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Key Points

After 18 years of ups and downs, Virat Kohli finally led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first Indian Premier League title. The thrilling final saw RCB overcome Punjab Kings by six runs, with Kohli's knock and Krunal Pandya's crucial bowling making the difference. Virat emotional journey with RCB has been marked by loyalty and determination, and he credited his teammates and legendary players like AB de Villiers for their shared legacy. Despite hinting at nearing the end of his career, Kohli remains committed to giving his all, saying, "There is an end date to every career, but until then, I'll give it everything I have."

Key Points: Virat Kohli Leads RCB to Maiden IPL Title After 18-Year Wait

  • Kohli steered RCB to victory with 43 runs against Punjab Kings
  • AB de Villiers celebrated alongside, praised for his RCB contributions
  • Emotional Kohli reflects on loyalty and long-awaited triumph in career
  • Krunal Pandya's bowling pivotal to RCB's six-run win over Punjab Kings
3 min read

Kohli reflects on maiden IPL triumph: 'Never thought this day would come'

Virat Kohli guides RCB to first IPL win, fulfilling a dream nearly two decades in the making.

"Never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion when we won. - Virat Kohli"

Ahmedabad, June 3

After an 18-year-long wait filled with heartbreak and near-misses, Virat Kohli finally lifted the Indian Premier League trophy as Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their maiden title with a thrilling six-run win over Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium here on Tuesday.

Kohli, who scored 43 off 35 balls in the final, was overcome with emotion as the moment he had chased for nearly two decades finally became reality.

“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. I’ve given this franchise my youth, my prime, and all my experience. I tried to win it every season, and gave it everything I had. Honestly, I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion when we won,” Kohli said in a post-match interview.

RCB posted a competitive 190/9 on the back of Kohli’s knock, before all-rounder Krunal Pandya turned the game with a masterful spell of 2/17. Punjab Kings, despite a strong start, fell just short in the tense final moments.

Reflecting on his journey with the franchise, Kohli acknowledged the role of legendary players who had been part of the RCB legacy, particularly AB de Villiers, who joined the celebrations from the sidelines.

“What AB has done for this franchise is incredible. I told him, ‘This is as much yours as it is ours.’ He’s been Player of the Match more times than anyone for RCB, even though he retired four years ago. He deserves to be on that podium, lifting the trophy with us,” Kohli said.

The 36-year-old, who remains the all-time leading run-scorer in IPL history, spoke candidly about his loyalty to the team and his motivation to keep pushing himself even at this stage of his career.

“I’ve stayed loyal to this team, and they’ve stayed loyal to me. My heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. There were other moments, but I stuck with RCB because it means everything to me,” he added.

Kohli also hinted at the approaching end of his career but made it clear that he intends to give his all until the very last day.

“There is an end date to every career. Before that day comes, I want to be able to say I gave it everything I had. I can't just be an ‘impact player’ — I want to contribute across 20 overs, in every way I can. That’s who I’ve always been. God’s given me the talent and perspective, and I want to use it to help the team however I can,” he said.

As RCB finally lifted the IPL trophy after years of heartbreak, Kohli’s tears on the field spoke louder than any words — a symbol of persistence, passion, and a dream finally fulfilled. Kohli finished the season with 657 runs from 15 matches, hitting eight half-centuries.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally! After so many years of heartbreak, King Kohli gets his crown 👑. The way he carried RCB all these years with his batting and leadership, this win was written in the stars. That emotional moment when he lifted the trophy - pure goosebumps! #RCBChampions
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Priya M.
As a Bangalore resident, I've waited 18 years for this moment! The streets here are still celebrating. Kohli's loyalty to RCB despite offers from other teams shows his character. But let's not forget Krunal's match-winning spell - that was the real turning point!
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Arjun S.
While I'm happy for Kohli, I feel RCB's bowling unit deserves more credit. For years they were the weak link, but this season they finally stepped up. Also, the management made smart buys in the auction. One man doesn't win trophies - it's a team effort.
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Shweta R.
That AB de Villiers moment was so emotional! 🥺 True friendship and respect between legends. As someone who watched every RCB match since 2008, this feels like personal redemption. Hope they don't make us wait another 18 years for the next one!
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Vikram J.
Kohli's speech about giving his all until retirement gives me chills. What an inspiration for young cricketers! His dedication is unmatched. But I hope he plays for at least 2-3 more years - Indian cricket still needs him, especially in Tests.

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