In a moment that captured the hearts of millions, Virat Kohli delivered an electrifying message to his team and fans after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) crushed Punjab Kings by eight wickets in Qualifier 1 of the IPL on Thursday. ‘One more to go!’ he signaled, a gesture brimming with passion and determination, as RCB marched into their fourth IPL final, now just a single victory shy of their maiden title.
The scenes at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur were electric. After RCB chased down a modest target of 102 in a blistering 10 overs, Kohli was seen embracing almost every teammate and support staff member. The viral video, shared by the official IPL and RCB social media handles, shows the talismanic captain raising a finger to signify ‘one more win,’ igniting a frenzy among fans who have waited 18 long years for this elusive trophy. Shared widely across platforms, the clip has already racked up millions of views, becoming a symbol of RCB’s burning desire to rewrite history.
RCB, who have been runners-up thrice (2009, 2011, and 2016), have often come close but never clinched the IPL crown. Under Kohli’s leadership, and with a side peaking at the right moment, the dream feels tantalizingly close. The final is set for June 3 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where RCB will face either Punjab Kings or the winner of the Eliminator in a clash for glory.
In the match, opener Phil Salt was the architect of RCB’s ruthless chase, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 27 balls, studded with six fours and three towering sixes. His aggressive intent ensured there was no suspense in the outcome, as RCB dismantled Punjab’s total with 60 balls to spare. Punjab Kings, making their first playoff appearance since 2014, faltered under pressure, collapsing to a meager 101 in 14.1 overs. While Kyle Jamieson offered a brief spark for Punjab with a wicket-maiden, dismissing Kohli for a quickfire 12, it was far from enough to halt RCB’s juggernaut.
For Punjab Kings, there is still a glimmer of hope. They will now face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 on June 1, with the victor earning a ticket to the grand finale. However, for RCB, the narrative couldn’t be simpler or more inspiring: one final hurdle stands between them and a historic triumph. Kohli, who has been a cornerstone of the franchise since its inception in 2008, scoring over 7,500 runs in the IPL—making him the tournament’s highest run-getter—embodies the hunger of a team and a fanbase desperate for silverware.
As the countdown to the final begins, the question on every cricket lover’s mind is: Can RCB finally break their title drought? With Kohli’s unyielding spirit and a team firing on all cylinders, the stars seem to be aligning for a blockbuster finish. One more win, and history beckons.