RCB win IPL 2025 final: Royal Challengers Bengaluru claim second title, beat GT by 5 wickets
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their second IPL title on Sunday, 1 June 2025, defeating Gujarat Titans (GT) by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. A half-century from Virat Kohli anchored the chase as Bengaluru overhauled Gujarat's total to end one of cricket's most storied waits for a second championship.
RCB's Chase: Kohli Leads the Way
Virat Kohli led the run chase with a composed and commanding fifty, providing the platform Bengaluru needed to knock off the target with wickets in hand. The experienced batter's knock steadied the innings at crucial moments and underlined why he remains central to RCB's batting order. Bengaluru crossed the line with five wickets to spare, sparking jubilant celebrations among their famously passionate fanbase.
Seamers Restrict Gujarat Titans to 155/8
Gujarat Titans were restricted to 155/8 in their allotted overs, despite a fighting unbeaten half-century from Washington Sundar that gave the total some respectability. The Bengaluru bowling attack was disciplined throughout, with Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar striking inside the Powerplay to remove Shubman Gill and B Sai Sudharsan. Rasikh Salam Dar delivered his best spell of the season, finishing with impressive figures of 3 for 27 to derail the Gujarat middle order.
A Franchise Redeemed
This is only RCB's second IPL title in the tournament's history, making the triumph all the more significant for a franchise that has been a perennial contender but frequent heartbreak story. The victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium — in front of a packed Ahmedabad crowd — was met with an outpouring of emotion from players and supporters alike. Fireworks over the stadium marked the moment the trophy returned to Bengaluru.
What This Win Means
For RCB, the win closes a chapter of near-misses and reinforces the franchise's standing as one of the IPL's marquee teams. Notably, this is their first title defence in the modern era, and the manner of victory — built on bowling discipline and a measured chase — signals a maturing team unit. The result also cements Virat Kohli's legacy with the franchise he has represented since the tournament's inception. All eyes will now turn to the title ceremony and the squad's homecoming in Bengaluru.