Eighteen seasons. One team. One dream. And finally, for Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), that dream became reality.
In a match that will be remembered for years to come, RCB defeated Punjab Kings by just six runs in the IPL 2025 Final, claiming their maiden championship and breaking a long-standing title drought that had haunted both the franchise and its loyal fans.
As the final delivery was launched into the sky and safely cleared the fielder, a stunned silence gave way to deafening celebration. Kohli—India’s cricketing icon and the heart of RCB for nearly two decades—dropped to his knees in tears, overcome by a mix of relief, pride, and pure emotion.
A Legacy Sealed with a Trophy
Kohli has worn the RCB jersey for 18 straight seasons—through highs, heartbreaks, and endless social media banter. He’s the only player in IPL history to have stayed with a single team for that long, and tonight, it finally paid off.
His wife, actress Anushka Sharma, watched on from the stands, visibly emotional as Kohli was mobbed by teammates on the field. This wasn’t just a win. It was a chapter closed, a weight lifted, and a reward earned through years of resilience.
The Match: Tense, Tactical, Triumphant
RCB, asked to bat first, posted 190/9 in their 20 overs. While it wasn’t a towering score, the intent was clear. Every player chipped in—none flashy, but each contribution counted. The runs looked defendable, but only just.
Punjab Kings fought tooth and nail in the chase. With Marcus Stoinis walking in during the death overs, tension hung thick in the air. Stoinis struck a massive six first ball, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar answered back immediately, removing him on the next delivery. That wicket turned the match.
Despite late efforts from Punjab’s lower order, the asking rate climbed. RCB held their nerve, closing out the innings and clinching the win by a sliver—six runs.
A Familiar Face in the Crowd
Adding a special touch to the final, AB de Villiers was seen cheering from the sidelines. When Stoinis was dismissed, Kohli turned to his old friend and shared a heartfelt fist bump. It was a quiet but powerful moment—two legends, one unfinished story, now complete.
“This Is For the Fans”
Post-match, an emotional Kohli addressed the crowd:
“I’ve given everything to this franchise. Tonight, I’m just grateful. This win belongs to every RCB supporter who stood by us, even when we had nothing but hope.”
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, who captained the team in the final, said the squad had only one goal going into the game:
“Win it for Virat bhai.”
Mission accomplished.
Bengaluru Erupts in Joy
Back home, streets across Bengaluru turned red overnight. Fans lit up the city with fireworks, flags, and dancing—celebrating not just a trophy, but the end of a long, emotional wait. The hashtags #RCBChampions, #ViratKohli, and #EeSalaCupNamdeFinally trended within minutes.
Final Thought
After 17 years of near-misses, heartbreaks, and belief that never faded, RCB are champions at last. And at the heart of it stood Virat Kohli—teary-eyed, humbled, and fulfilled.
The wait is over.
The crown is theirs.
And cricket, for once, gave the story the ending it truly deserved.
