WATCH - Virat Kohli in tears as RCB finally win their first IPL title after 18 years

It was a night to remember for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans and, most importantly, Virat Kohli, who has given his blood and sweat to this franchise for 18 years. RCB finally lifted their first-ever IPL trophy in 2025 and no one was more emotional than Kohli as chants of ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’ turned into ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’.

After RCB beat Punjab Kings by 6 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Kohli couldn’t hold back his tears. As the players celebrated on the field, cameras caught Kohli crying with joy. His teammates rushed to hug him, and the fans in the stadium erupted as the final ball was bowled.

The tears say it all 🥹

An 1️⃣8️⃣-year wait comes to an end 👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/X15Xdmxb0k

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

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RCB win first-ever IPL title after 18 years

RCB posted 190/9 in their 20 overs, with Kohli scoring a steady 43 off 35 balls. While he didn’t hit any sixes, his calm and responsible innings gave RCB a solid base. Other batters like Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma added quick runs to push the total close to 200. Phil Salt also contributed at the top.

In reply, Punjab Kings gave RCB a tough fight. Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis looked dangerous, but Krunal Pandya’s magical spell (4-0-17-2) and tight bowling by Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/25) helped RCB pull off a thrilling 6-run win. PBKS were also eyeing their maiden title.

Kohli, who has been with RCB since the first season in 2008, has seen many ups and downs. Despite stepping down as captain a few seasons ago, he stayed loyal to the franchise. This win meant everything to him. He was seen hugging AB de Villiers on the sidelines after the match, with whom he had forged many partnerships for RCB.

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Here’s what Virat Kohli said after the win: This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, prime and experience. I’ve tried to win it every season, gave it everything I have. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. Never thought this day would come, I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled. Gave each and every ounce of my energy and it’s an amazing feeling."

“What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous, told him ’this win is as much yours as it is ours. I want you to celebrate with us’. He’s been the POTM most times in the franchise despite being retired for four years. Tells you the impact he’s had on the league, team and me. He deserves to be on the podium, lifting the cup.”