Virat Kohli Kisses IPL Trophy After 18-Year-Long Wait As RCB Clinch Maiden League Title By Beating Punjab Kings In Final; Video

In a moment that will be etched in IPL history forever, Virat Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for nearly two decades, was seen kissing the IPL trophy with tears in his eyes after RCB finally clinched their first-ever Indian Premier League title.

RCB defeated Punjab Kings by 6 runs in a thrilling IPL 2025 final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. The crowd erupted in celebration. Kohli dropped to his knees before walking up to the gleaming silver trophy, gently planting a kiss on it, a symbolic culmination of 18 years of heartbreak, hope, and unwavering loyalty.

As fireworks lit up the sky and RCB lifted the trophy for the first time, the moment Kohli kissed it was not just a victory celebration; it was the emotional release of a legacy fulfilled.

RCB Vs PBKS: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Crowned IPL 2025 Champions After 6-Run Win Over Punjab Kings, Secure Their First-Ever League Trophy

After years of heartbreak and relentless pursuit, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally claimed their maiden IPL title with a thrilling 6-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the grand finale of IPL 2025. The match, held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw RCB emerge victorious in front of a packed house, putting an emphatic end to a 18-year title drought.

RCB posted a total of 190/9 in 20 overs after being put into bat. The innings was anchored by star batter Virat Kohli, who scored a composed 43 off 35 balls, including 3 boundaries. Skipper Rajat Patidar added a quickfire 26 off 16 balls, striking 1 four and 2 sixes to give RCB crucial momentum during the middle overs. For Punjab Kings, Arshdeep Singh stood out with the ball, finishing with impressive figures of 3/40 in 4 overs, picking up key wickets and keeping RCB in check during the death overs.

Chasing 191 for victory, PBKS found themselves under pressure early and never truly recovered. Josh Inglis led the fightback with a blistering 39 off 23 balls (1 four, 4 sixes), while Shashank Singh chipped in with a valiant 61 off 30 balls, smashing 3 boundaries and 6 sixes. However, the disciplined RCB bowling attack held firm.

All-rounder Krunal Pandya was the standout performer with the ball for RCB, delivering a match-winning spell of 2/17 in his 4 overs, applying the brakes precisely when needed. RCB’s fielding and tight bowling in the death overs ensured that Punjab Kings were restricted to 184/7 in their 20 overs, falling short by 6 runs.

Published on: Wednesday, June 04, 2025, 01:13 AM IST