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Memories of the IPL 2025 Final are still fresh amid the final of the Indian Premier League 2026. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is chasing its second title in its second straight season.
They started the 2026 campaign as the defending champions. It was their maiden title after almost 18 years. And now, they are only one step away from making it two. Only two teams in league history have successfully defended their title: Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
Emergence of two forces other than Mumbai and Chennai
2019 and 2020 were the seasons for the Mumbai Indians, while the Chennai Super Kings were at the top of the hill during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Since the league's inception, it has been mostly dominated by Mumbai and Chennai; both teams have 5 IPL trophies in their trophy cabinets.
Tonight, there will be one winner between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Gujarat Titans (GT). Whoever wins today, it is going to be a landmark season. In case RCB retains their title, then they will be the only third team in the league to do so. 2022 was the year when GT made their debut in the Indian Premier League and claimed the trophy as well.
Krunal Pandya was the hero in the IPL 2025 final
In the previous year’s grand finale, it was Krunal Pandya who was awarded the Player of the Match award for his impeccable bowling against the Punjab Kings. Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS’ innings was put on hold, only 6 runs away from RCB’s total. Batting first, the team led by Rajat Patidar secured 190 runs. Virat Kohli, with 43 runs, was the most successful run scorer for RCB in the final.
Punjab started the chase well in the second innings, but they kept losing wickets at crucial moments. In the pressure game, Krunal Pandya came and delivered his 4-over spell for an economy rate of 4.25 only. Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis were the two batters who went off guard against Krunal.
Tonight, fans will keep their eyes on Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium to see another hero rising on the battleground.
Complete list of Player of the Match winners in IPL finals (2008-25):
| Year | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Krunal Pandya | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) |
| 2024 | Mitchell Starc | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| 2023 | Devon Conway | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) |
| 2022 | Hardik Pandya | Gujarat Titans (GT) |
| 2021 | Faf du Plessis | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) |
| 2020 | Trent Boult | Mumbai Indians (MI) |
| 2019 | Jasprit Bumrah | Mumbai Indians (MI) |
| 2018 | Shane Watson | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) |
| 2017 | Krunal Pandya | Mumbai Indians (MI) |
| 2016 | Ben Cutting | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) |
| 2015 | Rohit Sharma | Mumbai Indians (MI) |
| 2014 | Manish Pandey | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| 2013 | Kieron Pollard | Mumbai Indians (MI) |
| 2012 | Manvinder Bisla | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| 2011 | Murali Vijay | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) |
| 2010 | Suresh Raina | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) |
| 2009 | Anil Kumble | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) (runner-up; only player to win the award in a losing final) |
| 2008 | Yusuf Pathan | Rajasthan Royals (RR) |
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