Royal Challengers Bengaluru Break 18-Year Wait, Win First Title in 2025
The Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s most popular T20 cricket tournament, has given fans unforgettable moments since its start in 2008. Over the years, the league has seen thrilling finals, underdog stories, dominant dynasties, and emotional victories.
The IPL 2025 edition witnessed history being made as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their maiden trophy after 18 years of waiting. RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in a nail-biting final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, breaking their streak of heartbreaks in previous finals (2009, 2011, 2016).
With this victory, RCB joined the elite list of IPL champions, becoming the eighth franchise to win the title.
IPL Trophy Winners (2008–2025): Year-wise List
Here’s a complete list of IPL winners and runners-up from 2008 to 2025:
Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Winning Margin | Venue |
---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | Rajasthan Royals | Chennai Super Kings | 3 wickets | DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai |
2009 | Deccan Chargers | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 6 runs | Johannesburg |
2010 | Chennai Super Kings | Mumbai Indians | 22 runs | DY Patil Stadium, Mumbai |
2011 | Chennai Super Kings | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 58 runs | MA Chidambaram, Chennai |
2012 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Chennai Super Kings | 5 wickets | MA Chidambaram, Chennai |
2013 | Mumbai Indians | Chennai Super Kings | 23 runs | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
2014 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Punjab Kings | 3 wickets | Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
2015 | Mumbai Indians | Chennai Super Kings | 41 runs | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 8 runs | Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
2017 | Mumbai Indians | Rising Pune Supergiant | 1 run | Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad |
2018 | Chennai Super Kings | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 8 wickets | Wankhede, Mumbai |
2019 | Mumbai Indians | Chennai Super Kings | 1 run | Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad |
2020 | Mumbai Indians | Delhi Capitals | 5 wickets | Dubai |
2021 | Chennai Super Kings | Kolkata Knight Riders | 27 runs | Dubai |
2022 | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals | 7 wickets | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
2023 | Chennai Super Kings | Gujarat Titans | 5 wickets (DLS) | Ahmedabad |
2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 8 wickets | MA Chidambaram, Chennai |
2025 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Punjab Kings | 6 runs | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
IPL Champions List (2008–2025) – Team-wise Analysis
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – The Consistent Giants

Chennai Super Kings have been one of the most dominant and consistent sides in IPL history. Under the calm leadership of MS Dhoni, CSK lifted the trophy five times (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) and finished runners-up on several occasions. No team has reached more finals than CSK, making them a true IPL powerhouse. With a loyal fan base and an unmatched record of consistency, CSK continue to be regarded as one of the most successful franchises.
Read Also:- IPL All Team Coaches and Their Salaries
2. Mumbai Indians (MI) – The Record-Breaking Champions

Led by Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians also boast five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020). They are known for their big-match temperament, often peaking at the right time during playoffs. MI’s team balance, strong leadership, and star players like Jasprit Bumrah, Kieron Pollard, and Hardik Pandya made them nearly unbeatable in the last decade. Their fierce rivalry with CSK has been a defining feature of the IPL.
3. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – The Resilient Contenders

KKR have won three IPL trophies (2012, 2014, 2024). Under Gautam Gambhir’s captaincy, they created history with back-to-back title runs. In 2024, the team led by Shreyas Iyer ended a decade-long wait to reclaim the trophy. With the likes of Sunil Narine and Andre Russell as match-winners, KKR have been a strong and unpredictable side throughout the league’s history.
4. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – The Wait Finally Ends

For years, RCB were called the “underachievers” of IPL despite having legends like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle. After losing in finals (2009, 2011, 2016), their breakthrough finally came in 2025 when they defeated Punjab Kings to lift their first-ever IPL trophy. With Virat Kohli’s consistency and young players stepping up, RCB’s long wait has finally ended, making their triumph one of the most emotional moments in IPL history.
5. Rajasthan Royals (RR) – The Inaugural Winners

