For millions of Virat Kohli’s admirers, a long-cherished dream remained unrealised—until last night. On June 3, 2025, that long wait came to an end. After 18 years of anticipation, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (formerly Royal Challengers Bangalore) clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, narrowly defeating Punjab Kings by six runs. It was a historic moment, marking their first-ever championship win.
As the final over unfolded, and victory appeared imminent despite a flurry of boundaries from the opposition, cameras focused on Kohli’s face—capturing a deeply emotional moment. His tearful expression encapsulated the journey of the franchise: perennial contenders, yet titleless until now. Kohli, who has been the face of the team since its inception, visibly struggled to hold back his emotions, wiping his eyes after each delivery.
The final, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw RCB post a competitive total of 190/9 after being put in to bat. Jitesh Sharma’s explosive cameo of 24 runs off just 10 balls played a crucial role in lifting the total. In response, Punjab Kings fell short, managing 184/7 in their allotted 20 overs, unable to replicate their performance from the Eliminator.
Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic figures in modern cricket, is widely respected for his batting excellence and leadership qualities. He has represented RCB since the team’s inaugural season in 2008, and remains the only player to have played for a single franchise throughout the IPL’s history. Kohli captained RCB from 2012 to 2021, guiding them to two finals but never to a title.
This title triumph coincides with Kohli’s recent retirement from Test cricket, a decision that has triggered widespread speculation. Reports suggest efforts are underway to persuade the modern great to reconsider his decision and return to the longest format of the game.
