IPL 2025 [WATCH]: Virat Kohli invites Mayanti Langer to touch IPL trophy in heartfelt gesture after RCB ends title drought

On a night drenched in emotion and roaring crowds at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year-long title drought by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final by a narrow margin of 6 runs.

RCB’s historic IPL 2025 triumph after 18 years

In a tournament that has often seen RCB come close only to falter at the final hurdle, this win was more than just a trophy, it was redemption. Batting first, RCB posted a competitive total of 190/9, with Virat Kohli anchoring the innings with a gritty 43 off 35 balls. The pitch slowed down, and Punjab’s bowlers made life difficult for RCB’s middle order. But the bowlers rose to the occasion. Despite a powerful counterattack from Shashank Singh, who played a brilliant 61 off 30 balls, RCB’s bowling unit, led by tight death overs, held their nerve to seal the win in the final over. It wasn’t just a cricket match; it was a culmination of nearly two decades of hope, heartbreak, and undying loyalty from the RCB faithful. The franchise, once called underachievers despite its star-studded rosters, finally answered the prayers of millions.

Virat Kohli offers Mayanti Langer emotional IPL trophy moment after RCB victory

The most emotional sight of the night was Kohli, the man who has symbolized RCB’s identity for more than a decade, breaking down in tears even before the final ball was bowled. As the crowd erupted, Kohli sank to his knees. His eyes welled up. And it wasn’t just about winning, it was about relief, legacy, and closure.

Moments later, another heartwarming gesture took over social media: Mayanti Langer, the popular sports presenter and wife of former RCB player Stuart Binny, was seen requesting Kohli to let her touch the IPL trophy. Stuart was part of the RCB squad in the 2016 final, which they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad. For Mayanti, a proud Bengaluru girl, the moment held deep personal significance. Kohli graciously handed her the trophy as the cameras captured her overwhelmed expression. “This is for all of us who waited, who believed. My husband was in the team when RCB lost the final in 2016, and today… this feels surreal. Thank you, Virat, thank you RCB,” she said.

Here’s the video:

Mayanti on Binny ❤#RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/aBIwm2mOkc

— Aman (@Amanriz78249871) June 4, 2025

Mayanti Langer said, "my husband played for RCB and lost the 2016 Final. I'm a Bengaluru girl, Virat Kohli let me touch the IPL trophy. I cannot believe it". pic.twitter.com/qGhCeGxJuF

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 3, 2025

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli breaks down in tears as RCB ends 18-year drought to lift IPL trophy

Punjab Kings’ brave fight falls short as RCB’s wait finally ends

For Punjab Kings, it was yet another painful chapter in their quest for a maiden title. They had shown great character throughout the playoffs, especially in Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians, where Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 led them to a historic chase. But on the biggest night, nerves got the better of them.

After restricting RCB to what looked like a chasable 190, their batting collapsed under the weight of pressure. Except for Shashank’s valiant knock, no batter was able to sustain momentum. Wickets tumbled, and the required run rate soared beyond control. Meanwhile, RCB showed the composure of champions. Kohli led with fire, Patidar’s tactical decisions were spot-on, and the bowling unit executed with surgical precision. As Kohli took a victory lap around the stadium, carrying the trophy and pointing to the crowd, it was more than celebration it was a tribute to every RCB supporter who stood by the team for 18 long years.

Also READ: Vijay Mallya’s unmissable post goes viral after RCB wins IPL 2025 title