IPL 2025 Final: RCB’s Emotional Charge & Kohli’s Last Dance

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“Ee Sala Cup Namde?”

For over a decade, this chant echoed more as a hopeful dream than a declaration. But in 2025, it’s not just a slogan — it’s a possibility.

“RCB is not just a team, it’s an emotion.”

And that emotion is running higher than ever as Royal Challengers Bangalore march into the IPL 2025 final — a stage they haven’t seen since 2016. With an army of fans behind them and a cricketing legend in Virat Kohli leading their emotional core, RCB is now just one step away from scripting history.

Let’s dive deep into what makes this IPL final not just another match — but a defining moment in the league’s history.

RCB in the Final — A Script Years in the Making

Royal Challengers Bangalore have always been IPL’s most glamorous yet tragic side — packed with firepower, followed by millions, but never crowned champions. As we approach the IPL 2025 final on June 3rd, emotions are running high. Why?

Because this isn’t just another final. This is a legacy-defining moment.

The Emotional Trinity: Why This Final Hits Different

1. RCB’s First Final Since 2016

The 2025 season has seen RCB overcome every narrative thrown their way — slow starters, underperformers, chokers. But this time, they’ve peaked when it mattered most. Backed by strong team performances and bold tactical calls, they’ve surged into the final. The hope? To end a 17-year trophy drought.

2. Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement — A Sign of a New Chapter

Just weeks ago, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket. An emotional farewell to the red ball has left fans wondering — could the IPL trophy be the perfect curtain call to his T20 franchise journey too?

In Kohli’s words after their Qualifier win:

“We’ve given everything for this jersey. The job’s not done. Yet.”

He may not be the captain anymore, but he’s still the heartbeat of RCB.

3. The Wait for a Trophy — 17 Seasons, 3 Final Losses

2009: Lost to Deccan Chargers
2011: Lost to Chennai Super Kings
2016: Lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad

Three heartbreaks. One fanbase that never gave up. One last chance in 2025?

The Team That’s Making It Happen

Led fiercely by Rajat Patidar, with the ever-reliable Virat Kohli anchoring the batting and the explosive Phil Salt setting the tone at the top, RCB has struck a perfect blend of power and precision.

The middle order has been bolstered by Liam Livingstone and Tim David, who’ve played vital finishing roles in pressure situations. All-rounders like Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya have added both depth and flexibility to the lineup.

In the bowling department, Josh Hazlewood has been a match-winner with the ball, supported effectively by Suyash Sharma’s spin and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s experience. The rise of young talents like Yash Dayal and Swapnil Singh has also added fresh energy to the attack.

Together, this team isn’t just performing — they’re peaking at the right time.

Key Stats This Season:

Virat Kohli: Scored over 600 runs this season — a pillar of consistency at the top and a master of pressure situations. Career IPL total now stands at 9030 runs.
Josh Hazlewood: RCB’s go-to weapon with the ball, striking regularly in powerplays and crucial death overs with a stunning 21 wickets.
Phil Salt: Delivered explosive starts, maintaining a strike rate over 160, setting the momentum early in key matches.
Liam Livingstone: A true middle-over enforcer, combining innovation and power to shift gears whenever needed.

Add to that young Indian talents and sharp strategies from the dugout, and you have a team that’s ready.

What Winning Would Mean

For RCB:

The end of a meme era — no more trolls about “Ee Sala Cup Namde”
Finally joining the elite list of IPL-winning franchises

For Kohli:

A crowning jewel in his already legendary career
Proof that legacy isn’t always measured by trophies — but when it comes, it feels complete

For the Fans:

Validation after years of heartbreak and hope
An emotional moment shared across generations, from Orkut-era fans to the Gen Z IPL meme squad

The Opponent Conundrum: MI or PBKS?

As of now, the final opponent will be decided by the upcoming match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Mumbai Indians (MI).

If MI wins: RCB faces a historically dominant franchise with five titles and a fierce head-to-head record.
If PBKS wins: It’s a clash of underdogs. Neither team has won an IPL title. The stakes? Unimaginably high.

RCB vs MI Rivalry

History: MI leads in head-to-head battles.
Challenge: MI’s big-match experience and depth.
RCB Edge: In-form top order and hunger for first trophy.

Winning Odds vs MI: 50%

RCB vs PBKS Matchup

History: More balanced rivalry.
Key Battle: Kohli vs Chahal — the former RCB spinner who now leads PBKS’ spin attack.
RCB Edge: All-round squad balance and finishing firepower.

Winning Odds vs PBKS: 60%

The Verdict

This isn’t just a final.

It’s a movement.
A redemption arc.
A potential fairytale ending for one of Indian cricket’s greatest icons.

Come June 3rd, whether you’re a diehard RCB fan or not, all eyes will be on Ahmedabad. Because if RCB lifts that trophy… it won’t just be history.

It’ll be IPL poetry.

📢 What do you think — will this finally be RCB’s Ee Sala Cup Namde?
Let us know in the comments or join the discussion on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Virat Kohli’s total run tally in IPL history?

As of May 31, 2025, Virat Kohli has amassed 9030 runs in 271 innings of 280 matches, making him the highest run-scorer in IPL history.

2. How many times has RCB reached the IPL final?

RCB has reached the IPL final four times: in 2009, 2011, 2016, and 2025.

3. Has Virat Kohli ever won the Orange Cap?

Yes, twice. Kohli won the Orange Cap in 2016, scoring a record-breaking 973 runs in a single season — still the highest in IPL history and again in 2024 with total 741 runs.

4. Who holds the record for most centuries in IPL history?

Virat Kohli holds the record with 8 centuries in the IPL, the most by any batter.

5. Which is RCB’s highest team total in IPL history?

RCB’s highest total is 263/5 against Pune Warriors India in 2013 — the highest team total in IPL history.

6. What is RCB’s lowest score ever in the IPL?

RCB holds the record for the lowest team total in IPL history, being bowled out for 49 runs against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2017.

7. Who has played the most matches for RCB?

Virat Kohli has played the most matches for RCB, with 280 appearances as of the 2025 season. Virat Kohli is the only player who has been with a single franchise since the inception of the IPL in 2008, having played exclusively for RCB throughout his career.

8. Who is RCB’s all-time leading wicket-taker?

Yuzvendra Chahal holds the record for the most wickets for RCB, with 139 wickets.

9. How many times has RCB finished at the top of the league stage?

RCB has finished top of the league standings once, in 2011.

10. Which RCB player has the fastest IPL century?

Chris Gayle scored the fastest century for RCB, reaching 100 runs in just 30 balls against Pune Warriors India in 2013.

11. What does RCB Fans slogans- Ee Sala Cup Namde means?

“Ee Sala Cup Namde” is a popular chant among Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans that means “This year, the cup is ours.” It has become a symbol of hope and loyalty, passionately echoed every IPL season as fans rally behind their team.