IPL 2025 Final: The Unsung Heroes Behind RCB’s Maiden Title – Beyond Kohli’s Slow Knock. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke the 17-year curse with a nail-biting victory by 6 runs over Punjab Kings at the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad. Much has been made of Virat Kohli’s slow knock of 43 off 35 balls; however, the win truly came from a team effort, with several individuals contributing outstanding performances to this historic victory.
Krunal Pandya – Man of the Match in IPL 2025 Final
He (2/17 in 4 overs) moved the game in RCB’s favour with his match-winning spell in the middle overs. Krunal not only halted the flow of runs but also took two important wickets in the form of Josh Inglis and Prabhsimran Singh at the exact moment. His calm under pressure earned him the Man of the Match award, and rightfully so.
Also Read: Mumbai Indians Might Release These Five Players Before IPL 2026 Auction
Rajat Patidar – The Captain
Leading from the front, skipper Patidar played a crucial anchor role (26 off 16 balls) during a tricky phase after early wickets fell. His cool temperament and decision led RCB to their 1st IPL trophy after 17 years.
Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma
Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma’s quickfire 25 and 24 on 15 and 10 balls, respectively, at a high strike rate changed the game for RCB, so that RCB won the match by a slight margin of 6 runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Experience at the Death
Bhuvi’s experience came through in the 17th over when he held his nerve and took crucial wickets of Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis. His tight spell ensured that Punjab went into the final over needing more than they could manage.
Romario Shepherd – All Round effort
Though slightly expensive, Romario provided the decisive breakthrough by dismissing the dangerous captain Shreyas Iyer, who was threatening to take the game away. He also scored a quickfire 17 off 9 balls.
Yash Dayal
Yash Dayal took just one wicket but bowled with discipline, particularly during the powerplay and 18th over, giving only 5 runs. His tight line and length built pressure that eventually led to wickets at the other end.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Awards List: Winner, Runners-up, Orange, Purple Cap, MVP, Prize Money And Other Details
This is not about a single performance that led to RCB’s first IPL win, but a whole team’s effort. Kohli was the stabiliser, but it was a solid team performance – Krunal’s spells, Bhuvi’s calmness, Romario’s breakthroughs, Patidar’s leadership, and Jitesh’s awareness. This group may not have relished the headlines, but these were the true unsung heroes of IPL 2025’s finale.
