IPL 2025 Final: Virat Kohli’s Emotional Triumph as RCB Clinch Maiden Title
In a historic night at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Virat Kohli etched his name into the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history by leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to their first-ever title in the 2025 season. After an agonizing wait of 18 years filled with near misses and heartbreaks, RCB clinched a nail-biting 6-run victory over Punjab Kings in a final that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball on Tuesday night.
As the final delivery sealed the triumph, the weight of nearly two decades of perseverance lifted off Kohli’s shoulders. Tears streamed down his face as he sprinted towards the stands to embrace his wife, Anushka Sharma, in a moment that captured the raw emotion of a man who has given everything for his beloved franchise. The image of Kohli, often seen as the epitome of grit and aggression, breaking down in tears will remain one of the defining visuals of IPL history.
In a deeply moving post-match interview, Kohli poured his heart out, dedicating the victory to the loyal RCB fanbase. ‘This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,’ he said. ‘It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, and every ounce of my experience. I’ve tried to win it every single season, leaving nothing on the field. To finally have this trophy in our hands is an unbelievable feeling. I never thought I’d see this day, and when that last ball was bowled, I was overwhelmed by emotion.’
Reflecting on his unbreakable bond with RCB, Kohli emphasized his loyalty to the franchise that has been his home since the inaugural IPL season in 2008. ‘I’ve stayed loyal to this team through every high and low. I stood by them, and they stood by me. Winning this title with RCB is far more special than winning it anywhere else because my heart and soul belong to Bengaluru. Tonight, I’m going to sleep like a baby,’ he added with a smile, finally at peace after years of unrelenting pursuit.
Kohli also took a moment to honor one of RCB’s greatest-ever players, AB de Villiers, whose contributions to the franchise remain unparalleled. ‘What AB has done for RCB is tremendous,’ Kohli remarked. ‘I told him, “this win is as much yours as it is ours.” Even after retiring four years ago, he still holds the record for the most Player of the Match awards for RCB. That tells you the impact he’s had on this league, this team, and on me personally.’ De Villiers, who was present in the stands, was seen visibly moved by Kohli’s tribute.
The match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions. Punjab Kings, led by a fiery batting performance, needed 18 runs in the final over to chase down RCB’s imposing total of 189/6, powered by Kohli’s match-defining 82 off 54 balls. However, RCB’s bowlers held their nerve, with young pacer Harshal Patel defending the total with pinpoint yorkers, ensuring the Bengaluru-based franchise finally broke their title drought.
For Kohli, who has scored over 7,500 runs in the IPL—making him the league’s all-time leading run-scorer—this victory is the culmination of a storied career with RCB. It silences the critics who often pointed to his lack of an IPL trophy despite his incredible individual records. More importantly, it cements his legacy as not just a player, but a leader who carried the hopes of millions of RCB fans on his shoulders for nearly two decades.
As the celebrations continue, the city of Bengaluru is painted red and gold, with fans flooding the streets, chanting Kohli’s name. After years of heartbreak, the RCB faithful finally have their moment of glory. And at the center of it all is Virat Kohli—a man whose passion, loyalty, and sheer will to win have made this fairy-tale ending possible. Tonight, in the heart of Ahmedabad, a new chapter was written in IPL history, and it belongs to RCB and their fearless leader.