Royal Challengers Bengaluru Clinches First IPL Title After 18 Years
RCB's Historic Victory in IPL 2025
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has finally achieved their long-awaited goal of winning the IPL trophy. After 18 years and four finals, RCB triumphed over the Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025.
In a nail-biting finish, RCB secured a six-run victory, marking their first IPL title since the tournament's inception in 2008. This win was particularly significant for Virat Kohli, a key player who has been with the team for 18 years. Kohli, who captained RCB during their last final appearance in 2016, has now fulfilled his dream as a player.
RCB set a target of 190 runs, successfully defending it by limiting Punjab Kings to 184 runs for 7 wickets in their 20 overs. Shashank Singh's impressive innings of 61 runs off 30 balls was not enough to secure victory for PBKS. Krunal Pandya led the bowling attack with outstanding figures of 2 wickets for 17 runs in four overs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar also took two wickets, conceding 38 runs.
Prize Money and Recognition
As the champions of IPL 2025, RCB not only lifted their first trophy but also received a substantial prize of INR 20 crore from the BCCI. This victory marks a significant milestone after an 18-year wait for the coveted IPL title, making RCB the first team to be crowned champions since the Gujarat Titans in 2022.
The prize money structure has remained consistent since 2022, when the Gujarat Titans first claimed the INR 20 crore reward. Over the years, IPL prize money has seen an increase; for instance, the Rajasthan Royals received INR 4.8 crore in the inaugural season, while the Chennai Super Kings earned INR 2.4 crore as runners-up.
Individual Awards in IPL 2025
In addition to team accolades, individual players were recognized for their outstanding performances. Sai Sudharsan from Gujarat Titans was named the Emerging Player of the Season and also won the Orange Cap for being the highest run-scorer, earning a total of 30 lakh.
Prasidh Krishna, a pacer from Gujarat Titans, received the Purple Cap for the highest wicket-taker, along with a cash prize of 10 lakh. Suryakumar Yadav from Mumbai Indians was honored as the Most Valuable Player of the Season, also receiving 10 lakh. Nicholas Pooran of Lucknow Super Giants earned 10 lakh for the Most Maximums award, while a young talent from Rajasthan Royals was awarded 10 lakh for being the Super Striker of the Season.
Conclusion of IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 season concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrating their historic victory, finally lifting their maiden IPL trophy and securing their place in cricket history.