Virat Kohli’s 18-year quest for the IPL title ended on Tuesday (June 3), when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in the IPL 2025 final at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Phil Salt (16) was lost early by RCB after they were asked to bat first. Nonetheless, Kohli formed vital alliances with Rajat Patidar (26) and Mayank Agarwal (24) to lead the team.
Virat Kohli was ultimately removed after scoring 43 off 35 balls, including three fours. Jitesh Sharma (24) and Liam Livingstone (25) ultimately played a strong hand as RCB scored a respectable 190 runs. For Punjab, Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson both took three wickets.
As a result, Shashank Singh (61*) and Josh Inglis (39) impressed, yet PBKS ended up losing by six runs. Both Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked two wickets which played a big part in RCB winning its first title.
Virat Kohli was praised by fans for his passion, consistency and for realizing his goal of winning the IPL. A fan stated:
“This wasn’t just about a trophy. It was about a man who gave his soul to one team. For 18 years, Virat Kohli carried RCB on his shoulders, through storms, trolls & tears. Tonight, the crown finally sits where it always belonged. For Kohli. For RCB. For every loyal heart.”
This wasn’t just about a trophy. It was about a man who gave his soul to one team.
For 18 years, Virat Kohli carried RCB on his shoulders, through storms, trolls & tears.
Tonight, the crown finally sits where it always belonged.
For Kohli. For RCB. For every loyal heart. pic.twitter.com/4DAHY3PX3k
— Uday Bhanu Chib (@UdayBhanuIYC) June 3, 2025Years of fire in his eyes,
Years of pain in his smile.
Tonight, both turn into tears of gold.
The crown touches the King,
And RCB becomes eternal.
For Kohli. Always for Kohli. 👑❤️ pic.twitter.com/tSkxP2o1Zo
— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) June 3, 2025Finally RCB fans waited for these moments for years. This trophy is dedicated to Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli. ❤️#RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/KFqihuHqIF
— Krishna. (@KrishVK_18) June 3, 2025Here are the other reactions:
“Congratulations, RCB! The jinx is finally broken and Ee Sala Cup Namde has come true! Virat Kohli has his well-deserved IPL trophy, but above all, credit to the franchise’s fan base who remained loyal despite years of disappointment piling up. Cheers,” a fan wrote.
“Virat’s journey with RCB shows that if you keep showing up year after year despite the disappointments, one day even god will give in, let go of His stubbornness, and let you win,” another posted.
“Must say Virat Kohli casually belts out some amazingly iconic lines at the end of a big sporting event when emotions are high, which ideally should take its own time and space even from the experienced dialogue writers,” a fan tweeted.
Virat Kohli opens up on winning his maiden IPL title
Virat Kohli spoke with the announcers and shared his joy at winning the IPL. While remarking that the occasion was long overdue, Kohli stated:
“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this time my youth, my prime. I gave it everything I have. I never thought this day would come.”
Virat Kohli
Kohli also talked about his loyalty and admiration for the franchise, saying:
“I have stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. Have had moments when I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. My heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore and this is the team I’ll play for till the time I play the IPL. Tonight I’ll sleep like a baby.”
Virat Kohli
