Introduction
The IPL 2025 final was a night etched in the hearts of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans as their team finally ended an 18-year wait to lift their maiden Indian Premier League title on June 3, 2025. In a nail-biting clash at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB edged out Punjab Kings (PBKS) by just 6 runs, defending a competitive 190/9 to restrict PBKS to 184/7. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Krunal Pandya’s match-defining bowling spell (2 wickets for 17 runs) earning him the Player of the Match award and Virat Kohli’s gritty 43 anchoring RCB’s innings.
For cricket fans and RCB loyalists, this victory was more than just a trophy—it was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and unrelenting passion. From Shashank Singh’s valiant unbeaten 61 to Arshdeep Singh’s fiery bowling, the RCB vs PBKS final had everything a cricket fan could ask for.
What was your favorite moment of this epic IPL 2025 final? Stick with us as we break down the match, dive into the scorecards, and unpack the key moments that made history!
Match Preview: RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 Final
The IPL 2025 final brought together two powerhouse teams at the massive Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with 132,000 fans creating an electric atmosphere. RCB, led by Rajat Patidar and featuring stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood, entered the final after a dominant season, finishing third in the points table and overpowering Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 1.
Punjab Kings, captained by Shreyas Iyer, had a stellar campaign, driven by their explosive batting line-up, including Shashank Singh and Josh Inglis, and a potent bowling attack led by Arshdeep Singh. PBKS’s decision to bowl first after winning the toss set the stage for a high-stakes chase, promising a thrilling contest. Broadcast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar, the match captivated millions of cricket fans worldwide.
Toss Details
- Toss Winner: Punjab Kings
- Decision: Opted to bowl first
- Impact: PBKS aimed to capitalize on their strong pace attack, with Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson expected to exploit early conditions. However, RCB’s competitive 190/9 proved challenging, as the pitch offered little assistance to bowlers in the second innings.
Full Scorecard: RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 Final
RCB Innings: 190/9 (20 Overs)
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | c Shreyas Iyer b Jamieson | 16 | 9 | 2 | 1 | 177.78 |
| Virat Kohli | c and b Azmatullah | 43 | 35 | 3 | 0 | 122.86 |
| Mayank Agarwal | c Arshdeep b Chahal | 24 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 133.33 |
| Rajat Patidar (c) | lbw b Jamieson | 26 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 162.50 |
| Liam Livingstone | lbw b Jamieson | 25 | 15 | 0 | 2 | 166.67 |
| Jitesh Sharma (wk) | b Vijaykumar Vyshak | 24 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 240.00 |
| Romario Shepherd | lbw b Arshdeep Singh | 17 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 188.89 |
| Krunal Pandya | c Shreyas Iyer b Arshdeep Singh | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 80.00 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | c Priyansh Arya b Arshdeep Singh | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Yash Dayal | not out | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 100.00 |
| Extras | (b 0, lb 0, w 9, nb 0, p 0) | 9 | ||||
| Total | (9 wkts, 20 Ov) | 190 |
Did not bat: Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma
Fall of Wickets: 18-1 (Phil Salt, 1.4), 56-2 (Mayank Agarwal, 6.2), 96-3 (Rajat Patidar, 10.5), 131-4 (Virat Kohli, 14.5), 167-5 (Liam Livingstone, 16.5), 171-6 (Jitesh Sharma, 17.4), 188-7 (Romario Shepherd, 19.2), 189-8 (Krunal Pandya, 19.4), 190-9 (Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 19.6)
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | NB | WD | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arshdeep Singh | 4 | 0 | 40 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 10.00 |
| Kyle Jamieson | 4 | 0 | 48 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 12.00 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 4 | 0 | 35 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 8.80 |
| Vijaykumar Vyshak | 4 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 7.50 |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 4 | 0 | 37 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 9.20 |
Powerplay: 0.1-6 overs, 55 runs
PBKS Innings: 184/7 (20 Overs)
| Batter | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Priyansh Arya | c Phil Salt b Hazlewood | 24 | 19 | 4 | 0 | 126.32 |
| Prabhsimran Singh | c Bhuvneshwar b Krunal Pandya | 26 | 22 | 0 | 2 | 118.18 |
