After nearly two decades of heartbreaks and near-misses, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally etched their name in IPL history by winning their first-ever Indian Premier League title.

The emotional, high-octane final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) saw not just an intense battle on the field but also a staggering digital milestone—JioHotstar recorded 61.8 crore views by the time the match concluded.

As per a detailed report by The Mint, the number reflects cumulative views during the match, not unique viewers. In digital metrics, “views” account for total plays, including repeat streaming by the same user, whereas “viewers” track individual users. The massive 61.8 crore figure is a testament to how the final gripped the country, with fans logging in and staying hooked to their screens for every twist and turn.

RCB, batting first, began steadily. At 10.2 overs, with the score at 90 for 2 and Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar at the crease, JioHotstar had already logged an impressive 20.3 crore views. Even after Patidar’s dismissal at 10.5 overs, momentum didn’t slow. By the halfway mark, views had surged to 32.3 crore. RCB wrapped their innings at 190 for 9, with total views climbing to 34.9 crore.

What followed was an equally thrilling chase. Punjab Kings, in pursuit of 191, drew growing attention. At 9.2 overs into their innings, with 80 for 2 on the scoreboard, the platform had recorded 49.8 crore views. As the match approached its climax with PBKS at 149 for 7, JioHotstar touched 60 crore views. With just seven balls remaining and PBKS still behind, viewership was at 60.5 crore. Despite a valiant final-over effort—including two sixes and two fours—Punjab Kings fell short. The view counter stood at a record 61.8 crore when the final ball was bowled.

As the stadium erupted in celebration, RCB’s talisman, Virat Kohli, dropped to his knees, touched his forehead to the ground, and embraced teammates in an emotional outpouring nearly 18 seasons in the making. The moment marked not just a win but a release for RCB fans, who had waited patiently for this day.

Streaming numbers have surged over the years, and last season alone, the official digital broadcaster JioCinema reported a 38 per cent growth in audience reach—620 million compared to 449 million the previous year. This year’s shift to JioHotstar for the final proved no less impactful, with the title match setting a new benchmark in online sports viewership.

The 2025 IPL final was more than a cricket match—it was a cultural event, a digital spectacle, and above all, a redemption story 18 years in the making. RCB’s long-awaited victory has now been immortalised not only on the scoreboard but also in the hearts of millions—and on the servers that tracked every ball.