Royal Challengers Bengaluru Crowned IPL 2025 Champions: A Historic Triumph
After 18 years of anticipation, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in 2025, ending a long-standing title drought and sending their passionate fanbase into a frenzy. Under the leadership of new captain Rajat Patidar and the guidance of coach Andy Flower, RCB clinched their maiden IPL title with a thrilling six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the final on June 3, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Here’s a look at RCB’s remarkable journey in IPL 2025, their revamped squad, and the standout moments that defined their historic campaign.
A New Era Under Rajat Patidar– The 2025 season marked a significant shift for RCB, with Rajat Patidar taking over the captaincy from Faf du Plessis, who moved to Delhi Capitals. Patidar, a 31-year-old batter from Indore, brought fresh energy to the franchise, leading a squad that blended experience with dynamic new talent. Retained alongside stalwart Virat Kohli and pacer Yash Dayal, Patidar’s leadership was instrumental in guiding RCB to a second-place finish in the league stage, securing a spot in the first qualifier. Notably, RCB became the only team to win all their away games in the season, showcasing their resilience and adaptability. Royal Challengers Bengaluru Crowned IPL 2025 Champions now.
Strategic Squad Overhaul at the Auction- RCB entered the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah with a purse of ₹83 crore and a clear strategy to build a balanced squad, moving away from their historical reliance on a few star players. The franchise made significant investments in key players to bolster both batting and bowling units. Notable acquisitions included:
Phil Salt (₹11.50 crore): The explosive England opener delivered quick starts, including an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls in the Qualifier 1 win against Punjab Kings.
Josh Hazlewood (₹12.50 crore in Indian Currency): The Australian pacer, RCB’s most expensive buy, led the bowling attack with 21 wickets in 11 games at an average of 15.80.
Liam Livingstone (₹8.75 crore in Indian Currency): The England all-rounder added firepower to the middle order with quickfire cameos.
Jitesh Sharma (₹11 crore in Indian Currency): The wicketkeeper-batter provided late-order impetus, notably in the final with a rapid 24.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (₹10.75 crore in Indian Currency): The experienced Indian pacer brought stability, taking 2 for 38 in the final.
Krunal Pandya: The all-rounder proved to be a game-changer, earning Player of the Match in the final for his economical 2 for 17 in 4 overs.
The squad was further strengthened by players like Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and young talents such as Jacob Bethell and Devdutt Padikkal, creating a versatile unit capable of adapting to various match situations. The Road to Glory RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign began with a bang, as they secured back-to-back wins against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, including a historic 50-run victory over CSK at Chepauk, breaking a 17-year winless streak at the venue. Rajat Patidar’s 51 off 32 balls and a disciplined bowling performance led by Josh Hazlewood set the tone for the season.
The team’s consistency was evident as they finished second on the points table, propelled by a remarkable run of seven consecutive away wins. In Qualifier 1, RCB dominated Punjab Kings, chasing down 101 in just 14.1 overs, with Phil Salt’s rapid fifty and three-wicket hauls from Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma sealing an eight-wicket victory.
The Final: A Night to Remember The IPL 2025 final was a nail-biter that encapsulated RCB’s grit and determination. Batting first, RCB posted 190/9, with Virat Kohli anchoring the innings with a steady 43 off 35 balls. Contributions from Mayank Agarwal (24), Rajat Patidar (26), Liam Livingstone (25), Jitesh Sharma (24), and Romario Shepherd (17 off 9) ensured a competitive total despite regular wickets falling. Punjab Kings’ Arshdeep Singh (3 for 40) and Kyle Jamieson (3 for 48) kept RCB in check, but late cameos proved crucial.
In response, Punjab Kings fell short at 184/7, with Krunal Pandya’s miserly spell (2 for 17) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 2 for 38 turning the game in RCB’s favor. Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 61 for Punjab Kings was not enough to overcome RCB’s disciplined bowling attack. The victory sparked emotional scenes, with Virat Kohli, who has been with RCB since its inception in 2008, visibly moved. “I’ve given this team my youth, prime, and experience. To finally have the IPL title is an unbelievable feeling,” Kohli said, reflecting on the 18-year journey we are i.e. Royal Challengers Bengaluru Crowned IPL 2025 Champions.
Virat Kohli: The Heart and Soul of RCB Virat Kohli’s contribution to RCB’s triumph cannot be overstated. Scoring 614 runs at an average of 55.82 and a strike rate of 146.53, including eight half-centuries, Kohli was the backbone of the batting lineup. His emotional connection with the franchise and the city of Bengaluru resonated with fans, as he declared, “My heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore.” Kohli’s leadership off the field and his role in the core decision-making group were pivotal in shaping RCB’s strategy.
Fan Frenzy and a City’s Celebration The victory ignited celebrations across Bengaluru, with fans chanting (This time, the cup is ours), a twist on the iconic. Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose wife Akshata Murty hails from Bengaluru, expressed his support, saying, “RCB is my team.” The city’s police made elaborate security arrangements as RCB frenzy gripped the Garden City.
Looking Ahead RCB’s IPL 2025 triumph marks a turning point for the franchise, which had previously reached the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016 but fell short each time. With a balanced squad, astute leadership, and a passionate fanbase, RCB is poised to build on this success. As the team looks to defend their title in 2026, the focus will be on maintaining their winning momentum and continuing to play bold, as their slogan promises.For the latest updates on RCB’s journey, squad details, and match highlights, visit IPLT20.com or follow @RCBTweets on X.