| Josh Inglis (wk) | c Livingstone b Krunal Pandya | 39 | 23 | 1 | 4 | 169.57 |
| Shreyas Iyer (c) | c Jitesh Sharma b Romario Shepherd | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Nehal Wadhera | c Krunal Pandya b Bhuvneshwar | 15 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 83.33 |
| Shashank Singh | not out | 61 | 30 | 3 | 6 | 203.33 |
| Marcus Stoinis | c Yash Dayal b Bhuvneshwar | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 300.00 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | c (sub) Manoj Bhandage b Yash Dayal | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Kyle Jamieson | not out | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Extras | (b 0, lb 8, w 3, nb 0, p 0) | 11 | ||||
| Total | (7 wkts, 20 Ov) | 184 |
Did not bat: Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal
Fall of Wickets: 43-1 (Priyansh Arya, 4.6), 72-2 (Prabhsimran Singh, 8.3), 79-3 (Shreyas Iyer, 9.4), 98-4 (Josh Inglis, 12.1), 136-5 (Nehal Wadhera, 16.2), 142-6 (Marcus Stoinis, 16.4), 145-7 (Azmatullah Omarzai, 17.2)
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | NB | WD | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 4 | 0 | 38 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9.50 |
| Yash Dayal | 3 | 0 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6.00 |
| Josh Hazlewood | 4 | 0 | 54 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 13.50 |
| Krunal Pandya | 4 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4.20 |
| Suyash Sharma | 2 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9.50 |
| Romario Shepherd | 3 | 0 | 30 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 10.00 |
Powerplay: 0.1-6 overs, 52 runs
Match Recap: RCB’s Gritty Batting and Stellar Bowling
RCB Innings: Building a Competitive Total
RCB’s innings kicked off with a bang as Phil Salt smashed 16 runs off just 9 balls, including a towering six off Arshdeep Singh. However, Kyle Jamieson struck early, dismissing Salt in the second over with a brilliant catch by Shreyas Iyer near the boundary. Virat Kohli (43 off 35) played the anchor role, steadying the ship despite a slow start on a pitch offering slight movement. Mayank Agarwal’s 24 off 18, with a six off Yuzvendra Chahal, added momentum, but Chahal’s tight spin bowling (4-0-37-1) removed him in the 6th over, leaving RCB at 56/2.
Rajat Patidar, the RCB captain, played a fiery 26 off 16, smashing two sixes, including one off Chahal, before Jamieson’s clever pace variation (3-48) trapped him lbw. Liam Livingstone’s 25 off 15 kept the scoreboard ticking, but his dismissal in the 16th over by Jamieson slowed RCB’s charge. Jitesh Sharma turned the tide with a blistering 24 off 10, including two fours and two sixes, while Romario Shepherd’s 17 off 9 added vital runs. Arshdeep Singh’s final over was a game-changer, claiming Shepherd, Krunal Pandya (4 off 5), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1 off 2) to finish with 3-40, keeping RCB to 190/9—just shy of the 200-mark.
PBKS Innings: A Valiant Chase Falls Short
Chasing 191, PBKS started cautiously with Priyansh Arya (24 off 19) surviving early chances, including a dropped catch. Josh Hazlewood (4-0-54-1) broke through in the 5th over, with Phil Salt taking a stunning boundary catch to dismiss Arya. Prabhsimran Singh (26 off 22) and Josh Inglis (39 off 23) kept PBKS in the hunt, reaching 72/2 by the 8th over with Inglis hitting four sixes. However, Krunal Pandya’s introduction turned the game, as his miserly spell (4-0-17-2) removed Prabhsimran (caught at backward point) and Inglis (caught by Livingstone), leaving PBKS at 98/4 after 12 overs.
Shreyas Iyer’s brief 1 off 2 was a massive blow, and despite Shashank Singh’s sensational unbeaten 61 off 30, with 6 sixes and 3 fours, PBKS struggled in the death overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4-0-38-2) struck twice in the 17th over, dismissing Nehal Wadhera (15 off 18) and Marcus Stoinis (6 off 2). Yash Dayal’s removal of Azmatullah Omarzai (1 off 2) left Shashank with too much to do. Needing 29 off the final over, Shashank’s heroic sequence of 6, 4, 6, 6 wasn’t enough, as Hazlewood’s two dot balls sealed RCB’s 6-run victory.
Key Turning Points in IPL 2025 Final
- Krunal Pandya’s Middle-Overs Mastery: Krunal’s 2-17, dismissing Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis, choked PBKS’s scoring rate, with their middle overs (7-15) yielding just 67/3 compared to RCB’s 77/3.
- Arshdeep Singh’s Death-Over Heroics: Arshdeep’s final over (1 W 1 W 1 W) prevented RCB from crossing 200, keeping PBKS in the contest.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Clutch 17th Over: Removing Wadhera and Stoinis in quick succession tilted the game heavily in RCB’s favor.
- Shashank Singh’s Late Surge: Shashank’s 61* nearly pulled off a miracle, but Hazlewood’s composure in the final over ensured RCB’s triumph.
Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya’s Game-Changing Performance
Krunal’s Bowling Masterclass
Krunal Pandya’s 4-0-17-2 was the defining performance of the IPL 2025 final. His economical spell in the middle overs crippled PBKS’s chase, with key dismissals of Prabhsimran Singh (caught at backward point in the 8th over) and Josh Inglis (caught by Livingstone in the 12th over). Krunal’s ability to bowl tight lines at an economy of 4.20—compared to Hazlewood’s 13.50 and Shepherd’s 10.00—was pivotal in a chase requiring 9.55 runs per over. His tactical nous, mixing pace and spin, left PBKS reeling at 98/4, shifting the momentum decisively.
“It’s a dream come true to contribute to RCB’s first IPL title. I just focused on keeping it tight and backing my plans,” Krunal said in his post-match interview (paraphrased).
Season-Long Impact
Krunal’s final heroics capped a stellar IPL 2025 season, where he claimed 17 wickets in 15 matches (AVG: 22.29, ECO: 8.23, best: 45/4). His brief 4 off 5 with the bat ensured RCB maximized their total. As a seasoned all-rounder, his contribution was a cornerstone of RCB’s championship run, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Standout Performers and Season Context
RCB’s Batting Backbone
- Virat Kohli (43 off 35, SR: 122.86): Kohli’s composed knock anchored RCB’s innings, setting a platform for the middle order. His season tally of 657 runs (3rd overall, 8 fifties) underlined his consistency and leadership.
- Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10, SR: 240.00): Jitesh’s explosive cameo, with two fours and two sixes, boosted RCB’s total in the death overs, proving his value as a finisher.
- Rajat Patidar (26 off 16, SR: 162.50): The RCB captain’s aggressive approach against spin, including a six off Chahal, kept the run rate high, though Jamieson cut his innings short.
PBKS’s Fighting Spirit
- *Shashank Singh (61 off 30, SR: 203.33)**: Shashank’s unbeaten knock, with 6 sixes, nearly stole the game for PBKS. His season total of 549 runs (8th overall) marked him as a breakout star.
- Josh Inglis (39 off 23, SR: 169.57): Inglis’s fluent batting, with four sixes, kept PBKS in the chase until Krunal’s intervention.
- Arshdeep Singh (3-40): Arshdeep’s final-over heroics restricted RCB, and his 21 wickets in the season (5th overall) showcased his prowess as a death bowler.
Season Stats Comparison
| Player | Team | Role | Runs/Wickets | Matches | AVG | SR/ECO | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | Batter | 657 runs | 15 | 54.75 | 144.71 | 73* |
| Shashank Singh | PBKS | Batter | 549 runs | 17 | 32.29 | 160.52 | 91 |
| Shreyas Iyer | PBKS | Batter | 604 runs | 17 | 50.33 | 175.07 | 97* |
| Krunal Pandya | RCB | All-Rounder | 17 wickets | 15 | 22.29 | 8.23 | 45/4 |
| Arshdeep Singh | PBKS | Bowler | 21 wickets | 17 | 24.66 | 8.88 | 16/3 |
Turning Points and Tactical Brilliance in IPL 2025 Final
Key Wickets That Shifted Momentum
Krunal Pandya’s dismissals of Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis were pivotal, halting PBKS’s momentum in the middle overs. His spell restricted PBKS to 67/3 (7-15 overs), compared to RCB’s 77/3 in the same phase, creating a 10-run gap that proved decisive. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s double strike in the 17th over, removing Wadhera and Stoinis, further tilted the game, leaving PBKS with a steep climb.
Death Over Drama
RCB’s death-over bowling, led by Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar, was clinical despite Shashank Singh’s onslaught. Hazlewood’s two dot balls in the final over, when PBKS needed 29, showcased RCB’s composure under pressure. PBKS’s tactical error of not promoting a power-hitter earlier left Shashank with too much to do, highlighting RCB’s superior game management.
“We trusted our bowlers to execute in the death, and they delivered,” said RCB coach Andy Flower (paraphrased).
Orange and Purple Cap Winners
- Orange Cap (Most Runs): Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) – 759 runs, 15 matches, AVG: 54.21, SR: 156.17, 1 century, 6 fifties.
- Purple Cap (Most Wickets): Prasidh Krishna (Gujarat Titans) – 25 wickets, 15 matches, AVG: 19.52, ECO: 8.27, best: 41/4.
Awards and Records
- Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya (RCB) – 4-0-17-2, 4 off 5.
- Player of the Tournament: Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) – 759 runs.
- Emerging Player: Shashank Singh (PBKS) – 549 runs, breakout season.
- Records:
- RCB won their first IPL title in 18 years, ending a long drought.
- Shashank Singh’s 61* is the highest score in a losing cause in an IPL final since 2019.
- Krunal Pandya’s 4.20 economy rate is the best in an IPL final since 2020.
