Ahmedabad, June 4 — Eighteen years. Countless attempts. Unwavering loyalty. And finally, redemption. Virat Kohli — the heart and soul of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) — was overcome with emotion as his team lifted their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, defeating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in a historic final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
RCB’s triumph in the IPL 2025 final not only ended their long-standing trophy drought but also brought tears of joy to millions of fans and to the man who has lived and breathed the franchise — Virat Kohli.
“I Gave My Prime to This Team” – Kohli’s Emotional Tribute
Speaking after the victory, a visibly emotional Kohli said, “I have given my youth, my prime years, and my experience to this team. Every year, I dreamt of lifting this trophy. Today, that dream has finally come true. It feels surreal. The moment the last ball was bowled, I got emotional. This win soothes my soul.”
Kohli further reaffirmed his lifelong commitment to the franchise: “I will play for this team till my last IPL match. This trophy sits right at the top of my career achievements.”
While cherishing the moment, Kohli also expressed his deep respect for Test cricket, stating, “This win is incredibly special to me, but nothing surpasses the significance of Test cricket. To all the young players — respect the format. If you perform in Tests, the world will respect you.”
Krunal Pandya’s Masterclass with the Ball
Krunal Pandya, named Player of the Match, delivered a game-changing spell in the final. His clever use of slower balls throttled Punjab’s chase. “I realized early on that slow balls were working. It takes courage in this format, but I read the conditions well and backed myself,” he said. “I had told myself — this time, we have to win. Now the Pandya family has 9 out of 11 trophies in IPL!”
“18 Years of Waiting Ends Today” – Dinesh Karthik
RCB’s batting coach Dinesh Karthik, who played his final IPL season as a mentor, reflected on the journey: “This team waited 18 years for this moment. Legends like AB de Villiers and Kohli gave their all. We had the talent and belief. Credit to Andy Flower and Mo Bobat for shaping this unit.”
United Contributions, Shared Glory
Veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar praised Krunal’s match-defining spell, saying, “We knew 190 wasn’t an easy chase. Krunal’s spell turned the match on its head.”
Josh Hazlewood added, “This win means everything to Virat. He’s given his all to this team, and tonight’s result is the ultimate reward for his passion.”
“This Isn’t Just a Team — It’s a Passion” – Phil Salt
Star opener Phil Salt, who played a key role throughout the season, said, “It still hasn’t sunk in that we’ve won. The support we got across the country was insane. Seeing legends like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle in the stands made it even more special.”
A Win Etched in Generational Memory
RCB’s long-awaited IPL victory is more than just a sporting achievement. It symbolizes the culmination of years of perseverance, belief, and an undying bond between a franchise and its fans. As Virat Kohli stood with tears in his eyes, the moment captured the essence of dreams — that they do come true when you put everything on the line.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
