RCB's Triumph: A Long-Awaited IPL Victory After 18 Years

On June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year quest for an Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. 

This victory, celebrated by fans worldwide, marks a historic moment for a franchise long admired for its passionate fanbase but equally trolled for its inability to clinch the coveted trophy. RCB’s journey to the 2025 championship is a testament to resilience, strategic transformation, and a collective effort that silenced critics and delivered a maiden title.

Since their inception in 2008, RCB have been a fan favorite, largely due to the presence of cricketing icon Virat Kohli, the team’s heart and soul. Despite boasting star-studded lineups over the years, including players like Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Kohli himself, RCB’s trophy cabinet remained empty. The team reached the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, only to fall short each time. This consistent failure fueled a barrage of trolls and memes, with fans and rivals mocking RCB’s “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This year, the cup is ours) slogan. Social media platforms, especially X, amplified the backlash, with jibes targeting Kohli’s leadership and the team’s over-reliance on batting firepower.

The 2025 season, however, showcased a transformed RCB. Under new captain Rajat Patidar, the team displayed unprecedented balance and resilience. Unlike previous seasons, where RCB’s batting-heavy approach often overshadowed their bowling, this year’s squad was meticulously crafted. The bowling trio of Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yash Dayal delivered consistently, with Hazlewood claiming 18 wickets in 10 games. The team’s strategic overhaul, guided by head coach Andy Flower and batting coach Dinesh Karthik, emphasized adaptability and depth. Krunal Pandya’s match-winning performance in the final, coupled with Kohli’s anchoring 44 off 35 balls, exemplified this shift. RCB’s ability to defend 190/6 against a strong PBKS side highlighted their newfound bowling prowess, a stark contrast to their historically fragile attacks.

RCB’s success in 2025 was also marked by their impeccable away record, becoming the first IPL team to win all seven away games in a season. Their dominant eight-wicket victory over PBKS in Qualifier 1 and a record chase of 228 against Lucknow Super Giants, led by Jitesh Sharma’s explosive 85* off 33 balls, underscored their ability to perform under pressure. These performances dispelled the narrative of RCB as perennial underachievers, proving their mettle on the biggest stage.

The trolls and backlash, while painful, galvanized RCB’s fanbase and players. Kohli, often the target of criticism for his “Test mode” batting, reinvented himself with a strike rate that stood out in his third consecutive 600+ run season. The team’s management, backed by United Spirits Limited, invested in a robust support system, fostering a culture of unity and perseverance. As Ambati Rayudu noted, “It’s time for the great city of Bangalore to win,” reflecting the sentiment that RCB’s victory was a triumph for their loyal supporters.

This championship is more than a trophy; it’s a redemption arc for RCB, silencing 18 years of doubters and trolls. As Kohli lifted the cup, tears in his eyes, the victory symbolized not just a team’s success but a city’s unwavering belief.

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