Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their 18-year title drought in the Indian Premier League (IPL), clinching their maiden championship with a heart-stopping six-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the grand finale at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday. For RCB fans and players alike, the wait is over, and the celebrations have begun with an outpouring of emotion, none more poignant than that of their talismanic star, Virat Kohli.
In a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final ball, RCB’s triumph was carved out by a masterful bowling performance. Krunal Pandya delivered a match-winning spell, bamboozling the PBKS batsmen, while the pace trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, and Yash Dayal applied relentless pressure with their disciplined lines and lengths. On the batting front, a gritty performance led by stand-in captain Rajat Patidar ensured RCB posted a competitive total, setting the stage for their historic win.
For Punjab Kings, the agony of a near-miss in their first final appearance in over a decade was palpable. Despite a stellar campaign under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and guidance from coach Ricky Ponting, PBKS fell short in the crucial moments, extending their wait for an IPL crown. Their journey, however, remains a testament to their growing prowess in the tournament, having reached the playoffs multiple times in recent years.
Yet, the night belonged to RCB and, more specifically, to Virat Kohli—a man who has carried the hopes of millions of fans on his shoulders since joining the franchise in 2008. As the final wicket fell, Kohli dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face, overwhelmed by the realization of a dream 18 years in the making. His teammates rushed to embrace him, recognizing the weight of the moment for a player who has remained fiercely loyal to RCB through thick and thin, a rarity in the fast-paced, franchise-hopping world of T20 cricket.
Speaking after the match, an emotional Kohli opened his heart to the world, dedicating the victory to the fans and his team. “This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, my everything. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. Tonight, I’m going to sleep like a baby,” he said, his voice trembling with raw emotion. Kohli, who has scored over 7,500 runs in the IPL—more than any other player in the tournament’s history—finally added the one accolade that had eluded him: an IPL trophy.
Reflecting on his journey, Kohli also paid tribute to former RCB star AB de Villiers, whose contributions to the franchise remain legendary. “What AB has done for this team is tremendous. I told him this win is as much yours as it is ours. He deserves to be on the podium lifting the cup,” Kohli remarked, acknowledging the South African maestro who, despite retiring in 2021, holds the record for the most Player of the Match awards in RCB history.
Kohli also spoke about the significance of this triumph in his illustrious career. “This is right up there among the most monumental moments of my career. I’ve stayed loyal to this team no matter what. My heart and soul are with Bangalore, and winning with RCB is far more special than winning with anyone else,” he added. The 35-year-old, who has won a World Cup, a Champions Trophy, and led India to numerous victories, admitted that the IPL title was the “missing piece” in his trophy cabinet, given the tournament’s high intensity and global stature.
The victory is not just a personal triumph for Kohli but a collective achievement for a squad meticulously assembled by the RCB management. Despite skepticism over their auction strategy, the team’s faith in match-winners paid off spectacularly. Kohli lauded the group, saying, “This management and group of players have been outstanding. We had confidence in the strength of this squad, and every single person—players, support staff, families—owns this win. It’s for Bangalore.”
As fireworks lit up the Ahmedabad sky and the RCB camp erupted in joyous celebration, the image of Kohli holding the IPL trophy alongside captain Rajat Patidar will be etched in the memories of fans forever. For a franchise that has faced heartbreak in three previous finals (2009, 2011, and 2016), this victory is a redemption song—a fitting reward for years of perseverance, passion, and unyielding support from the “12th Man Army,” their devoted fanbase.
In the annals of IPL history, RCB’s maiden title win stands as a story of resilience, loyalty, and belief. And for Virat Kohli, a night that began with tears of joy will end with the sweetest slumber of his cricketing life. As he aptly put it, “Tonight, I’m going to sleep like a baby.”