Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in the final to clinch their first-ever IPL title on Tuesday (June 3). The Rajat Patidar-led side, that has cricketing icon Virat Kohli, ended its 18-year long wait for a maiden IPL trophy.
Invited to bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB racked up 190/9 on the board. While Kohli was the top scorer with 35-ball 43, the likes of Rajat Patidar (26 off 16), Liam Livingstone (25 off 15) and Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10) made valuable contributions with the bat.
Defending the total, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2 for 38) and Krunal Pandya (2 for 17) bowled magical spells to stop PBKS at 184 for 7 in 20 overs.
After the historic triumph, Virat Kohli was all emotional as he accepted 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 in the post-match interview.
The stalwart further stated that his former RCB teammate AB de Villiers deserves to be on the podium for his immense contributions to the franchise.
“What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous, told him 'this is as much yours as it is ours'. He's been the POTM most times in the franchise despite being retired for four years. He deserves to be on the podium, lifting the cup,” Kohli added.
The 36-year-old also spoke about his loyalty for RCB and what I meant for him win the IPL title.
“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.
