'My heart and soul is with Bangalore': Virat Kohli gets emotional after RCB's first-ever IPL win

It was an emotional night for Virat Kohli after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their first-ever IPL trophy. After waiting for 18 long years, Kohli and RCB managed to get their hands on the elusive cup thanks to a thrilling 6-run win against Punjab Kings. After the win, Kohli said this win meant everything to him.

“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given my time, my youth, my prime. I gave it everything I have. I never thought this day would come. Was overcome with emotion as soon as the last ball was bowled,” Kohli said in the post-match interview.

🗣🗣 My heart is for Bangalore, my soul is for Bangalore...this is the team I will play for until the last day that I play the IPL.

🎥 Virat Kohli, straight from the heart as a #TATAIPL champion ❤#RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/4UI4yNKLuB

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

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Kohli gets emotional

Kohli also spoke about his former teammate AB de Villiers, who was present during the final few overs near the boundary line, cheering for his former side and good friend as RCB won the game .

“What he’s (AB) done for this franchise is tremendous. Told him before the game as well - this one is as much yours and I wanted him to celebrate with us. He still has the most MoM awards for us and he’s been retired four years. He deserves to be on the podium with us.”

They have seen it all 🥹

Now, it's time for them to celebrate together 🥳🤝

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli | @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/Qbd6Ybiu5E

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

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Kohli also talked about his loyalty to RCB through all the ups and downs. He said the win will give him peace, and he will finally be able to sleep without stress, like a baby.

“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. I have an opportunity to play this game for not many years. There’s an end-date to us. Want to give everything I have before that. Thankful to God for giving it in my lap finally.”

Kohli ended by lauding the team management and support staff and saying this win is one of the best moments of his career. However, he further pointed out that Test cricket is still above everything for him.

“A lot of people questioned us after the auction, but by Day 2 we were happy with what we had. There’s a lot that’s been spoken about me already, this win is for Bangalore. This moment is right up there with the best moments in my career. But it still ranks five levels below Test cricket. If you want to earn respect, take up Test cricket,” he said.