For Virat Kohli, the 2025 IPL triumph with Royal Challengers Bengaluru was far more than just a title—it was the emotional culmination of an 18-year journey defined by loyalty, resilience, and unfinished business finally put to rest. Reflecting on those final moments, Kohli highlighted a lesser-known yet deeply meaningful detail. Apart from him, only the team’s long-serving masseur and caretaker, Ramesh Mane, had been part of the franchise since its inception. That shared longevity made the victory even more personal.
“It was a very special night for all of us at RCB,” Virat Kohli said. “I have been here since day one and so has Ramesh Mane. We are probably the oldest members of the RCB group.”
Kohli’s journey with RCB mirrors the evolution of the IPL itself. From a young domestic talent with no international exposure in 2008 to becoming the league’s highest run-scorer, he has been the face of the franchise through its highs and heartbreaks. Despite leading a star-studded side for years, the elusive title had always slipped away—until 2025.
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“When we reached the finals, I felt a sense of calm confidence,” he said. “But you also understand it’s not going to be a cakewalk. It’s a final, and the opposition has earned their place too.”
RCB’s history of near-misses—multiple playoff appearances and three lost finals—added emotional weight to the occasion. Kohli admitted that those past disappointments played a crucial role in shaping the team’s mindset.
18 years. One moment. Pure emotion ❤️
Virat Kohli relives Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic win. #ViratKohli #RCB #IPL2025 #Cricket #RCBFanshttps://t.co/xYYWBtsiJo pic.twitter.com/Gwx1QKyzWr
— The Cricket Scores (@cricketscores25) March 23, 2026
“Those almost moments gave us extra motivation to hold our nerve,” he explained. “We knew we had earned the right to be there. It wasn’t luck—we had played consistent, high-quality cricket throughout the tournament.” As the final moments unfolded, the magnitude of the achievement began to sink in. Despite a relatively controlled finish, the tension lingered until the very end.
“It was surreal, honestly,” Virat Kohli said. “So many things flashed before my eyes—the entire journey of 18 years, the ups and downs, the good and bad moments. It’s something you can’t explain, only experience.”
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He also recalled the anxiety of the final over, placing his trust in Josh Hazlewood to close things out.
“You know the game is sealed, but you still hope everything goes perfectly. Waiting for those last few balls was probably the toughest part.” For Kohli and RCB, it wasn’t just a win—it was redemption, legacy, and history finally aligned.
