RCB crowned IPL champions, 18-year-long wait for Virat Kohli, Bengaluru ends
The 18th edition of the IPL truly belonged to No. 18. An 18-year-long wait finally came to an end. As expected, it was a night of redemption, relief, and ecstasy for one team—and heartbreak, a crushing one at that, for the other. Royal Challengers Bengaluru at last claimed the title that had eluded them for so long—one that made them the butt of countless jokes and memes. For Punjab Kings, it was a case of 'so near, yet so far.' A heartbreak that will sting for a long time, having collapsed in the final after playing a brand of cricket throughout the season that was vibrant, entertaining, and purposeful.advertisementIt was a gift from Rajat Patidar and his men to the loyal fans of Bengaluru—those who have stood by the team through years of missed opportunities and close calls. Virat Kohli could not hold back his emotions, even before the final ball was bowled, as the long and painful wait came to a glorious end. The former captain finally tasted triumph—success that others had enjoyed multiple times over the last 17 years.IPL 2025 final: Highlights
RCB defended 190 with a clinical bowling display, led by Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood. Despite their bowling discipline, it was Punjab's batting that faltered when it mattered most, with their biggest names failing to step up under pressure.Watch: Virat Kohli hugs Anushka Sharma, AB de VilliersThe tears say it allAn 18-year wait comes to an endUpdates https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/X15Xdmxb0k— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025advertisementEarlier in the day, Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted 190 for 9 in their 20 overs. Despite late cameos from Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10) and Romario Shepherd (17 off 9), the total felt 15–20 runs short on a pitch that favoured stroke play.At the mid-innings break, pundits remarked that Bengaluru had shown a lack of intent at the top, and that their eventual total was, at best, par for a final of this magnitude. Punjab's pacers kept it tight at the death, conceding just 22 runs in the last three overs. Arshdeep Singh bowled a brilliant final over, taking three wickets and conceding only three runs, ensuring that neither Romario nor Krunal found the boundary.The turning point came when Vijaykumar Vyshak dismissed Jitesh Sharma in the 18th over. The Karnataka pacer executed his plans perfectly, cramping the batter for room and denying him the hard lengths he thrives on.Jitesh had earlier reignited Punjab's chase alongside Liam Livingstone, after RCB had reduced them to 132 for 4 in 15 overs. Their partnership had given Punjab hope, especially after a sluggish 43 off 35 balls from Kohli left RCB with work to do in the final overs.But RCB's bowlers held their nerve, delivering a collective effort that finally brought the coveted title to Bengaluru.More to follow.. You May Also Like
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