Kohli and Shastri share a deep bond from their time together with the Indian team.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their 18-year long wait for the maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title win on Tuesday (June 3).
The Rajat Patidar-led side edged out Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a thrilling IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, sending fans into a frenzy of celebration.
The triumph also left Virat Kohli emotional as the RCB talisman fell to his knees and broke down in tears.
After the win, Kohli ran towards Ravi Shastri and embraced him in a heartfelt hug. The two share a deep bond from their time together with the Indian national team, where Shastri served as head coach during Kohli's captaincy.
Shastri’s time with the Indian team ended after the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, where the Men in Blue were eliminated in the group stage. Kohli also relinquished T20I captaincy soon after.
In the post-match interview with Matthew Hayden, Virat Kohli shared his immediate feelings on the IPL title win, admitting that he never thought of experiencing this moment.
“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience. Tried to win it every season, gave it everything I can. Never thought this day would come, was overcome with emotion after we won,” Kohli said.
The 36-year-old also spoke about his loyalty for RCB and what I meant for him to win the coveted title after such a long wait.
“This win is right up there, I've stayed loyal to this team. I had moments otherwise, but I stayed with them and them with me. My heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. This is a high-intensity tournament, I want to win the big tournaments and moments. Tonight, I'll sleep like a baby,” Kohli remarked.
“I look for ways to improve, I want to field and make an impact there. God's blessed me with perspective and talent. Just put my head down and worked as heart as I can. In the auction, people questioned our tactics but we were happy with what we had. Management kept us positive, the players were amazing. This moment is the best I've had and it still marks five levels under Test, I'd urge youngsters to give your heart and soul to it and that's what'll give you respect,” he concluded.