Rajasthan Royals, under the legendary Shane Warne, won the inaugural edition in 2008, creating a fairytale story. However, RR have struggled to replicate that success in later seasons. They came close in 2022 but fell short against Gujarat Titans in the final. Known for promoting young Indian talent, RR have played an important role in shaping the future of Indian cricket.
5. Deccan Chargers (DC) – A Short-Lived Glory

The now-defunct Deccan Chargers lifted the trophy in 2009, led by Adam Gilchrist, after finishing last in 2008. Despite their memorable triumph, the franchise was terminated in 2012 due to financial issues. Their replacement was Sunrisers Hyderabad, who carried forward the Hyderabad legacy in IPL.
6. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Strong but Inconsistent

Introduced in 2013, SRH quickly established themselves as a competitive team, winning the 2016 title under David Warner. They also reached the finals in 2018 and 2024 but finished runners-up. SRH’s strength has always been their bowling unit, with stars like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rashid Khan making major impacts over the years.
7. Gujarat Titans (GT) – The Debut Champions

GT made history by winning the IPL in their debut season (2022) under Hardik Pandya. They showcased strong team spirit and balanced performances. GT finished runners-up in 2023 but slipped in later seasons. Despite being a new team, they’ve already left a strong mark in IPL history with one trophy and one runner-up finish in just four years.
8. Punjab Kings (PBKS) – The Unlucky Finalists
Punjab Kings remain one of the only original franchises yet to win an IPL trophy. Their closest moments came in 2014 and 2025, but they lost both finals—first to KKR and later to RCB. Despite having star players over the years, inconsistency has plagued PBKS. Their passionate fanbase, however, continues to support them in hopes of breaking their trophy drought.
Delhi Capitals (DC) – The Trophyless Warriors
Another original franchise still chasing their first IPL trophy is Delhi Capitals. They reached the final in 2020 but lost to Mumbai Indians. Known for grooming young talents like Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, and Shreyas Iyer, DC have often been competitive but haven’t been able to cross the final hurdle.
Other Teams (Defunct Franchises)
- Rising Pune Supergiant (2017): Reached the final under Steve Smith but lost to MI by 1 run.
- Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2011): Played just one season before being terminated.
- Gujarat Lions (2016–17): Replaced suspended CSK and RR but never won a title.
- Pune Warriors India (2011–13): Struggled and exited after financial disputes.
Read more: IPL 2026 Retention Players List
IPL Teams with Most IPL Titles
The IPL has been dominated by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), both winning 5 titles each. They are followed by Kolkata Knight Riders (3 titles), while other teams like Rajasthan Royals, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, and now RCB have lifted the trophy once.
Team | Titles Won | Years |
---|---|---|
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | 5 | 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023 |
Mumbai Indians (MI) | 5 | 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020 |
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | 3 | 2012, 2014, 2024 |
Rajasthan Royals (RR) | 1 | 2008 |
Deccan Chargers (DC) | 1 | 2009 |
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | 1 | 2016 |
Gujarat Titans (GT) | 1 | 2022 |
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | 1 | 2025 |
Special Highlights
- First Champion (2008): Rajasthan Royals under Shane Warne scripted a fairytale win in the inaugural season.
- Most Successful Captains: MS Dhoni (CSK) and Rohit Sharma (MI) led their sides to five titles each, becoming IPL legends.
- Debut Glory: Gujarat Titans won the title in their maiden season (2022).
- RCB’s Redemption: After three failed finals, Virat Kohli’s RCB finally clinched their first-ever title in 2025.
- Punjab Kings’ Heartbreak: Despite reaching finals in 2014 and 2025, PBKS remain without a trophy.
- Delhi Capitals’ Struggle: DC have made playoffs multiple times but are yet to win the title, finishing runners-up only once (2020).
IPL Trophy Legacy
Over 18 seasons (2008–2025), the IPL has transformed into the most competitive and glamorous T20 league in the world. From record-breaking batting feats like Virat Kohli’s 973 runs in 2016 to unforgettable bowling spells, the league has showcased cricketing brilliance.
With new champions like RCB joining the elite list, the upcoming IPL 2026 season promises even more excitement, rivalries, and unforgettable cricketing drama.