A Dream Realized After 18 Years
On June 3, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Punjab Kings by six runs.
This victory marked the end of an 18-year wait for both the team and its stalwart, Virat Kohli, who has been with RCB since the league’s inception in 2008.
Kohli, who scored a crucial 43 runs in the final, was overcome with emotion as the final ball was bowled. He knelt on the ground, tears streaming down his face, embodying the culmination of nearly two decades of dedication and perseverance.
An Emotional Outpouring
In the post-match presentation, Kohli expressed his overwhelming emotions:
“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, my experience. Every single season, I’ve walked out with a heart full of hope and a mind obsessed with victory. To finally have this moment… it’s beyond belief.”
His words resonated with fans worldwide, many of whom took to social media to share their joy and relief at seeing Kohli finally lift the IPL trophy.
Tributes to Teammates and Legends
In a heartfelt gesture, Kohli invited former RCB legends AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle to join the team on the podium during the trophy presentation.
He acknowledged their contributions to the franchise, stating that the victory was as much theirs as it was the current team’s.
This moment symbolized the unity and camaraderie that have been hallmarks of RCB’s journey over the years.
Match Highlights
RCB set a target of 190 runs, with significant contributions from Mayank Agarwal and Virat Kohli. In response, Punjab Kings managed 184 runs, with Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 61 being the standout performance.
RCB’s bowlers, particularly Krunal Pandya, who took 2 wickets for 17 runs, played a pivotal role in securing the victory.
Celebrations Across Bengaluru
The victory sparked jubilant celebrations across Bengaluru. Fans flooded the streets, chanting “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” (This year, the cup is ours), a slogan that had become synonymous with RCB’s quest for the title.
The team’s victory parade on June 4 was attended by thousands, marking a historic moment in the city’s sporting history.
Kohli’s Commitment to RCB
Kohli reaffirmed his dedication to RCB, stating:
“My heart is for Bangalore, my soul is for Bangalore…this is the team I will play for until the last day that I play the IPL.”
His unwavering loyalty has endeared him to fans and solidified his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players.
Social media was abuzz with reactions:
- “Virat finally won IPL. Now I believe in true love again.”
- “RCB’s win is bigger than my cousin’s wedding!”
- “Even my ex came back to congratulate me. That’s the power of Kohli.”
These humorous takes highlighted the widespread joy and relief among fans.
Virat Kohli’s journey to IPL glory is a testament to perseverance, loyalty, and passion. His emotional response encapsulated the significance of the moment, not just for him, but for millions of fans who have stood by RCB through thick and thin.
As the celebrations continue, one thing is clear: this victory has etched itself into the annals of cricketing history, and Virat Kohli’s legacy has reached new heights.