In a historic achievement, all-rounder Krunal Pandya became the first player in Indian Premier League (IPL) history to win the Player of the Match award in two separate finals. His latest accolade came after a match-defining performance in the IPL 2025 final, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their maiden title with a narrow six-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Pandya's disciplined bowling turned the tide in RCB's favor. He delivered an economical spell of 2/17 in four overs, claiming the crucial wickets of Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis. Inglis, who was threatening with a quickfire 39 off 23 balls, was dismissed at a pivotal moment, halting PBKS's momentum during their chase of RCB's total of 190/9.
This isn't Pandya's first time shining on the grand stage. In the 2017 IPL final, representing Mumbai Indians, he scored a vital 47 off 38 balls, leading his team to a one-run victory over Rising Pune Supergiant. That performance earned him his first Player of the Match award in an IPL final.
RCB's triumph in 2025 marked the end of an 18-year quest for their first IPL championship. Pandya's inclusion in the team, acquired for INR 5.75 crore at the auction, proved to be a masterstroke. His experience and composure under pressure were instrumental in RCB's historic win.
Fans and cricket pundits alike have lauded Pandya's performance, with many describing his spell as one of the greatest in IPL final history. His unique achievement sets a new benchmark for excellence in the league's most crucial matches.
As RCB celebrates their long-awaited victory, Krunal Pandya's name is etched in the annals of IPL history, not just as a champion, but as a player who rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
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.
