Virat Kohli won his maiden IPL trophy after a wait of 18 years.
After an 18-year wait for the team and its talisman, Virat Kohli finally realized his long-held dream of winning the Indian Premier League trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on a night filled with emotion and crimson.
In a tense IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB maintained their composure to defeat Punjab Kings by six runs, securing their first IPL championship.
After the victory, Kohli, who had hit a crucial 43 off 35 balls, was overpowered and fell to the ground before being surrounded by his ecstatic teammates. Wearing his recognizable No. 18 jersey, the crowd in the stadium was humming and singing his name.
The 36-year-old RCB legend opened up about the sacrifices and support from his family, coach during the journey to winning the maiden IPL trophy.
“I have not cried many times on the field, but this was very difficult to control. I know what I have gone through in the last 18 years. I have given my youth, my prime, and my experience to this team,” Kohli told official broadcasters.
“The total of today’s date is 18, the season is 18... Thank you, God! Forever grateful for all the things that God has blessed me with — and this is absolutely right up there with anything else I have experienced,” he added.
Kohli then mentioned his wife Anushka Sharma, his mother, brother, and even his coach, thanking them for their support for so many years in the IPL.
“Anushka has been part of this journey for the past 11 years. She has seen the heartbreaks, the ups and downs, and my emotional swings. My mum, my brother, my coach — they’ve all seen it over the 18 years. Without the support, without Anushka keeping my perspective right, my family supporting me, my coach being there — none of this is possible. You have to be thankful for the support you get daily. I’m very grateful,” Kohli said.
Kohli also spoke about his mindset and commitment to the game.
“I’ve always wanted to do what is best for my team. Even after stepping down as captain, I told the management I’d support whoever they pick. My job is to score runs and win games. I’m not someone who wants to hang around just for the sake of it. I want to contribute, to improve, to field for 20 overs, and give everything. And to have another 600-plus run season makes me feel very happy,’ Kohli signed off.
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