After 18 seasons, 286 matches, and 6255 days, Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally tasted IPL glory — and when the final ball was bowled, it was Kohli who knelt on the Ahmedabad turf, overcome with emotion. Tears flowed freely, hugs were shared with teammates and legends past, including AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, and the celebrations marked the end of one of sport’s most iconic title droughts.
“It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, and my experience. To have this moment is an unbelievable feeling,” said Kohli, moments after the six-run win over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final.
A Dream Realised
No player has represented a single franchise longer than Kohli has RCB. His loyalty, often questioned during rebuilding phases, was finally rewarded.
“I never thought this day would come. I’ve tried to win this every season. I’ve given each and every ounce of my energy to this team… and finally, it’s happened.”
Kohli called this victory “right up there” with his greatest career achievements — which includes the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy — but made it clear that his bond with RCB was deeply personal.
“This is far more special than winning it with anyone else, because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore.”
An Emotional Journey
In his post-match interview, Kohli paid tribute to RCB fans, who stuck by the team despite 17 seasons of heartbreak.
“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. I’ve stayed loyal to this team no matter what. I stood behind them, they stood behind me.”
Kohli's passion and intensity on the field have long been his trademarks, but this victory offered a rare window into his vulnerability.
“Tonight I’m going to sleep like a baby.”
Playing with Purpose, Retiring from Tests
Kohli, who retired from Test cricket — his most cherished format — earlier this year, shared insights into his mindset and motivation as his playing career approaches its twilight.
“There’s an end date to our career. So I just want to make sure I can say I gave it everything I had.”
Even as a senior statesman of the game, Kohli emphasized the value of hard work and constant self-improvement.
“I can’t play as an Impact Player. I want to field 20 overs, make an impact. That’s the kind of player I am.”
He expressed deep gratitude to God, his teammates, and the RCB management, singling them out for assembling a fearless squad and backing them when things got tough.
The Legacy of Loyalty
Virat Kohli has often been called the heart and soul of RCB. He has scored thousands of runs, led them to finals, and carried the team’s hopes through both peaks and valleys. But what eluded him for nearly two decades was the IPL title — until now.
“As sportsmen, we grind for something. This tournament is of great value in world cricket. This one was missing… now I have it.”
While Kohli was reluctant to centre the victory around himself, calling it a win for “everyone – the team, the fans, the families, and the management,” his contributions — both tangible and intangible — are undeniable.
And as he stood with the trophy in hand, flanked by teammates and legends, Virat Kohli was no longer just the face of RCB — he was finally its champion.