s journey itself. For a team written off many times, this victory is a story of resilience.
🌟 Jitesh Sharma – A Moment Beyond Cricket
“When you play for others, you do extraordinary things. This win was for Kohli.”
Jitesh’s emotional reaction emphasized the team’s selflessness, showing how playing for a cause larger than oneself leads to magical moments.
🧠 What This Win Means for RCB
- First-ever IPL title in 18 years
- Redemption for Virat Kohli, the franchise’s face
- Strategic brilliance by Andy Flower and Dinesh Karthik
- Tactical execution from the bowling unit
- Unity, belief, and crowd energy turned the tide
📋 RCB’s Key Stats from IPL 2025 Final
- Score: RCB 190/9
- Punjab Kings: 184/7
- Winning Margin: 6 runs
- Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya (4-0-17-2)
- Most Valuable Moment: Phil Salt’s boundary catch of Arya
- Virat Kohli’s Journey: Finally rewarded with IPL silverware after 18 seasons
🏁 Conclusion: A Win Written in Destiny
For years, the number 18 haunted RCB—Season 18, Kohli’s jersey 18, and 18 years without a title. But on June 3, 2025, the stars aligned. RCB fans across India and the world celebrated as loyalty, belief, and passion finally bore fruit.
This wasn’t just a cricket match. It was a story of redemption, of legends, of silent warriors, and roaring fans. And for once, the trophy came home to Bengaluru.
