AHMEDABAD: Former captain and star batter Virat Kohli was visibly emotional as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged past Punjab Kings by six runs to clinch their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title, ending an 18-year-long wait.
Kohli, who has been a one-team man since the league’s inception in 2008, had previously featured in three IPL finals, all ending in heartbreak. But the 2025 season finally proved to be the turning point for both Kohli and RCB.
Batting first, RCB posted 190/9 in their 20 overs. Kohli led the charge with a 35-ball 43, which included three sixes, a knock that sparked both praise and criticism.
In response, Punjab Kings started steadily but lost momentum during the middle overs, thanks to a brilliant spell from Krunal Pandya, who finished with 2/17 in his four overs.
With 29 runs needed from the final four balls, the tension was palpable. Kohli, on the edge throughout, was seen holding back tears as emotions ran high.
When Josh Hazlewood bowled the final delivery to Shashank Singh, who struck it for a six — Kohli sank to the ground, overcome with emotion. His teammates rushed in, celebrating a long-overdue triumph.
“This win is for the fans as much as it is for us. Eighteen years is a long time. I’ve given this team everything, my youth, my peak, my experience,” said Kohli in the post-match presentation.
“I’ve tried every season, given it my all. To finally win it feels surreal. I honestly never thought this day would come. When that last ball was bowled, I was overwhelmed. I gave it everything I had, and it’s just an amazing feeling.”
