the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad erupted in a cacophony of cheers, tears, and unbridled joy. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), led by the soft-spoken Rajat Patidar, clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings by a nail-biting six runs. At the heart of this historic victory was Virat Kohli, the talismanic figure whose 18-year journey with RCB culminated in a moment of pure, unadulterated triumph. For Kohli, jersey number 18, it was poetic justice—an 18-year wait for the one trophy that had eluded him in a career studded with accolades. This is the story of a man, a team, and a city that refused to give up on a dream.
The Weight of Expectation
Virat Kohli’s association with RCB began in 2008, when a 19-year-old prodigy, fresh off captaining India to the U-19 World Cup title, stepped into the glitzy world of the IPL. RCB, a franchise built on star power and fan fervor, became his home. Over the years, legends like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Jacques Kallis, and AB de Villiers came and went, but Kohli remained the constant—the face, the soul, and the heartbeat of the franchise. His loyalty was unwavering, even as the team faced heartbreak after heartbreak, including three final losses in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
Kohli’s IPL journey mirrors his life: intense, passionate, and relentless. With 8,661 runs in 267 matches, including eight centuries and 63 half-centuries, he is the IPL’s highest run-scorer and the only player to stay with one franchise for all 18 seasons. Yet, the lack of an IPL trophy was a glaring void in an otherwise glittering resume that includes the 2011 ODI World Cup, 2013 and 2025 Champions Trophies, and the 2024 T20 World Cup. For a player nicknamed the “Chase Master” and “Run Machine,” the IPL title was the final frontier.
The 2025 Season: A New Dawn
The 2025 IPL season was a turning point for RCB. After years of criticism for inconsistent strategies, the franchise overhauled its approach at the mega auction. They invested in a balanced squad, blending aggressive batsmen like Phil Salt and Jacob Bethell with a potent bowling attack featuring Yuzvendra Chahal, Kyle Jamieson, and Vijayakumar Vyshak. Kohli, retained for ₹21 crore, was no longer the captain but remained the emotional anchor. His leadership off the field and his performances on it—657 runs at an average of 54.75, placing him third among the season’s top run-scorers—set the tone for RCB’s campaign.
The final against Punjab Kings was a microcosm of RCB’s season: gritty, determined, and collective. Batting first, RCB posted 190-9, with Kohli anchoring the innings with a crucial 43 off 35 balls. It wasn’t a flashy knock, but it was quintessential Kohli—gritting it out when the team needed stability. Punjab Kings, chasing 191, were kept in check by RCB’s bowlers, with Josh Hazlewood defending 29 runs in the final over to seal a six-run victory. As the last ball sailed into the stands for a meaningless six, Kohli sank to his knees, hands covering his face, tears streaming down. The weight of 18 years of loyalty, struggle, and hope had finally lifted.
The Emotional Outpouring
Kohli’s reaction was raw and human. “I never thought this day would come,” he said in the post-match presentation. “I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, my experience. This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team.” His Instagram post echoed this sentiment: “This one is for the fans of RCB who never left our side in the worst of times. You’ve made me wait 18 years to lift you and celebrate, my friend, but it’s been absolutely worth the wait.” The post went viral, resonating with millions who had lived through RCB’s rollercoaster journey.
The victory was personal for Kohli, but it was also a shared triumph. He celebrated with former teammates AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, who had flown to Ahmedabad to witness the moment. A heartwarming video of Kohli rushing to the stands to embrace his wife, Anushka Sharma, melted hearts online. Anushka, a Bengaluru native and RCB’s biggest cheerleader, shared his tears of joy, their hug encapsulating 18 years of emotional investment in the franchise. Kohli later credited her, saying, “She’s gone through every high and low with me. This means as much to her.”
A lighter moment stole the show when Kohli, in true “King” fashion, peeked inside the IPL trophy during the celebrations, sparking laughter among teammates and a meme-fest online. Fans dubbed it “peak Kohli energy,” with some joking he was “checking if there’s another final inside.” This blend of intensity and childlike curiosity is what makes Kohli a fan favorite—a champion who wears his heart on his sleeve.
The Significance of Loyalty
Kohli’s journey with RCB is a rarity in modern cricket, where franchise-hopping is common. Only MS Dhoni’s bond with Chennai Super Kings compares, though Dhoni’s five IPL titles contrast with Kohli’s long wait. Kohli’s loyalty to RCB, despite lucrative offers from other franchises, is a testament to his belief in the team and its fans. “My heart is with Bengaluru, my soul is with Bengaluru,” he said, a line that resonated deeply with the city’s passionate supporters.
Bengaluru’s love for Kohli wasn’t instant. Unlike Dhoni’s instant connection with Chennai, Kohli’s bond with the city grew over time, transforming its cosmopolitan crowd into fierce RCB loyalists. His presence on billboards, social media, and press events masked the franchise’s lack of silverware, making him the face of Bengaluru’s cricketing identity. The victory parade in Bengaluru, despite tragic incidents during celebrations, saw fans throng the streets, chanting “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This time, the cup is ours).
A Legacy Beyond the Trophy
While the IPL triumph was monumental, Kohli placed it in perspective. “This moment is right up there with the best in my career, but it still ranks five levels below Test cricket,” he said, reaffirming his love for the longer format despite retiring from it in May 2025. His 9,230 Test runs, 40 wins as India’s most successful Test captain, and four ICC titles underscore a career of unparalleled excellence.
The IPL win, however, was more than a trophy—it was vindication. It silenced critics who questioned RCB’s auction tactics and Kohli’s T20 form. It was a reward for a franchise that backed him through thick and thin, and for fans who never wavered. As Yuvraj Singh tweeted, “Been a long wait, but the best stories are worth it!”
The Road Ahead
At 36, Kohli knows his playing days are numbered. “There’s an end date to our careers,” he said, hinting at the inevitable without confirming retirement from the IPL. His focus remains on giving his all, whether batting, fielding, or mentoring younger players. The 2025 season showed he still has the fire—his 657 runs and eight half-centuries were a reminder of his enduring class.
For RCB, the victory marks a new chapter. Under Andy Flower’s coaching and Patidar’s leadership, the franchise has found a blueprint for success. For Kohli, it’s closure—a dream fulfilled after 18 years of loyalty, heartbreak, and resilience. As he lifted the trophy, surrounded by teammates, fans, and family, it wasn’t just a victory for RCB—it was a triumph of the human spirit.
In the annals of cricket, Kohli’s 2025 IPL win will be remembered not just for the trophy, but for the story behind it: a boy from Delhi who became Bengaluru’s own, a superstar who stayed loyal, and a legend who proved that dreams, no matter how long deferred, can come true.