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‘It’s been 18 long years,’ says Kohli as RCB finally triumph in IPL

football03 June 2025 22:08| © MWP
By:Ross Roche
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Indian superstar Virat Kohli was overcome by emotion as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their IPL duck with a six-run win over the Punjab Kings in the Grand Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night.

It saw them finally lift the title for the first time after long years 18 years, since the IPL was first launched back in 2008.

Only two teams from that first edition, the losing finalists Punjab Kings, and the Delhi Capitals have yet to lift the famed trophy.

But no player could be more worthy than Kohli, who has been a one team man since the beginning and having lifted all manner of other trophies internationally and domestically, he finally adds this one to the cabinet, which he admitted was right up there with the best of them.

“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, prime and experience. I've tried to win it every season, and gave it everything I have,” said a beaming Kohli after the match.

“To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled. I have given each and every ounce of my energy and it's an amazing feeling.

“It's right up there, if I have to be honest. As I said, I've given everything that I had for the last 18 years. I've stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I've had moments where I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. I stood behind them, they stood behind me.

“I always dreamt of winning it with them, and this is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. As I said, this is the team I'm going to play for till the last day that I play the IPL.

“So this one is absolutely right up there because you know, as a sportsman, when you grind for something, and this is a very high intensity, high quality tournament, which is of great value in world cricket today. I'm someone that wants to win the big tournaments, the big moments, and this one was missing. Tonight, I'm going to sleep like a baby.”

SPECIAL WORDS FOR AB

A number of former RCB stars were at the game to watch them finally get over the line, including former Proteas legend AB de Villiers and former West Indian legend Chris Gayle, and Kohli had some special words for his good friend AB, who he embraced on the field after the win.

“What he (AB) has done for the franchise is absolutely tremendous. I told him before the game, 'this one is as much yours as it is ours, and I want you to celebrate with us when we lift that trophy by the end of the night,’” said Kohli.

“What he’s done for RCB is so very special, he still holds the record for most Player of the Match awards (for the franchise) and he has been retired for four years now.

“So that tells you the impact he's had on the league, on this team, on me as a person and our friendship. What he means to the people of Bangalore, this team and this franchise, is something I can’t describe in words. He deserves to be on the podium, with all of us lifting that cup tonight.”

It was a fantastic IPL overall for Kohli, who played a massive role in helping RCB to the title, with him finishing as the third highest run scorer in the tournament.

Only Sai Sudharsan (759), and Suryakumar Yadav (717), ended with more runs than Kohli’s 657, which he scored at an average of 54.75, with a highest score of 73no and eight half centuries in total over his 15 innings.

He also played a major role in the final, top scoring for his side with 43, which helped them get to 190/9 in their 20 overs batting first, which proved to be enough as Punjab could only reply with 184-7.

The 36-year-old Kohli was asked what has inspired him to continue playing at the highest level over the years, with him admitting that he wanted to make sure he had no regrets come the end of his career.

“I have had this opportunity to play this game for many years, and there is an end date to our career, as you know. By the time that I hang up my boots, I want to sit at home and say I gave it everything I had,” explained Kohli.

“So I look for ways to improve. I can't play as an impact player, I want to feel 20 overs and make an impact in the field. That's the kind of player I have been. And God's blessed me with that perspective, and with the talent.

“You then find different ways to help the team. This management and this group of players has been outstanding, to be honest. They've gotten the right kind of players, match winners, and people who take the game on.

“So this everyone's. I don't want to stand here and talk about myself. There's a lot that's (been) spoken about me already. This win is for Bangalore, and it's for each and every one of the players, the families, and the whole management as well.”

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