From RCB’s holy trinity to Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s miracle ton: 5 Highlights from IPL 2025

RCB skipper Rajat Patidar lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning IPL 2025. (Courtesy: Reuters photo)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally ended their trophy drought by winning their first IPL title on 3 June 2025. They defeated Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad. It was a historic night for the franchise, the players, and the fans. Throughout the season, fans witnessed some amazing moments that will be remembered forever. These moments will be recalled every time people talk about IPL 2025.

Here are five highlights from IPL 2025:

Bat Check

Umpires check the bat during an IPL 2025 encounter (BCCI Photo)

In this season, umpires were seen checking bat dimensions during matches. This on-field inspection was called the ‘Bat Check’. The aim was to keep a balance between bat and ball by stopping batters from using oversized bats. The check usually happened when a batter was about to enter the field. Umpires used a bat gauge to measure the bat's width, depth, and edge thickness.

Champak, the Robot Dog

IPL's latest innovation Champak - the Robo-Dog (PTI)

Fans also saw a robot dog named Champak in IPL 2025. It was seen interacting with players and spectators. The main goal was to improve the broadcast experience. Champak carried a load of around 14kg and had several cameras attached to give a ‘dog’s eye view’ of the field. The name "Champak" was chosen through a public voting process.

Digvesh Rathi’s Controversial ‘Notebook’ Celebration

Digvesh Rathi burst out in notebook celebration after dismissing Priyansh Arya (IPL Photo)

Lucknow Super Giants’ Digvesh Rathi had a breakout season, taking 14 wickets in 13 matches. But he got more attention for his controversial ‘Notebook’ celebration. He was fined three times for it. The first fine was 25 percent of his match fee (against Punjab Kings), and the second was 50 percent (against Mumbai Indians). He also had a heated moment with Abhishek Sharma from Sunrisers Hyderabad, which led to another 50 percent fine and a one-match ban. He was suspended after collecting five demerit points.

14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s Miracle IPL Ton

Vaibhav Suryavanshi was a breath of fresh air in otherwise an underwhelming season for for Rajasthan Royals (AP Photo)

One of the most exciting debuts in IPL 2025 was from 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi. He played for Rajasthan Royals and scored 252 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 206.55. He won the Super Striker of the Season award. He made history by smashing his first IPL century., scoring 101 off just 38 balls and won the match for RR against Gujarat Titans. It was the second-fastest IPL hundred, made in just 35 balls. He also became the youngest player to score a century in men’s T20 cricket.

RCB’s Holy Trinity with the IPL Trophy

RCB won their first IPL trophy in 18 years (BCCI Photo)

After 18 years, RCB finally lifted the IPL trophy. Virat Kohli had tears in his eyes. He celebrated the win with AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle—his former teammates. Fans call them RCB’s "Holy Trinity" for their long-time service to the team. Seeing all three hold the trophy was one of the top moments of the season.

Speaking to the broadcaster, Kohli said the win was not just his. “It’s honestly as much theirs as it’s mine,” Kohli said. “Because the connection, you see, when they come to Bangalore, it’s not just me. When they come, you see how people love them. And they go absolutely berserk because they know and they appreciate that they’ve given their heart and soul for this team till the time they played here. And they deserve it as much as I do. I know people are emotional and they’ve given it everything as well. So it’s equally theirs too.”