AHMEDABAD, India (Diya TV) — After 17 seasons of heartbreak, close calls and unwavering loyalty, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted their maiden Indian Premier League trophy with a thrilling six-run win over Punjab Kings on Tuesday.
In a dramatic final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB posted 190 for 9, then held their nerve to restrict Punjab to 184 for 7 in a game that went down to the final over.
Virat Kohli, who has been the face of the franchise since its inception in 2008, anchored Bengaluru’s innings with a gritty 68 that steadied the side after a shaky start. While Rajat Patidar officially captained the team this season, the night belonged to Kohli, whose long, emotional journey with RCB finally found its reward.
“It means everything,” Kohli said after the match, his voice trembling as he pointed to the RCB crest on his jersey. Overcome by emotion, he stood near the boundary line in tears as teammates celebrated around him. “This title is as much Virat’s as it is the team’s,” head coach Andy Flower told reporters. “He’s been the heartbeat of this franchise.”
Put in to bat, Bengaluru struggled to string together lasting partnerships. They reached 87 for 2 at the halfway mark, but momentum remained elusive. Kohli kept the innings together until he was dismissed by Azmatullah Omarzai, who took a running return catch off his bowling. Jitesh Sharma provided a late spark with a quick 24 off 10 balls, while Liam Livingstone added 25.
Punjab’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout, with Kyle Jamieson claiming 3 for 48 and Arshdeep Singh shining in the final over, taking three wickets while conceding just three runs.
In reply, Punjab got off to a fast start. Openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya put on 43 before Arya was removed thanks to a stunning catch by Phil Salt off Josh Hazlewood’s bowling. Despite being dropped early, Prabhsimran couldn’t convert his start, and Punjab’s middle order wobbled under mounting pressure.
Shashank Singh kept Punjab in the hunt with a valiant unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, but Krunal Pandya’s miserly spell—2 for 17 from four overs—proved decisive. Conceding just one boundary, Pandya choked the scoring at a crucial stage and was named Player of the Match.
The final overs were tense. With 11 runs needed off the last over and Shashank on strike, Bengaluru’s bowlers kept their cool. Romario Shepherd defended the final runs as Punjab fell short, sparking wild celebrations among RCB players and fans.
Kohli’s reaction encapsulated years of near-misses and relentless belief. He hugged longtime teammates, fell to his knees, and climbed advertising boards to salute the travelling RCB faithful, who waved banners and chanted his name.
RCB had previously lost the IPL final three times — in 2009, 2011, and 2016 — and had built a reputation as perennial underachievers despite their star-studded lineups over the years. Their breakthrough title not only ends that narrative but also cements Kohli’s legacy as one of the league’s most iconic players.
For RCB fans, this victory wasn’t just about silverware. It was about vindication, resilience, and history — a moment 17 years in the making.
