The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League wasn’t just about fierce cricketing battles, stunning last-over thrillers, or record-smashing performances; it was also a carnival of memes. From cheeky brand campaigns to spontaneous player celebrations turned viral moments, the internet had a field day almost every other match. What set IPL 2025 apart was its perfect fusion of on-field drama and off-field digital banter, fueled by fans who transformed snapshots into satire within seconds.
With RCB finally lifting the trophy after 17 years of heartbreak and underdog stories rewriting IPL folklore, this season became fertile ground for internet humour. Below are the top 5 memes that not only made fans laugh till their ribs hurt but also carved a permanent place in IPL meme history.
5. Virat Kohli’s No. 18 Tribute
The Setup:
RCB finally won their first IPL title after 18 seasons, and the internet found poetic justice in the fact that Virat Kohli wears jersey No. 18.
The Meme:
The most viral line?
“Good thing Kohli wore No. 18, not 38!”
Others included:
- “Destiny wears 18 on its back.”
- “18 seasons. 18 on the back. 1 trophy in hand.”
Meme artists created timeline graphics showing Kohli ageing from his debut to now, ending with him holding the trophy, tears in his eyes, and fans behind him waving No. 18 placards.
Why It Went Viral:
It was sentimental yet funny, a perfect tribute to one of cricket’s most beloved figures and a number that now holds legendary status in IPL history.
4. LSG vs SRH – The Notebook Celebration Saga
The Setup:
During a high-stakes league match, Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma, known for his explosive starts and unique “notebook celebration” (mimicking writing down bowlers’ names after dominating them), was dismissed early by Lucknow Super Giants pacer Digvijay Rathi.
The Meme Moment:
Digvijay responded by mocking the same notebook gesture, pretending to write Abhishek’s name in his “wickets list.” The camera caught it clean. Fans went ballistic.
“When someone takes attendance and you’re marked absent!”
It was dubbed:
- “ScribbleGate”
- “Notebook Wars”
- “Revenge is handwritten”
The moment sparked a string of memes showing Sharma being ‘erased,’ ‘circled in red,’ or ‘expelled from the class.’
Why It Went Viral:
It had drama, mockery, and rivalry all in one gesture. The best part? It was a rare moment of playful retaliation that added spice to the match without breaching sportsmanship boundaries.
3. Durex’s “18 Virgins” Campaign
The Setup:
As RCB and PBKS prepared for the final, both teams had never won an IPL trophy. The marketing world seized the moment, with none being bolder than Durex India.
The Meme/Ad:
“18 years. 2 virgins. Who will get lucky tonight?”
Fans went berserk. Instagram, Reddit, and X were flooded with this clever wordplay, calling it:
- “Ad of the year”
- “When brands have more game than players”
Even players and commentators subtly referred to it in post-match discussions, with laughter all around.
Why It Went Viral:
Bold, witty, and culturally on point, it was an instant hit. It perfectly blended cricket, humour, and adult innuendo in a way only Durex could pull off.
2. RCB’s “Secret Agent” in the Stands
The Setup:
In Qualifier 2, PBKS was playing Mumbai Indians for a spot in the final. A curious camera shot during the game caught a man in RCB merchandise smiling mysteriously in the crowd.
The Meme:
Reddit and meme pages quickly dubbed him the “RCB Secret Agent.” Fans joked:
“He’s here to ensure MI doesn’t make it through. Kohli sent him.”
The image was edited with spy glasses, earpieces, and “Mission Impossible” themes, and quickly made rounds with captions like:
- “Operation: Final Entry”
- “MI’s kryptonite has arrived, undercover”
Why It Went Viral:
It played on fan paranoia and the long-standing rivalry between MI and RCB. The visual ambiguity was enough to fuel meme magic.
1. “Chokers: Endgame” – RCB vs PBKS Final
The Setup:
The showdown between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) was historic, not just because of the stakes but because it was a clash between two franchises infamously labelled as “chokers.” Neither team had lifted the IPL trophy before, despite multiple close shaves in previous editions.
The Meme:
As soon as this final pairing was confirmed, the internet exploded with memes comparing it to a Marvel-level climax—fans dubbed it:
“It’s like Netflix made Chokers: Endgame!”
From photoshopped posters with Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan as Avengers to clips of dramatic superhero sacrifices, social media turned this match into a cinematic event. X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit were flooded with messages like:
“One will finally escape the eternal pain. The other will add another page to their sad saga.”
Why It Went Viral:
The meme nailed the emotional tug-of-war fans of both teams were going through. It wasn’t just a final; it was a battle for redemption.
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