The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have secured their inaugural Indian Premier League title, snatching victory from the Punjab Kings by a narrow six-run margin in the grand finale, a triumph bolstered by Australian paceman Josh Hazlewood’s stellar performance.
Having previously finished as runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016, Bengaluru finally celebrated at the Narendra Modi Stadium, with Krunal Pandya’s exceptional figures of 2-17 from four overs playing a pivotal role in their success.
Virat Kohli was visibly emotional as his team clinched victory, marking the conclusion of the 18th season of the world’s premier T20 tournament.
EXCLUSIVE: Iconic Bears player discusses crucial next steps following Meninga’s signing
“This victory means as much to the fans as it does to us as a team. It has been an arduous journey spanning 18 years,” Kohli expressed, having been an integral part of Bengaluru since the competition’s inception in 2008.
“I’ve dedicated my youth and prime years to this team. I poured everything into it — I never dreamed this day would arrive. The emotion hit me as soon as the last ball was bowled.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli reacts after their win. AP
Kohli, however, maintained his devotion to Test cricket—the backbone of the sport—despite the celebration.
“This occasion is among the highlights of my career, yet it still pales in comparison to Test cricket,” he acknowledged.
“If you seek respect, pursue Test cricket.”
This serves as a timely reminder to cricketers around the globe who might find themselves torn between T20 financial rewards and the intangibles of respect and legacy.
Kohli was the top scorer for Bengaluru with a steady 43 runs from 35 deliveries, contributing to their total of 9-190 in 20 overs. Punjab’s quicks, Arshdeep Singh (3-40) and Kyle Jamieson (3-48), shared six wickets between them.
The Punjab response faltered after a promising start, and despite a consolation half-century from Shashank Singh, they ended up with 7-184 (20 overs).
Bengaluru opted to bat first, losing Phil Salt for 16 runs, which hampered Kohli’s momentum as he managed only three boundaries in a performance that was a departure from his usual explosive style. With this season concluded, he ends with 700 runs across 16 matches, placing him third among the top run-scorers.
Key partnerships were formed with Mayank Agarwal (24) and captain Rajat Patidar (26), whose contributions kept the scoreboard moving along nicely.
Azmatullah Omarzai claimed the crucial wicket of Kohli, while Jamieson struck again to dismiss Patidar lbw.
Jitesh Sharma then provided much-needed acceleration, smacking two sixes and two fours to finish with 24 runs from just 10 balls, while Liam Livingstone also made an impact with two sixes in his 25 off 15 deliveries.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli celebrates with the trophy. AP
From a precarious position of 4-131 in 14.5 overs, Bengaluru managed just enough to elevate their total past 190.
In response, Punjab looked promising at the beginning, with Priyansh Arya (24) and Prabhsimran Singh (26) stitching together a 43-run partnership off 30 balls.
Phil Salt showcased his fielding skills with a clever catch at the boundary to dismiss Arya, paving the way for Pandya’s subsequent strikes after the powerplay.
He dismissed Prabhsimran, who had been struggling despite a previous drop, before the pivotal moment occurred in the 10th over when Shreyas Iyer was caught behind off Romario Shepherd for just one run.
Josh Inglis contributed a brisk 39 runs off 23 deliveries, including four sixes, but he fell victim to Pandya in the 13th over, dealing a heavy blow to Punjab’s chase.
From that point onwards, the task proved daunting for Punjab as Bengaluru’s bowlers successfully restricted the run rate.
Although Shashank Singh held firm with an unbeaten 61 off 30 balls—featuring six sixes—his efforts merely narrowed the gap in the final scoreline.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
