After 17 seasons of heartbreak, near-misses, and relentless hope, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has finally lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy. In a high-octane final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday, RCB edged past Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs, banishing the tag of perennial bridesmaids and etching their name into IPL folklore.
RCB, runners-up on three previous occasions, held their nerve in a tense finish to seal the win and send their legion of loyal fans into raptures. Chants of “Ee Sala Cup Namde” finally rang true as RCB’s bowlers rose to the occasion after the team posted 190 for nine — a total that initially looked underwhelming.
Rajat Patidar, in his debut season as captain, did what the likes of Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble could not — lead the franchise to IPL glory. Kohli, whose personal achievements across formats are legendary, now adds the elusive IPL title to his glittering resume.
In a match full of tension and drama, RCB’s bowlers delivered a masterclass. Medium-pacer Romario Shepherd struck a crucial early blow by dismissing PBKS mainstay Shreyas Iyer for just one. Shreyas, who had masterminded PBKS’s stunning chase in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians, was a major threat until Shepherd’s outside-off delivery nicked him off.
While Shepherd set the tone, it was Krunal Pandya who stifled PBKS’s middle order. The veteran left-arm spinner delivered a clinical four-over spell, giving away just 17 runs and removing Josh Inglis and Prabhsimran Singh. His spell applied the brakes at a critical juncture, making it difficult for PBKS to build momentum.
PBKS’s last hope, Shashank Singh, launched a valiant counterattack with a blistering unbeaten 61 off just 30 balls, including six sixes. But with wickets falling at the other end and the required rate climbing, the task proved too steep.
Earlier, RCB struggled on a wet surface following pre-match showers. Phil Salt’s brief cameo provided some early spark, while Kohli anchored the innings with a measured 43 off 35 balls. The run rate dipped below nine an over at one point, prompting Jitesh Sharma to inject urgency with a rapid-fire 24 off just 10 balls.
PBKS may have felt confident at the halfway mark, having kept RCB under 200. But their hopes crumbled under scoreboard pressure and RCB’s disciplined bowling.
After years of waiting, RCB fans finally have their moment. The curse is broken. The cup is theirs.
