The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) will be remembered as one of the most emotionally charged and thrilling chapters in the tournament’s rich history. For years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were considered the “underdogs” or “the best team never to win the IPL.” That changed dramatically in 2025 when RCB finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy, putting an end to a title drought that lasted since the league’s inception in 2008.
This win answered questions fans had long asked, such as: “Which year RCB won IPL first season?” The answer is now loud and proud—2025. And to answer the questions, “Who won 2025 IPL?” and “Who was the winner of 18th season of IPL?” — it was none other than Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
RCB’s Road to Glory: IPL 2025 Journey
Under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, and with Virat Kohli acting as the emotional heartbeat of the side, RCB had a dream run through the league stage, playoffs, and eventually the final.
RCB’s IPL 2025 Key Stats
| Stage | Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| League Match | Mumbai Indians | Won by 4 wkts | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| League Match | Gujarat Titans | Won by 12 runs | M. Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru |
| Qualifier 1 | Rajasthan Royals | Won by 8 runs | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Final | Punjab Kings | Won by 6 runs | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
RCB won 9 out of 14 league matches and topped the table along with Punjab Kings (PBKS), both securing direct entry to the playoffs.
IPL 2025 Final: A Night to Remember
Final Match Summary: RCB vs PBKS
| Team | Score | Top Scorer | Best Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCB | 190/6 | Virat Kohli – 44 (35) | Krunal Pandya – 2/27 |
| PBKS | 184/8 | Shikhar Dhawan – 52(36) | Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 1/24 |
| Result | RCB won by 6 runs | — | — |
The final saw Virat Kohli anchoring the innings with a measured 44, supported by middle-order cameos. RCB’s bowling unit, led by Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, held their nerves as PBKS fell short by 6 runs.
Emotional Victory for Virat Kohli
Arguably the most emotional moment of IPL 2025 was seeing Virat Kohli in tears after finally winning the trophy with the franchise he remained loyal to for 18 seasons. Videos of him hugging teammates, waving the RCB flag, and shedding tears of joy with his wife Anushka Sharma by his side, broke the internet.
He said in the post-match interview:
“I’ve waited for this moment my entire IPL career. This means everything.”
IPL 2025 Award Winners
The season also saw some spectacular individual performances, with several stars walking away with trophies in the award ceremony.
IPL 2025 Individual Awards Table
| Award | Player | Team | Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Cap (Most Runs) | Sai Sudharsan | Gujarat Titans | 759 Runs |
| Purple Cap (Most Wickets) | Prasidh Krishna | Gujarat Titans | 25 Wickets |
| MVP of the Season | Suryakumar Yadav | Mumbai Indians | 320.5 Points (Bat + Field Impact) |
| Emerging Player of the Year | Sai Sudharsan | Gujarat Titans | Consistent knocks + Match winning roles |
| Best Catch of the Season | Glenn Maxwell | RCB | One-handed blinder vs KKR |
Two-Time Back-to-Back Champions: Salt & Suyash
Interestingly, Phil Salt and Suyash Sharma, who played for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2024 and won that year, were part of the RCB squad in 2025, thereby becoming two-time consecutive IPL champions with different teams.
| Player | Team in 2024 | Team in 2025 | Result in 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Salt | KKR | RCB | Champion |
| Suyash Sharma | KKR | RCB | Champion |
Final Points Table – IPL 2025
| Rank | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punjab Kings | 14 | 10 | 4 | 20 | +0.754 |
| 2 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 14 | 10 | 4 | 20 | +0.693 |
| 3 | Rajasthan Royals | 14 | 9 | 5 | 18 | +0.500 |
| 4 | Gujarat Titans | 14 | 8 | 6 | 16 | +0.243 |
| … | … | … | … | … | … | … |
Celebrations Marred by Stampede in Bengaluru
While the RCB fans erupted with joy across India, tragedy struck in Bengaluru during the victory parade at Chinnaswamy Stadium. A stampede due to overcrowding claimed the lives of 11 people. Questions were raised about event planning and police arrangements.
| Incident Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Event | RCB Victory Parade |
| Reported Deaths | 11 |
| Cause | Stampede due to mismanagement of crowd |
| Government Response | CM ordered investigation, suspended officers |
Fans’ Reactions
- “We waited 18 years for this. Finally, we can say RCB are IPL champions!”
- “Kohli deserves this more than anyone else in IPL history.”
- “This win was not just a title—it was redemption, legacy, and love.”
What’s Next for RCB?
With the monkey off their back, RCB now has a platform to build a championship culture. Kohli may consider stepping back or retiring from the IPL, having fulfilled his ultimate dream. Youngsters like Rajat Patidar, Suyash Sharma, and others could form the core of RCB’s next generation.
Final Words
The 2025 IPL season was an emotional roller coaster. It wasn’t just about cricket—it was about dreams, redemption, and writing history. RCB’s triumph in the 18th edition of the IPL has redefined their legacy and provided fans with a story they will tell for generations.
So now, the answers are crystal clear:
- Which year RCB won IPL first season? – 2025
- Who won 2025 IPL? – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Who was the winner of 18th season of IPL? – Royal Challengers Bengaluru
This wasn’t just a trophy—it was a symbol of belief, struggle, and victory.
Anurag is the founder and editor of SportsScroller.com, a premier platform dedicated to delivering comprehensive coverage of various sports, including cricket, football, volleyball, basketball, and chess. With a deep passion for sports journalism, Anurag ensures that the content is both engaging and informative, catering to sports enthusiasts and professionals alike. Because of his passion and under his leadership, SportsScroller.com has become a trusted source for the latest sports news, in-depth analyses, and insightful articles, reflecting his commitment to excellence in sports media.
