After 18 seasons of unwavering loyalty, Virat Kohli collapsed in tears as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden IPL title.
"I've given this team my youth, my prime, my experience," the 36-year-old said, choking back emotion after RCB's six-run final win over Punjab Kings.
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18-Year Journey
Kohli, RCB's only ever-present player since 2008, dropped to his knees when the final ball was bowled, punching the turf in relief. "I never thought this day would come," he admitted, voice trembling.
"For 18 years, I've dreamed of lifting this trophy with RCB. Tonight, the dream finally came true."
The moment marked the end of a journey that began when a teenage Kohli made his IPL debut.
"I could have left, but my heart is in Bangalore," he said. "This team stood by me through three final defeats, so I stood by them. Winning here is more special than any title."
'This Win Is for the Fans'
Dedicating the triumph to RCB's faithful, Kohli fought back tears: "It's been 18 long years. I've given each ounce of energy to this team.
This win is as much for the fans as it is for us." Flanked by former stars AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, he added: "AB deserves this too—his impact on RCB is unforgettable."
The 36-year-old, who top-scored with 43 in the final, highlighted the franchise's belief: "Management backed us when others doubted.
We had confidence in this group, and tonight we proved it."
Career Milestone
Kohli's IPL title caps a historic 12-month run, following his 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy wins.
"As a sportsman, you grind for big moments," he said. "This was the missing piece. Tonight, I'll sleep like a baby."
Despite retiring from Test cricket, he stressed its importance: "Test cricket is five levels above any trophy. Youngsters must respect it to earn true cricketing respect."
Key Stats & Legacy
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Loyalty Personified: 18 seasons, 267 matches, 8,661 runs for RCB.
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Final Impact: 43 off 35 balls, 5 boundaries in the title decider.
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Post-Match Scene: Kohli raised the trophy with de Villiers, chanting "Ee Sala Cup Namde" to 100,000 fans.
'I'll Play for RCB Till My Last Day'
"I've stayed loyal through ups and downs," Kohli vowed. "This is the team I'll represent until I retire from IPL.
Bangalore is my cricketing home, and this win belongs to every fan who never gave up on us."
As Virat Kohli savored his first IPL title, he promised to continue pushing boundaries: “There’s an end date to our career. I’ll say ‘I gave it everything I had.’”
In tears yet triumphant, Kohli delivered redemption not only for himself but for RCB’s passionate fans, fulfilling a promise 18 years in the making.
Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Farewell Stats: Can His RCB Trophy Dream Finally Become Reality?
