
Credit: IPL
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) thirst for their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy ended with their six-run victory in the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium on June 3. Throughout the competition, Challengers played fiercely to lift the coveted trophy for the first time. Their bowling unit played an essential role in the success as it looked dominant in the majority of the competition.
Besides bowling attack, their veteran batter Virat Kohli also proved why he is the man of big tournaments. In the marquee T20 competition, he smashed 657 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 144.71 and ended up as the leading run-scorer for his team in the T20 extravaganza. Noting RCB’s scintillating campaign in IPL’s 18th edition, SportsTiger has come up with some intriguing facts related to 18 linked to the 2025 champion side and their veteran Virat Kohli.
Virat Kohli’s jersey number 18
Virat Kohli’s jersey number 18 has proven auspicious for him this season as he not only won the trophy but also made a crucial contribution with his bat. Back in 2011, the right-handed batter got jersey number 18 after Cameron White’s departure to Deccan Chargers. For the first three seasons, White wore number 18 jersey for RCB and then, Kohli used to wear the number five jersey.
Since 2011, Kohli‘s batting numbers have soared magnificently. In 2013, his position was also elevated in the team as he became the skipper of the side. In 2016, he was in red-hot form but couldn’t win the title as captain but this year, he looked phenomenal as an opener and also did an extraordinary job with his bat.
RCB lifted the trophy in the 18th season
RCB won the trophy in the 18th season under Rajat Patidar. From the start of the tournament, Challengers supporters were linking Kohli’s 18 number jersey with RCB’s lucky charm. Coincidentally, it turned out to be true as Bengaluru finally emerged as the best in the season among all 10 teams. Playing IPL for 17 seasons, RCB got eminent figures as their captains. Players such as Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Kohli, and Faf du Plessis led this side but Rajat Patidar, with his captaincy prowess, helped the team to have their hands on the trophy.
RCB won the final on 03/06/2025
Challengers won the title on 03/06/2025. Combining these figures, number 18 will be formed. Finally, Bengaluru on this day held their nerves and beat PBKS by six runs eventually. Batting first after losing the toss, RCB posted 190/9 in their 20 overs. Virat Kohli chipped in with a steady knock of 43 off 35 in his team's win. Krunal Pandya showcased his best with the ball in the game and contributed to RCB, bagging 2/17 figures in his four overs.