Expert Analysis
Analysts on ESPNcricinfo lauded Krunal Pandya’s “game-defining spell” as the turning point, with his ability to choke PBKS’s middle order proving decisive. Cricbuzz highlighted RCB’s death-over bowling as a masterclass, while PBKS’s middle-order collapse drew scrutiny. Shreyas Iyer’s decision to bowl first was debated, as the pitch offered little assistance to pacers in the second innings. RCB’s strategic use of spin, particularly Krunal and Suyash Sharma, exploited PBKS’s weakness against slow bowling, earning praise from experts.
Post-Match Reactions and RCB’s Historic Celebration
Player Reactions
Virat Kohli was visibly emotional, dedicating the win to RCB’s loyal fanbase: “This is for every RCB fan who believed in us for 18 years” (paraphrased). Krunal Pandya credited his teammates, saying, “The team’s belief in me gave me the confidence to deliver” (paraphrased). Rajat Patidar hailed the squad’s unity, noting, “This group fought as one, and that’s why we’re champions” (paraphrased).
Fan Frenzy
Social media platforms, especially X, exploded with RCB fans celebrating their long-awaited triumph. Posts like “#RCBChampions2025” and “Krunal Pandya, you beauty!” trended globally. Fans flooded the Narendra Modi Stadium, chanting “RCB! RCB!” as the team lifted the trophy, creating scenes of pure joy.
RCB’s Historic IPL 2025 Triumph
The RCB IPL 2025 champions story is one of grit, determination, and triumph, with Krunal Pandya’s heroics and Virat Kohli’s leadership etching their names in IPL history. The 6-run victory over PBKS on June 3, 2025, was a fitting climax to a thrilling season. From Kohli’s anchoring 43 to Shashank Singh’s valiant 61*, the final showcased the best of T20 cricket. What’s next for RCB? Can they defend their title in 2026? Share your favorite moments in the comments below, subscribe to IPL Star for more cricket updates, and explore our related articles!
FAQs IPL 2025 Final
1. What was the result of the IPL 2025 final between RCB and PBKS?
The IPL 2025 final saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinch their maiden title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs on June 3, 2025, at Narendra Modi Stadium. RCB scored 190/9, while PBKS managed 184/7, falling short despite Shashank Singh’s 61*.
2. Who was the Player of the Match in the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final?
Krunal Pandya was named Player of the Match for his stellar 4-0-17-2 bowling performance, dismissing key PBKS batsmen Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis. His economical spell was crucial in RCB’s 6-run victory.
3. What were the key highlights of the IPL 2025 final?
Key highlights include Virat Kohli’s anchoring 43, Jitesh Sharma’s explosive 24 off 10, and Shashank Singh’s valiant 61* for PBKS. Krunal Pandya’s 2-17 and Arshdeep Singh’s 3-40 were pivotal, with RCB’s death-over bowling sealing the thrilling 6-run win.
4. How did Krunal Pandya perform in the IPL 2025 final?
Krunal Pandya delivered a match-defining performance, bowling 4 overs for 17 runs and taking 2 wickets (Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis). His economy of 4.20 choked PBKS’s chase, earning him the Player of the Match award.
5. What was the scorecard for RCB vs PBKS in the IPL 2025 final?
RCB posted 190/9 in 20 overs, with Virat Kohli (43) and Jitesh Sharma (24) leading the batting. PBKS scored 184/7, with Shashank Singh’s 61* not enough. Krunal Pandya (2-17) and Arshdeep Singh (3-40) were standout bowlers.
6. Who were the top performers in the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final?
Virat Kohli (43), Jitesh Sharma (24), and Krunal Pandya (2-17) shone for RCB, while Shashank Singh (61*) and Josh Inglis (39) were PBKS’s top batsmen. Arshdeep Singh’s 3-40 was notable for PBKS.
7. What were the turning points in the IPL 2025 final?
Krunal Pandya’s wickets of Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s double strike in the 17th over, and Arshdeep Singh’s final-over heroics were key. RCB’s tight death bowling clinched the 6-run win.
8. Who won the Orange and Purple Caps in IPL 2025?
Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) won the Orange Cap with 759 runs, and Prasidh Krishna (Gujarat Titans) claimed the Purple Cap with 25 wickets, both excelling throughout the IPL 2025 season.
9. How did RCB fans celebrate the IPL 2025 final victory?
RCB fans erupted in joy, flooding X with posts like “#RCBChampions2025” and chanting “RCB! RCB!” at Narendra Modi Stadium. Social media trended with celebrations of RCB’s first IPL title in 18 years.
10. What records were set in the IPL 2025 final?
RCB won their first IPL title in 18 years. Shashank Singh’s 61* was the highest score in a losing cause in an IPL final since 2019, and Krunal Pandya’s 4.20 economy rate was the best in an IPL final since 2020.