RCB Champions: Kohli’s 18-Year Wait Ends”
Ahmedabad, June 3, 2025 — After 18 long years of unwavering dedication, Virat Kohli finally lifted the IPL trophy, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a thrilling six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday.
Kohli, the heart and soul of RCB since the inaugural season in 2008, anchored the innings with a composed 43 off 35 balls, top-scoring for his side in a high-pressure encounter. His steady knock, although devoid of big fireworks—just three boundaries—provided the backbone for RCB’s total of 190/9.
A Final to Remember
RCB’s innings was a team effort. While Kohli held one end, Mayank Agarwal (24) and Rajat Patidar (26) chipped in with vital runs. Punjab Kings’ bowlers, led by Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Arshdeep Singh, kept striking at regular intervals, ensuring the game stayed tight till the very end.
In the second innings, RCB’s bowlers held their nerve under immense pressure. Punjab Kings fought hard, but RCB’s disciplined bowling attack and sharp fielding kept them to 184/8, falling just six runs short of the target. The final overs were particularly tense, with the match swinging until the last ball.
Kohli’s Emotional Tribute to Fans
Moments after the final ball was bowled, Kohli sank to the ground in overwhelming emotion and relief. The stadium erupted as he shared a heartfelt embrace with Ravi Shastri, who was part of RCB’s support staff this season.
Later, Kohli took to Instagram to share a deeply emotional message dedicated to the RCB fanbase:
“This one is for the fans of RCB who never ever left our side in the worst of times. This one is for all the years of heartbreaks and disappointment. This is for every inch of effort left on the field playing for this team.
As far as the IPL trophy is concerned—you’ve made me wait 18 years to be able to lift you and celebrate, my friend, but it’s been absolutely worth the wait.”
“This team made the dream possible, a season I’ll never ever forget,” he added.
A Long-Awaited Triumph
RCB’s victory ends a long-standing drought, having previously reached three IPL finals (2009, 2011, and 2016) but falling short each time. For fans and players alike, this moment felt like redemption.
Kohli’s journey with the franchise has been one of loyalty, resilience, and passion. He has played every season for RCB since 2008 and remained committed through the highs and many lows. His long-awaited moment with the trophy was not just a personal triumph but a victory for every RCB supporter who stood by the team over the years.
RCB’s 2025 title win will be remembered not just for the result but for the sheer emotion, perseverance, and the poetic justice of Virat Kohli—one of the game’s modern legends—finally achieving the one prize that had eluded him for so long.