After 18 years of loyalty, Virat Kohli leads RCB to historic first IPL title

Not surprisingly, when RCB pulled off a six-run win against Punjab Kings in the 2025 final, the way Kohli, who first played for RCB at the age of 18, struggled to control his emotions was understandable

HYDERABAD: No.18! Well, this proved to be the magical number finally for Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Tuesday night when the long, long wait for that IPL title has ended.

Why? It was the 18th edition of IPL, ‘18’ is the famous jersey number of arguably one of the greatest batters across all formats – Virat Kohli.

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Not surprisingly, when RCB pulled off a six-run win against Punjab Kings in the 2025 final, the way Kohli, who first played for RCB at the age of 18, struggled to control his emotions was understandable. For it is also an amazing story of Kohli’s loyalty to one franchisee over the years.

For this was one trophy which Kohli should have been looking for so desperately.

Significantly, two of the finest to don the RCB jerseys – the West Indies great Chris Gayle and the South African AB de Villiers – were there to join the celebrations. And, perhaps, they made the celebrations for Kohli even more special and memorable for they have been part of the ‘incredible trio’ in RCB batting line-up which came close to winning the title a few times in the past.

Kohli, who was the topscorer for RCB with 35-ball 43 in the final, was spot on when he said in the post-match briefing that he had given RCB his youth, prime and experience.

“I’ve tried to win it every season, gave it everything I have. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. Never thought this day would come, I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled,” was what the emotional Kohli said.

There is no doubt that Kohli gave “each and every ounce of my energy” and in the end it’s an amazing feeling.

“What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous, told him ‘this win is as much yours as it is ours. I want you to celebrate with us’. He’s been the ‘player of the match’ most times in the franchise despite being retired for four years. Tells you the impact he’s had on the league, team and me. He deserves to be on the podium, lifting the cup,” the master-chaser said about de Villiers.
Quite justifiably, Kohli feels this IPL trophy would be right up there.

“I’ve stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I’ve had moments where I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. I stood behind them, they stood behind me. And I always dreamt of winning it with them,” said a visibly delighted Kohli.

“And, this is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. And as I said, this is the team I’m going to play for till the last day that I play the IPL,” said the champion batter who was with RCB right through the 18 editions of IPL.

“So this one is absolutely right up there because you know, as a sportsman, when you grind for something, this is a very high intensity, high quality tournament, which is of great value in world cricket today. And I’m someone that wants to win the big tournaments, the big moments, and this one was missing. And tonight, I’m going to sleep like a baby,” he explained.

On what keeps him going, Kohli said there would be an end date to his career. “And, by the time that I hang up my boots, I want to sit at home and say I gave it everything I had,” he said.

“So, I look for ways to improve. I can’t play as an impact player, I want to feel 20 overs and make an impact in the field. That’s the kind of player I have been. And, God’s blessed me with that perspective, with the talent. And, then you find different ways to help the team,” Kohli said.

Most importantly, Kohli gave the entire team the credit for the IPL success story. “I don’t want to stand here and talk about myself. This win is for Bangalore. And it’s for each and every one of the players, and the families, and the whole management as well,” he signed off.