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After years of heartbreak and near misses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their title drought by clinching their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in Ahmedabad. The Rajat Patidar-led side edged out Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a gripping final to etch their name in the history books of the tournament.
The win sparked massive celebrations among RCB fans worldwide, who had stayed loyal to the franchise through thick and thin. The victory also brought immense joy to star batter Virat Kohli, who has been the face of RCB since the inaugural season in 2008.
Virat Kohli shares emotional note for fans and teammates
Soon after the triumph, Kohli took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message reflecting on the team’s unforgettable journey and the long wait to lift the IPL trophy. In his emotional statement, Kohli expressed deep gratitude and joy after RCB’s maiden IPL title win, calling it a dream come true and a season he will always cherish. He dedicated the triumph to the unwavering fans who stood by the team during tough times and acknowledged the years of heartbreak and effort put in by the players. Referring to the IPL trophy as a long-awaited companion, Kohli highlighted the significance of finally lifting it after 18 years, saying the wait was tough but ultimately worth every moment.
“This team made the dream possible, a season I’ll never ever forget. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ride over the last 2.5 months. This one is for the fans of RCB who never ever left our side in the worst of times. This one is for all the years of heartbreaks and disappointment. This is for every inch of effort left on the field playing for this team,” wrote Kohli on Instagram.
“As far as the IPL trophy is concerned—you’ve made me wait 18 years to be able to lift you and celebrate, my friend, but it’s been absolutely worth the wait,” he added.
Also WATCH: Virat Kohli breaks down in tears as RCB ends 18-year drought to lift IPL trophy
Kohli’s stellar show in IPL 2025
Kohli played a pivotal role in RCB’s title-winning campaign in IPL 2025. The veteran batter ended the season as the franchise’s leading run-scorer, amassing 657 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71. His highest score of the season—an unbeaten 73—came against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur in April.
In the final, Kohli once again stood tall, scoring a composed 43 off 35 balls, setting the platform for RCB’s match-winning total. Having now represented RCB across 18 IPL seasons, Kohli has accumulated 8661 runs from 267 matches, including eight centuries and 63 fifties—further cementing his legacy as an IPL great.
Also READ: Vijay Mallya’s unmissable post goes viral after RCB wins IPL 2025 title
