RCB’s 18-Year Wait Ends: Ricky Ponting on Virat Kohli’s Emotional IPL Triumph
In a moment that will be etched in cricket history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally clinched their maiden IPL title in 2025, ending an agonizing 18-year wait. The victory, sealed by a nail-biting six-run triumph over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, brought forth raw emotion from RCB’s talisman, Virat Kohli. Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting, reflecting on Kohli’s tearful reaction, emphasized the profound significance of this achievement for players who have chased this dream for nearly two decades.
As the final ball was delivered on Tuesday, Kohli dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face, overwhelmed by the weight of the moment. This wasn’t just a win; it was the culmination of years of perseverance, heartbreak, and unwavering dedication to the RCB franchise since the league’s inception in 2008. Ponting, speaking at the post-match press conference, captured the essence of Kohli’s emotions: “You could see it in his eyes during that last over — he was shedding a tear. That’s what winning the IPL means to players, to everyone.”
The IPL, known for its fierce competition and global appeal, is no easy tournament to conquer. Ponting, a legend of the game himself, acknowledged the rarity of such victories. “Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have done it multiple times, but that doesn’t make it any simpler. You’ve got to work incredibly hard, and for someone like Virat, this was long overdue,” he remarked. RCB’s journey to the title included overcoming numerous challenges, finishing in the top two of the league stage with 14 wins in 18 matches, and displaying exceptional teamwork under Kohli’s leadership.
Beyond the IPL triumph, the moment also highlighted Kohli’s deep-rooted passion for cricket’s traditional format. During the post-match presentation, Kohli placed this achievement in perspective, saying, “This moment is right up there with the best in my career, but it’s still five levels below playing Test cricket.” He urged young cricketers to value the longest format, adding, “If you perform in Tests, you walk into any room in the world and earn a handshake of respect. That’s the format that garners global recognition.” Since his Test debut in 2011, Kohli has amassed over 8,800 runs, including 27 centuries, embodying the spirit of a true Test purist.
Echoing Kohli’s sentiments, Ponting, a staunch advocate for Test cricket, shared his own admiration for the format. “I’m probably one of the biggest purists still involved in the game. My first love will always be Test cricket. What Virat said, I completely understand,” Ponting noted. With over 13,000 Test runs and three World Cup titles as a player, Ponting’s perspective added weight to the discussion. He concluded by underlining the importance of such emotional milestones in a player’s career, especially for someone like Kohli, whose illustrious career spanning 16 IPL seasons and countless records still craved this elusive trophy.
RCB’s victory in IPL 2025 isn’t just a win for the team but a testament to Kohli’s resilience and leadership. Fans across the globe celebrated as the team lifted the trophy, with social media erupting in tributes to Kohli’s unwavering commitment. As the dust settles on this historic triumph, one thing is clear: for Virat Kohli and RCB, this was more than a title — it was a legacy fulfilled.