The wait has come to an emotional end for Virat Kohli, who finally clinched his first IPL title with Royal Challengers Bangalore after 18 seasons. As the final ball was bowled and RCB secured a six-run win against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, Kohli, overcome with emotion, fell to his knees, head bowed to the turf. Reflecting on the victory, he shared, “I’ve given this team my youth, my prime and my experience.”
Kohli, the only player to have loyally stayed with one team throughout the entirety of the IPL’s eighteen-year history, dedicated this win to both the team and its passionate fans. “This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,” he stated. Expressing disbelief at reaching this milestone, he said, “I never thought this day would come. This means so much to me.”
The IPL triumph caps a stellar period for Kohli, who also claimed the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Kohli noted, “It’s right up there if I’ve to be honest… I stood behind this team no matter what. To win it with RCB is truly special; this is where my heart belongs.”
Despite retiring from Test cricket last month, Kohli remains focused on improving and enjoying his remaining years in the game. At the end of the season, he was RCB’s top performer with 657 runs and eight half-centuries, all in victorious matches. “There’s an end date to our career,” he contemplated, “By the time I hang up my boots, I can sit at home and say I gave it everything I had.”
Kohli is adamant about maintaining his presence on the field, dismissing the notion of stepping back or playing reduced roles. “I can’t play as an Impact Player. I want to field, field 20 overs and make an impact in the field. That’s the kind of player I am,” he shared.
In closing, Kohli expressed immense gratitude for the victory, describing it as a culmination of dedication and hard work. “I’m so very grateful for this victory,” he said. “I just put my head down, stay humble, work as hard as I possibly can, find ways to help the team.”
