After 18 years of waiting, heartbreaks, and unwavering support from their fans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally won their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title. The historic moment came at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, where RCB edged past Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling final. The victory sent Bengaluru and the entire cricket-loving nation into a frenzy, as the long-standing slogan “Ee Sala Cup Namde” finally came true.
For Virat Kohli, who has been the face of RCB since the IPL began in 2008, this win was more than just a trophy. It was the realisation of a dream that had spanned almost two decades, filled with dedication, emotion, and relentless pursuit. Kohli, who has already achieved every major honour in international cricket, was visibly emotional as he lifted the IPL trophy, tears rolling down his cheeks in front of thousands of ecstatic fans.
The Night That Changed Everything
RCB’s road to the title was never smooth. The team had reached the final three times before—2009, 2011, and 2016—but always fell short. In 2025, under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar and with Kohli playing a crucial role, RCB finally broke the jinx. Batting first in the final, RCB posted a competitive 190 for 9, with Kohli top-scoring with a steady 43 off 35 balls. The bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya’s tight spell of 2 for 17, managed to hold off Punjab Kings, who fell six runs short despite a strong start.
The celebrations that followed were unforgettable. Kohli, who has given his “youth, prime, and experience” to RCB, dedicated the win to the loyal fans and to former teammates AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, both present at the stadium. “I promise you this feels ten times more special because these two are standing next to me. Honestly, it is as much theirs as it is mine,” Kohli said, acknowledging the key roles De Villiers and Gayle played in RCB’s journey.
The joy was not limited to the stadium. Across Bengaluru, fireworks lit up the sky, and fans took to the streets, chanting and celebrating late into the night. Social media was flooded with messages from cricket legends, celebrities, and political leaders. The city, which had waited so long, finally had its moment of glory.
Kohli’s Legacy and the End of a Long Wait
For Kohli, this IPL triumph is a crowning achievement in a glittering career. Having retired from Test cricket earlier in the year, Kohli said that while the IPL title means the world to him, Test cricket will always remain special. Still, he made it clear that winning the IPL with RCB was among his proudest moments. “My heart is with Bengaluru. My soul is with Bengaluru. And this is the team I’ll play for until my final IPL game,” Kohli declared, strengthening his bond with the city and its people.
Kohli also paid a touching tribute to his wife, Anushka Sharma, for her support through the ups and downs. “What Anushka has gone through emotionally, watching me, being down and out, her coming to games, being so connected with Bangalore, she’s a Bangalore girl as well, and being connected to RCB, this is very, very special for her as well, and she’s going to be so, so proud,” he said.
The 2025 IPL final will be remembered not just for the cricket, but for the emotions and sense of closure it brought to millions of RCB fans. As Kohli carried the trophy to the stands, soaking in the love of the “Red Army,” it was clear that this was more than just a sporting achievement—it was a story of loyalty, belief, and redemption.
RCB’s first IPL title has put an end to years of jokes and memes, transforming hope and heartbreak into a night of pure joy. For Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the long wait is finally over. The cup is theirs at last.
