In a moment that will be etched in the annals of IPL history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally claimed their maiden Indian Premier League title on a pulsating night at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The franchise defeated Punjab Kings by a nail-biting margin of six runs in the IPL 2025 final, sending waves of euphoria through their long-suffering fanbase. At the heart of this triumph was Virat Kohlit, whose raw emotion spilled over as he collapsed to his knees the moment the winning run was scored.
As the stadium erupted, Kohli’s immediate instinct was to seek out his rock, his wife Anushka Sharma. The couple shared a tearful embrace on the field, a poignant snapshot of shared joy and relief after years of heartbreak. Anushka, a Bangalore native herself, has been a constant presence through RCB’s rollercoaster journey, witnessing every near miss and fleeting victory since 2014. For Virat, this win wasn’t just a professional milestone; it was deeply personal.
Taking to Instagram shortly after the celebrations, Kohli penned a heartfelt note that resonated with fans worldwide. ‘I’ve seen it for 18 years, and she’s seen it for 11. Suffered the same moments since 2014 and celebrated every close win and the madness of our supporters at the Chinnaswamy. We’re both equally relieved, and since she’s a Bangalore girl too, this is far more special for her. Together all the way through @anushkasharma,’ he wrote, encapsulating nearly two decades of perseverance and partnership.
RCB’s road to glory in IPL 2025 was nothing short of cinematic. After 18 seasons of agonizing close calls—including three final appearances without a trophy—the team, under Kohli’s inspirational leadership, delivered when it mattered most. The final against Punjab Kings was a fitting crescendo, with RCB posting a competitive 178/6, powered by a blistering 72 off 46 balls from Kohli himself. Punjab fought valiantly, but RCB’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj’s fiery spell of 3/29, held their nerve to restrict the opposition to 172/8.
For Kohli, this victory is a crowning moment in a storied IPL career that began in 2008. Having scored over 7,500 runs in the tournament, including a record-breaking 973 runs in a single season (2016), he has been the face of RCB through thick and thin. But beyond the statistics, it’s his unrelenting passion for the franchise and its fans that has defined his journey. ‘This one’s for every RCB fan who believed in us even when we didn’t believe in ourselves,’ Kohli said in the post-match presentation, his voice thick with emotion.
As the celebrations continue, the image of Virat and Anushka embracing under the Ahmedabad lights will linger as a symbol of resilience and love. For RCB, the IPL 2025 title isn’t just a trophy; it’s the culmination of a dream 18 years in the making. And for Virat Kohli, it’s a victory shared with the woman who has stood by him through every storm, making this historic night even sweeter.