The Indian Premier League has consistently delivered high-octane drama, breathtaking skill, and unforgettable moments. The 2025 season was no exception, culminating in a spectacular final that had cricket fans on the edge of their seats. The stage was set at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a colossal arena packed with over a hundred thousand roaring fans. After a grueling season of intense competition, two titans of the league, the resurgent Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the ever-consistent Chennai Super Kings, earned their places in the ultimate showdown. It was a clash of titans, a battle of strategies, and a test of nerve, with the coveted IPL trophy on the line.
The Road to the Final
Both teams carved out impressive paths to the final, though their journeys were markedly different.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Led by the calm and astute Ruturaj Gaikwad, CSK showcased their trademark consistency throughout the tournament. They built their campaign on a foundation of experienced players and clutch performances. Their top order, featuring Gaikwad and the explosive Rachin Ravindra, consistently provided strong starts. The middle order, anchored by stalwarts like Shivam Dube and Daryl Mitchell, provided the necessary firepower. Their bowling attack, a well-oiled machine led by Deepak Chahar and the wily Matheesha Pathirana, was adept at defending totals and applying pressure during crucial phases. CSK’s journey was a masterclass in game management, as they methodically dismantled opponents to secure a top-two finish in the league stage.
https://livecricket.live/ruturaj-gaikwad-replacement-in-ipl-2025/
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): RCB’s season was a tale of two halves. After a shaky start that saw them languishing in the bottom half of the table, they orchestrated one of the most remarkable comebacks in IPL history. Under the passionate leadership of Faf du Plessis and fueled by the genius of Virat Kohli, RCB transformed into an unstoppable force. They won a string of must-win games, each victory more dramatic than the last. The emergence of young talents like Will Jacks and the consistent form of Glenn Maxwell gave their batting lineup a formidable look. Mohammed Siraj spearheaded the bowling attack with renewed vigor, supported brilliantly by Lockie Ferguson’s raw pace. Their surge into the final was driven by pure belief, aggression, and a refusal to give up.
The Toss and Team Strategies
On a hot and humid evening in Ahmedabad, Ruturaj Gaikwad won the toss and, without hesitation, elected to bowl first. The decision was based on the prevailing dew factor, which often makes gripping the ball difficult for bowlers in the second innings. CSK aimed to restrict RCB to a manageable total and then chase it down under the lights. RCB, tasked with setting a target, knew they needed a substantial score to challenge the deep batting lineup of Chennai. Their strategy was clear: play with the same aggressive intent that had brought them to the final.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings: A Tale of Two Paces
RCB’s innings began with the familiar and formidable pair of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. The duo started cautiously against the disciplined new-ball attack of Deepak Chahar and Tushar Deshpande. The first three overs yielded only 18 runs as the CSK bowlers maintained tight lines. However, the shackles were broken in the fourth over when Kohli unleashed a series of exquisite cover drives. Du Plessis joined the party, and together they took RCB to a solid 55/0 at the end of the powerplay.
The partnership blossomed, with Kohli anchoring the innings and du Plessis taking on the spinners. Just as it seemed RCB was laying the foundation for a massive total, Ravindra Jadeja produced a moment of magic. He deceived du Plessis with a flighted delivery, and the RCB skipper was caught at long-on for a well-made 45. Will Jacks, the next man in, tried to continue the momentum but was soon dismissed by a clever slower ball from Shardul Thakur.
At 90/2 in the 11th over, the onus fell squarely on Virat Kohli. He reached his half-century with a deft single, his focus unwavering. Glenn Maxwell, known for his explosive hitting, had a brief and fiery stay at the crease, hitting two massive sixes before being outsmarted by Maheesh Theekshana’s carrom ball. RCB’s run rate began to dip as CSK’s spinners tightened their grip.
The real fireworks began in the final four overs. Kohli, now batting with the finisher Dinesh Karthik, shifted gears dramatically. He targeted the pace of Matheesha Pathirana, hitting him for a series of boundaries with incredible wristwork. Karthik played a vital cameo, using his experience to find gaps and hit crucial fours. Kohli remained unbeaten, finishing with a magnificent 92 off just 58 balls—a masterclass in building an innings under pressure. Thanks to the late surge, RCB posted a competitive total of 188/5 on the board.
