Ahmedabad: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally claimed their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings in a nail-biting final at Narendra Modi Stadium. The Rajat Patidar-led side successfully defended a total of 190, holding Punjab Kings to 184 for a thrilling six-run victory. The win marked the end of an 18-year quest for the coveted trophy, with celebrations spilling into the night.
Virat Kohli, RCB’s talisman, was visibly emotional, collapsing to his knees and shedding tears of joy before being mobbed by teammates. The former captain, a cornerstone of the franchise since its inception, became the focal point of the victory festivities. At the team hotel, Kohli joined captain Patidar in lively dance moves, mimicking the performers who greeted the squad. Social media captured the moment, with images shared via X/@RCBTweets showing the players letting loose after the hard-fought win.
Patidar, fully embracing the moment, took center stage alongside the dancers, while all-rounder Krunal Pandya also joined the revelry, showcasing his moves after a stellar performance in the final. The victory was a collective effort, with RCB’s disciplined bowling and strategic batting proving decisive. Punjab Kings put up a strong fight, but RCB’s composure under pressure secured their historic triumph.
Andy Flower, RCB’s director of cricket, praised the team’s achievement, singling out Kohli’s contribution and the squad’s unity. The celebrations, filled with joy and relief, underscored the significance of the win for a franchise that had previously fallen short in three IPL finals. Fans, long yearning for this moment, are now eagerly awaiting a trophy parade to cap off the historic achievement.
