After 18 seasons of heartbreak, near-misses, and endless hope, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally ascended the IPL summit, clinching their maiden title in a heart-stopping final against Punjab Kings. For one man, in particular, it was more than just a win — it was the culmination of a career-long dream. Virat Kohli, the heart and soul of RCB for nearly two decades, couldn’t hold back his tears as the final ball confirmed a six-run win.
This wasn’t just another trophy; it was the release of 18 years of devotion, frustration, and belief. Virat Kohli, who top-scored for RCB in the final with a composed 43 off 35 balls, stood tall once again when it mattered most. It wasn’t a flamboyant innings, but it was symbolic — gritty, resilient, and soaked in responsibility. Anushka Sharma, watching from the stands, was visibly emotional, mirroring the disbelief and joy of millions of RCB fans around the world.
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“This win is for every fan who stood by us all these years,” Virat Kohli said, his voice cracking in the post-match chat. “I’ve given this team everything — my youth, my passion, my best years. To finally hold this trophy feels surreal. I didn’t think this day would ever come.”
18 long years, given his heart, soul his youth and experience. Finally he has conquered what was left. Virat Kohli!#IPLFinals #RCBvsPBKSpic.twitter.com/3bi7vbJrbv
— STOIC 🇭🇹⚒️⚔️ (@GunhaonKaDevta) June 3, 2025
Virat Kohli also paid a heartfelt tribute to AB de Villiers, his longtime partner-in-crime. “I told AB, ‘This win is yours too.’ Even after four years of retirement, he remains the most impactful player in our franchise. He deserves to be on that podium with us.”
The final was a tense affair, with RCB managing 190/9 after a slow start. At the halfway mark, many believed they were at least 20-30 runs short. But RCB’s bowlers flipped the script. Josh Hazlewood, Romario Shepherd, and Krunal Pandya combined to dismantle Punjab’s chase.
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Shreyas Iyer’s early dismissal by Shepherd tilted the momentum, while Pandya’s tight spell (4-0-17-2) choked the middle overs. Despite a late scare from Shashank Singh’s 61* off 30 balls, Punjab fell short at 184/7. When Hazlewood delivered back-to-back dot balls in the final over, it was clear — the curse had been broken. RCB were finally champions.
