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The IPL 2025 season has concluded with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifting their maiden title after an 18-year wait. RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final in Ahmedabad on 3 June. The victory marked a historic moment for the players and support staff, but most importantly, for the ever-passionate RCB fanbase.
Batting first in the final, RCB posted a competitive total of 191 runs. In reply, PBKS gave a tough fight but fell short by six runs, managing 184/7 in their 20 overs. While many players contributed to the win, it was their all-rounder Krunal Pandya who stood out with a remarkable bowling performance.
Pandya delivered a masterclass in the middle overs, picking up two crucial wickets for just 17 runs in his full quota of four overs. What stood out in his spell was his brilliant understanding of the pitch conditions. By adjusting his pace and bowling slower through the air, he managed to deceive the PBKS batters effectively.
He unsettled the PBKS innings by removing two batters who had looked dangerous at the crease — Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis. Both had started their innings with intent, but Krunal’s variations halted their progress.
For his match-winning spell, Krunal Pandya was awarded the Player of the Match, making it his second time winning the prestigious honour in an IPL final. He had previously earned the award in the 2017 IPL final while playing for the Mumbai Indians (MI).
In that match, he scored 47 runs off 38 deliveries as MI posted 129/8 while batting first. MI eventually edged out their opponents by just one run, and Krunal’s innings played a pivotal role in that win.
With this performance, Krunal Pandya has now etched his name in the history books by becoming the only player to win the Player of the Match award in two different IPL finals.
Here is the list of Player of the Match winners in the Finals
Season |
Player of the match |
Team |
2008 |
Yusuf Pathan |
RR |
2009 |
Anil Kumble |
RCB |
2010 |
Suresh Raina |
CSK |
2011 |
Murali Vijay |
CSK |
2012 |
Manvinder Bisla |
KKR |
2013 |
Kieron Pollard |
MI |
2014 |
Manish Pandey |
KKR |
2015 |
Rohit Sharma |
MI |
2016 |
Ben Cutting |
SRH |
2017 |
Krunal Pandya |
MI |
2018 |
Shane Watson |
CSK |
2019 |
Jasprit Bumrah |
MI |
2020 |
Trent Boult |
MI |
2021 |
Faf du Plessis |
CSK |
2022 |
Hardik Pandya |
GT |
2023 |
Devon Conway |
CSK |
2024 |
Mitchell Starc |
KKR |
2025 |
Krunal Pandya |
RCB |
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