After 18 years of wait, Bengaluru is ready for the historic RCB Victory Parade
The long wait is finally over - Royal Challengers Bangalore beat Punjab Kings by six runs to be crowned the new champions of the Indian Premier League. Virat Kohli hit 43 to guide RCB to a score of 190/9, but Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya closed the door on Punjab's path to victory. But beyond the stats, this win carries the weight of 18 years of close defeats, heartbreak and the unwavering loyalty of fans.
Now, it's time for Bengaluru to celebrate. An emotional and proud Virat Kohli announced that a victory parade and special celebrations will be held in the city, urging fans to join him, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle - who are all present in Ahmedabad - in the historic homecoming. Star Sports responded, confirming: "Yes! We are covering it, Virat," with live coverage starting at 8:30 am IST on Wednesday.
The parade promises to be more than just a ride - it's a tribute to the fans who have stood by their team year after year. The streets of Bengaluru will be awash in red and gold and chants of "RCB! RCB!" will reverberate throughout the city. Wednesday is set to be an emotional and unforgettable day of celebration for the fans, Kohli and RCB.
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| Kohli Lifted IPL Trophy |
All you need to know about RCB's grand celebrations in Bengaluru
After 18 long years of heartbreak, closeness and unwavering loyalty, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally lifted their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy on Tuesday night. In a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs to write an unforgettable chapter in franchise history. Virat Kohli, who has been the face of RCB for nearly two decades, led the celebrations and emotions were high. But Kohli didn't just have the trophy in his hands - he also had millions of hearts across the world celebrating with him. During the post-match celebrations, Kohli announced that RCB fans in Bengaluru can expect something really special.
A night of redemption for RCB
After eighteen years of hope, heartbreak and close defeats, Royal Challengers Bangalore finally won.
The franchise, considered the IPL's biggest underachiever, finally lifted its first trophy under the floodlights of Ahmedabad.
Head coach Andy Flower praised the team's belief and resilience, especially their ability to bounce back from difficult times in the season.
Kohli dedicated the win to the fans and said it was one of the best moments of his career. The final over, the hugs after the last wicket and Kohli giving the trophy to RCB fans was a fairytale ending - loyalty finally rewarded.
RCB's batting falters but still registers a win
Despite scoring 190/9, RCB's batting unit left much to be desired. After a strong powerplay of 55/1, the middle overs were a let-down. None of the middle-order batsmen made the most of their starts - Agarwal (24), Patidar (26) and Livingstone (25) all departed without scoring. Kohli's laboured innings hit just three boundaries.
Jitesh Sharma and Shepherd batted strongly in the death overs but Arshdeep Singh's brilliant final over, in which he took three wickets and conceded just three runs, prevented a 200-plus total.
Hazlewood, Pandya demolish Punjab
Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya troubled Punjab Kings at crucial junctures with disciplined spells.
Hazlewood, who returned from injury, provided the early breakthrough and defended 29 runs in the final over.
Krunal's tight spell (4-0-17-2) reduced run-scoring opportunities and dismissed dangerous batsmen like Inglis.
Romario Shepherd further derailed PBKS' road to victory by dismissing skipper Shreyas Iyer for one.
Despite Shashank Singh's unbeaten 61 off 30 balls, the climb turned out to be too steep. Hazlewood's clever variations and ability to stay calm under pressure sealed the match, showing the resolve of RCB's bowling at the most crucial time.
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| A huge Crowd Out of Ahmedabad Cricket Stadium Last Night |
Red wave sweeps across Ahmedabad
Over 91,000 fans turned the Narendra Modi Stadium into a sea of red as RCB's loyal supporters dominated the final with their chants and unwavering spirit. Kohli's iconic jersey number 18 was seen in the stands, and every shot he played was met with loud applause.
When the final wicket fell and RCB won by six runs, the atmosphere was electric, almost ecstatic.
Kohli fell to the ground heaving a sigh of relief, embraced by his teammates. Fans who had suffered heartbreak in the 2009, 2011 and 2016 finals finally got their night of redemption - a dream come true after 18 years of unwavering support.
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Kohli takes lead in final
Royal Challengers Bangalore's heartthrob Virat Kohli once again proved his worth on the biggest stage by scoring 43 runs off 35 balls in the IPL 2025 final. While it was by no means a spontaneous innings, it was exactly what the team needed on a difficult Ahmedabad pitch.
Kohli, who has now played all 18 seasons for RCB, played his part even after Phil Salt was dismissed early. He forged crucial partnerships with Mayank Agarwal and Rajat Patidar but was dismissed off the bowling of Azmatullah Umarzai, showing his disappointment clearly.
For Kohli, lifting the IPL trophy after years of near-losses was a moment full of emotions, legacy and loyalty.
After nearly two decades of misery, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have finally won their maiden IPL trophy by beating Punjab Kings by six runs in Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli's top score of 43 and disciplined bowling from Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood ensured an emotional win.
While celebrations were on across India, all eyes are now on Bengaluru, where the city is gearing up for a grand homecoming.
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| RCB Victory Prade |
Kohli confirmed that the victory parade and fan celebrations will be attended by legends AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. Star Sports announced the special coverage from 8:30 am on Wednesday, following which fans thronged social media and the streets.
RCB's loyal supporters, who have been with the team through thick and thin, will see their long-awaited dream come true as the city turns into a red and gold carnival in honour of their victorious team.
