Introduction: In a historic moment for cricket fans worldwide, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in a nail-biting final. At the heart of this triumph was Virat Kohli, whose relentless pursuit of glory over 18 seasons culminated in an emotional victory. Former India opener Virender Sehwag reflected on Kohli’s journey, drawing a poignant comparison to Sachin Tendulkar’s long wait for the 2011 ODI World Cup. However, the celebrations in Bengaluru were marred by a tragic stampede, casting a shadow over RCB’s moment of glory.
Sehwag’s Insight on Kohli’s Journey: Speaking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag highlighted the perseverance of both Kohli and Tendulkar in their quests for iconic trophies. ‘Kohli waited 18 years to lift the IPL trophy, but Sachin Tendulkar’s wait was even longer—from 1989 to 2011—to win the World Cup. Kohli’s journey was shorter in comparison, yet both never lost hope,’ Sehwag remarked. He emphasized Tendulkar’s resolve to retire only with a World Cup trophy in hand, drawing parallels to Kohli’s determination to deliver for RCB. ‘Now, after stepping away from Tests and T20Is, Kohli can breathe easy. He can retire from the IPL whenever he chooses, knowing he has achieved what he set out to do. Trophies matter more than money, and winning them is never easy,’ Sehwag added.
Kohli’s Stellar Performance: Kohli’s contribution to RCB’s campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. The 36-year-old batting maestro finished the IPL 2025 season with 657 runs, the highest by any RCB batter in a single season. Boasting an impressive average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, Kohli played a pivotal role in the final, top-scoring for his team. His grit and consistency over the years have cemented his status as one of the greatest IPL players, with this title being the final jewel in his illustrious crown.
Celebrations Turn Tragic: The euphoria following RCB’s victory spilled onto the streets of Bengaluru, with hundreds of thousands of fans gathering to welcome their heroes. However, tragedy struck during a victory parade near the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. A devastating stampede claimed 11 lives, mostly young fans, and left 47 others injured, as confirmed by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The incident turned a day of celebration into one of mourning for the city that had waited so long to see their team triumph.
Kohli and RCB’s Heartfelt Response: Visibly shaken by the tragedy, Kohli took to social media to express his grief. ‘At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted,’ he wrote, echoing the sentiments of fans worldwide. RCB issued an official statement, expressing that they were ‘deeply anguished’ by the events. Earlier, Kohli had dedicated the victory to RCB’s loyal fanbase, saying, ‘This win is as much for the fans as it is for us. They’ve stood by us through every high and low over the past 18 years.’
Conclusion: RCB’s IPL 2025 victory will forever be remembered as a testament to Virat Kohli’s unyielding spirit and the team’s perseverance. Sehwag’s comparison to Tendulkar’s journey reminds us of the sacrifices and dedication required to achieve greatness in cricket. Yet, as Bengaluru grapples with the aftermath of the tragic stampede, the cricket fraternity stands united in grief, reminding us that beyond the game, it is the fans who are the heartbeat of this sport. As we celebrate RCB’s triumph, let us also honor the memory of those who lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident.