Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) etched their names into history with a thrilling six-run win over Punjab Kings in the final of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), marking the franchise’s first title in 18 seasons. Here are five key takeaways from a dramatic and historic edition of the IPL:
Kohli's long wait ends in glory
After nearly two decades in the IPL, Virat Kohli finally got his hands on the elusive trophy. The 36-year-old RCB icon, donning his trademark number 18, led from the front with a vital 43 in the final, helping set a target of 190.
Kohli’s consistent performance throughout the tournament — 657 runs in 15 innings with eight fifties — was instrumental in Bengaluru's triumph. Emotions flowed freely as Kohli lifted the trophy, calling it the reward for giving his “youth and prime” to the team. The crowd of 91,000 in Ahmedabad roared as “King Kohli” finally had his crowning moment.
Shreyas Iyer shines despite final heartbreak
Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer had a standout season, steering his side to the top of the league and into their second IPL final. With 604 runs, including a heroic 87 against Mumbai Indians, Iyer justified his record $3.17 million price tag.
Though Punjab fell just short in the final, coach Ricky Ponting hailed Iyer's development, saying, “He has grown as a person, as a player and a leader.”
14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi takes the world by storm
Rajasthan Royals’ teenage sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest-ever IPL player — and immediately grabbed global headlines. The 14-year-old announced himself with a six off his very first ball and soon followed it with a blistering 35-ball century, the second-fastest in IPL history.
Bought for $130,500 as a 13-year-old, Suryavanshi finished the season with a memorable 57 in his final game, marking the arrival of a generational talent.
Record signing Pant fails to deliver
Lucknow Super Giants' $3.21 million splurge on Rishabh Pant proved a misfire. The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman struggled with form and leadership, contributing just 269 runs from 13 innings.
Despite a late flourish — a 118-run knock against RCB — Pant’s poor returns and Lucknow’s early elimination underscored the risk of betting big on star power without form to back it.
Geopolitical tension halts play
In an unprecedented turn, the IPL was suspended on May 9 following cross-border conflict between India and Pakistan. A match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala was abandoned as air raid sirens rang out and military tensions escalated.
Players were evacuated via train after airspace closures, and the tournament only resumed on May 17 under a temporary ceasefire. Australian pacer Mitchell Starc, among those caught in the disruption, chose not to return. The final was delayed by over a week, highlighting the tournament’s vulnerability to regional instability.
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