Chennai Super Kings Chase: A Calculated Pursuit
Chasing 189 for their sixth IPL title, CSK’s openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra walked out with a clear plan. They knew a blistering start was essential. Mohammed Siraj, leading the RCB attack, bowled with fire, but the CSK pair was up to the task. Ravindra, in particular, was aggressive from the outset, hitting a flurry of boundaries. Gaikwad played the supporting role, rotating the strike and ensuring the scoreboard kept moving. CSK raced to 62/0 at the end of the powerplay, putting them ahead of the required run rate.
https://livecricket.live/ruturaj-gaikwad-replacement-in-ipl-2025/
The partnership was finally broken by Karn Sharma’s leg-spin, as Ravindra (41 off 25) miscued a shot and was caught in the deep. This brought Daryl Mitchell to the crease. Gaikwad, who had been playing second fiddle, now took charge. He targeted the spinners, using his feet brilliantly to hit down the ground. The partnership between Gaikwad and Mitchell added a crucial 65 runs, keeping CSK firmly in control of the chase.
Just when it looked like CSK might run away with the game, Lockie Ferguson was brought back into the attack. He delivered a thunderbolt at over 150 km/h that crashed into Gaikwad’s stumps, dismissing the CSK captain for a superb 72. The stadium erupted, and RCB sensed an opening. The pressure mounted as Shivam Dube struggled to find his timing against Ferguson’s pace.
The Turning Point
The match hung in the balance with CSK needing 45 runs from the last four overs. Mohammed Siraj was handed the ball for the 17th over. It was a moment that could define the match. Dube, who had been quiet, finally connected with a powerful pull shot for six. However, Siraj responded brilliantly. On the very next ball, he bowled a searing yorker that uprooted Dube’s middle stump. The dismissal was a massive blow to CSK. Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni were now at the crease, the two most experienced finishers in the team, with a challenging task ahead.
The 18th over, bowled by Yash Dayal, was tight, conceding only seven runs. With 29 needed off the final 12 balls, the pressure was immense. Ferguson returned for the 19th over. Jadeja managed a boundary off the first ball, but Ferguson’s pace and accuracy kept the batsmen in check. He conceded just 10 runs, leaving CSK with a daunting 19 runs to get from the final over.
The Final Over: Drama at its Peak
Mohammed Siraj, RCB’s best bowler of the night, was entrusted with the final over. MS Dhoni was on strike. The crowd was a sea of tension and anticipation.
- Ball 1: Siraj bowls a full-length delivery outside off. Dhoni swings and misses. Dot ball. (19 needed off 5)
- Ball 2: A low full toss. Dhoni drills it straight down the ground. It looks like a certain six, but Faf du Plessis at long-on pulls off a stunning athletic catch, leaping and plucking the ball out of the air. The stadium is in stunned silence. Dhoni walks back, and with him, a large part of CSK’s hopes. (19 needed off 4)
- Ball 3: Shardul Thakur is the new batsman. Siraj delivers another perfect yorker. Thakur can only dig it out for a single. (18 needed off 3)
- Ball 4: Jadeja on strike. He shuffles across and attempts a scoop shot but fails to connect properly. They scramble for a single. (17 needed off 2)
- Ball 5: Siraj holds his nerve, bowling another dot ball to Thakur. The game is sealed.
- Ball 6: A formality. Thakur takes a single, and the RCB players erupt in joyous celebration.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru had won the match by 15 runs.
The Champions: A Journey of Belief
The scenes of celebration were emotional and unrestrained. The RCB players, staff, and fans had waited for this moment for years. Tears of joy streamed down Virat Kohli’s face as he embraced his teammates. Faf du Plessis lifted the trophy, a culmination of a season defined by resilience, courage, and an unbreakable team spirit. Their incredible comeback from the brink of elimination to champions will be remembered as one of the greatest stories in IPL history.
Virat Kohli was deservedly named the Player of the Match for his anchor innings of 92*, which proved to be the difference. Ruturaj Gaikwad’s valiant 72 went in vain, but he was lauded for his exceptional leadership throughout the season.
The IPL 2025 final was more than just a game of cricket. It was a testament to the power of self-belief and the magic of teamwork. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, it was a dream realized, a long wait ended, and a victory that will be cherished forever. They were not just the winners; they were the embodiment of a team that dared to believe when no one else did.
FAQs – IPL 2025 Final Winner
1. Who won the IPL 2025 Final?
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the final by 6 runs, claiming their first-ever IPL title.
2. What was the final score?
– RCB scored 190/9 and restricted Punjab Kings to 184/7 in a thrilling finish.
3. Who was the Player of the Match?
– Krunal Pandya was awarded the Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
4. Was this RCB’s first IPL title?
– Yes, after 18 seasons, RCB finally won their first IPL championship in 2025.
5. What was the turning point of the match?
– Despite a strong innings by Shashank Singh (61*), RCB’s tight bowling at the death, especially by Mohammed Siraj and Lockie Ferguson, turned the game in their favor.
Conclusion:
The IPL 2025 Final marked a historic moment in the league’s history. RCB’s maiden title win ended nearly two decades of heartbreaks and near misses. The final was a thrilling contest that showcased the importance of teamwork, composure under pressure, and strategic decision-making.