RCB vs PBKS: IPL 2025 Final Thriller Recap

The IPL 2025 Final between RCB vs PBKS wasn’t just a cricket match—it was a cinematic saga of redemption, heartbreak, and history. For RCB, a 17-year title drought hung in the balance. For PBKS, it was a shot at their maiden IPL trophy. With 100,000 fans roaring at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and 60 million streaming live globally, this clash redefined T20 drama.

RCB vs PBKS captains Kohli and Shreyas Iyer at toss

Punjab Kings’ Cinderella Run

Key Stat: PBKS won 8 of 14 league games, rising from 7th in 2024 to 2025 finalists.
Game-Changer: Shreyas Iyer’s leadership (543 runs in IPL 2025) and Kagiso Rabada’s death bowling (22 wickets).
Semi-Final Highlight: PBKS stunned Mumbai Indians by defending 129 in a low-scoring thriller.

RCB’s Redemption Quest

Virat Kohli’s Fire: 710 runs this season, including 4 fifties and a 48-ball century.
Maxwell’s Resurgence: His 68* (29) against CSK in Qualifier 2 sealed RCB’s final berth.
Weakness Exposed: Death-over economy (12.8 runs/over in last 5 matches).

Toss & Tactics: PBKS’s Masterstroke

PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bat—a decision The Times of India called “a psychological jab” at RCB’s fragile bowling. PBKS fielded 3 spinners (Bishnoi, Brar, Livingstone) to exploit RCB’s middle-order struggles.

First Innings: PBKS’s Calculated Assault (183/5)

Powerplay Dominance: Prabhsimran Singh (39 off 22) attacked Siraj, hitting 3 sixes.
Shreyas Iyer’s Masterclass: 76 off 48 balls, targeting RCB’s spinners (Wanindu Hasaraga conceded 44 in 4 overs).
Turning Point: Sam Curran’s 18-ball 34* in death overs, including 24 runs off Alzarri Joseph’s final over.

RCB’s Chase: Kohli’s Valiance & PBKS’s Spin Trap

Kohli-Faf Onslaught: 72/0 in 7 overs. Faf du Plessis’ 40 off 24 set the tone.
Spin Web: Liam Livingstone trapped Rajat Patidar (15) LBW, triggering a collapse. RCB lost 4/32 in 6 overs.
Kohli’s Last Stand: His 65 off 42 ended when Rahul Chahar’s googly rattled his stumps—ESPNCricinfo termed it “The Ball That Broke Bengaluru”.
Death Overs Surrender: Needing 42 off 18, Arshdeep Singh yorkers sealed RCB’s fate (175/8).

The Decisive Moment: Shreyas Iyer’s Roar

As Kohli’s stumps flew, Iyer’s roar echoed across the stadium—a viral moment symbolizing PBKS’s aggression. His post-match words: “We knew targeting Kohli was the key. This trophy is for Punjab’s fans who waited 16 years.”

Post-Match Highlights & Awards

Player of the Match: Shreyas Iyer (76 runs + tactical captaincy).
Purple Cap: Kagiso Rabada (26 wickets).
Orange Cap: Virat Kohli (710 runs).
Fair Play Award: RCB (for 3rd consecutive year).

IPL 2025 Final Legacy: More Than Just RCB vs PBKS

The RCB vs PBKS final will be remembered as a legacy match—PBKS ending their title drought and RCB facing their fourth final heartbreak. Kohli hinted at “structural changes” in the squad during the post-match conference.

Streaming Replay: Watch Free on JioHotstar

Missed the action? Jio users can stream the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 replays are free for Jio users. Non-Jio users can access highlights via Disney+ Hotstar’s mobile app.

Why PBKS Won: Data Behind the RCB vs PBKS Thriller

Spin Supremacy: PBKS spinners took 5 wickets at 7.2 economy vs RCB’s 2 at 9.4.
Death Bowling: PBKS conceded 32 runs in overs 18-20; RCB leaked 54.
Fielding Prowess: Jonny Bairstow’s catch to dismiss Maxwell had a 78% catch probability.

Fan Reactions: Memes & Meltdowns

Twitter erupted with “Ee Saala Cup Namde” (RCB’s slogan) memes after their 4th final loss.
PBKS fan edits of Shreyas Iyer as “Punjab’s Sher” (Lion) trended on Instagram.
Social media was flooded with RCB vs PBKS content. Twitter exploded with “Ee Saala Cup Namde” memes, while Instagram saw fan edits of Shreyas Iyer as “Punjab’s Sher.”

The Bigger Picture: IPL 2025 Legacy

PBKS’s win ends IPL’s longest title drought (new champions since Gujarat Titans, 2022). For RCB, Kohli hinted at “structural changes,” signaling potential off-season trades.

Conclusion: A Final For the Ages

The RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 final had everything—heroics, heartbreak, and historic triumph. PBKS’s maiden title win proves underdogs can thrive with shrewd leadership. As for RCB? Kohli’s parting words sting: “We’ll keep fighting.” But for now, Punjab’s roar drowns Bengaluru’s silence.

Relive key moments: Official IPL Highlights | PBKS Victory Parade Live | Kohli’s Season Stats