Drake Wagers $750,000 on RCB’s Victory in IPL 2025: What Could He Win?
On a historic night for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the team clinched their first IPL title in 18 years, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The victory not only thrilled RCB fans but also brought a windfall for global music icon Drake, who placed a significant bet on the team to win. Drake’s gamble paid off as he netted an impressive $1.3 million from his $750,000 wager, marking a night that may have finally broken the so-called “Drake Curse” that has haunted teams in the past.
### RCB’s Modest Total Sets the Stage
In the IPL 2025 final, RCB batted first, managing to post a total of 190 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Despite facing challenges throughout their innings, Virat Kohli emerged as the top scorer, contributing a determined 43 runs off 35 balls. Other batsmen, including Mayank Agarwal (24), Rajat Patidar (26), and Liam Livingstone (25), played crucial roles to ensure that the team did not crumble completely. However, RCB’s innings were slowed significantly by early wickets, including the dismissal of Phil Salt. Punjab’s bowler Kyle Jamieson was particularly effective, taking three wickets and applying consistent pressure on RCB.
As the innings progressed, the death overs saw a brief resurgence from RCB, highlighted by Jitesh Sharma’s quick 24 runs off just 10 balls. Still, they fell short of what many considered a par total on a pitch favorable to batting. Arshdeep Singh’s final over was particularly impactful, as he claimed three wickets and prevented RCB from accelerating towards a more competitive score.
### Punjab Kings’ Chase Falls Short
In response, Punjab Kings aimed to chase down RCB’s target but found themselves under pressure from the start. Josh Hazlewood set the tone for RCB’s bowling attack by taking an early wicket, while Phil Salt’s stunning catch added to the team’s momentum. Despite efforts from Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Josh Inglis, who scored 39 runs off 23 balls, Punjab struggled to maintain a steady scoring rate due to regular wickets falling.
Krunal Pandya’s economical bowling, where he conceded only 17 runs in his four overs and took two crucial wickets, proved pivotal in shifting the game’s momentum in favor of RCB. Romario Shepherd’s dismissal of captain Shreyas Iyer further tilted the scales. Nevertheless, Shashank Singh kept Punjab’s hopes alive with a commendable unbeaten 61 runs off 30 balls. As the match neared its conclusion, Punjab needed 29 runs off the final over, but Hazlewood’s composure under pressure led to back-to-back dot balls, sealing the victory for RCB.
### Drake’s Winning Bet and the End of a Curse
Drake’s involvement in the match extended beyond mere spectator. The Canadian rapper placed a $750,000 bet on RCB to win at odds of 1.75, totaling a payout of $1.3 million. Known for his “Drake Curse,” which has affected numerous athletes and teams, fans were apprehensive about his bet on RCB. The curse has seen many teams fail shortly after receiving Drake’s support, leading to concerns among RCB supporters when the news broke. However, in a twist of fate, this game marked a significant exception to the pattern, as RCB managed to secure the trophy.
Ultimately, RCB’s victory not only brought joy to their long-suffering fans but also transformed a feared jinx into a moment of celebration. Fans of RCB, once anxious about Drake’s involvement, may now be seen thanking him for his faith in the team as they bask in the glow of their long-awaited championship triumph.
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