Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their maiden IPL title after match against Punjab Kings in front of a crowd of 91,000 people. Kohli, the unshakeable heart of the franchise, has been inextricably linked with RCB from the dawn of the IPL and his own playing career, never once wearing anyone else’s jersey. Throughout the years, the sheer burden of taking the side to triumph had exacted its price, finally leading him to step down as captain something he had already discussed openly in previous interviews. And now, in potentially the twilight years of his great journey, Kohli finally tasted the dream that had been beyond his grasp all these years, the win comes after waiting for 18 long years.
But Kohli did not let the limelight stay on him for too long. He soon gave credit to another RCB great AB de Villiers, whose genius from 2011 to 2021 had him amassing 4,522 runs in 157 games for the team. For Kohli, the victory was as much about collective legacy as it was individual satisfaction.
Also Read: WATCH – Virat Kohli In Tears Moments Before RCB Won The IPL Title After 18 Long Years
“Given This Team My Youth, My Prime, My Experience”
“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,” Kohli told the broadcasters. “It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, my experience. Every single season, I’ve walked out with a heart full of hope and a mind obsessed with victory. To finally have this moment… it’s beyond belief.”
“Never Thought This Day Would Come”
“I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion the moment that last delivery was bowled. I had nothing left in me — every ounce of energy, every drop of sweat, I gave it to this cause. And tonight, it all came back full circle.”
Virat Kohli On AB de Villiers
“What AB has done for this franchise is phenomenal. I told him, ‘This win is as much yours as it is ours. You have to celebrate with us.’ Even after four years of retirement, he’s still probably our most frequent Player of the Match. That tells you everything about his impact — not just on the league or the team, but on me personally. He deserves to be here, on this podium, lifting this cup.”
“Stayed And Struck Through The Tough Years”
“It’s right up there. Maybe at the very top. I’ve had chances to move on, to switch teams, but I stayed. I stuck through the tough years. I believed in this badge, this city. Bangalore is not just a franchise for me — it’s home. My heart and soul are here. And I always dreamt of winning with them. That makes this even more special.”
A Complete Team Effort By RCB
“This management, this group — they’ve been outstanding. People questioned our auction strategy, mocked our picks. But we knew what we were building. Match-winners, risk-takers, people who believe. And when the pressure came, this squad stood tall.”
Also Read: RCB Ends 18 Year Drought By Claiming Victory Over Punjab By 6 Runs In An Electrifying Finals
“I Can Finally Sleep Like A Baby”
“As a sportsperson, you dream of big moments. And the IPL — this tournament — it’s one of the biggest. I wanted this. Not just for my legacy, but for this group. For the fans who’ve stood by us. For the city that’s sung our name. And tonight, I can finally sleep like a baby.”
The Win Belongs To Bangalore
“This win isn’t mine. It’s not just the team’s. It belongs to Bangalore. To every fan who waited 18 years. To every family member, every support staff, every person who stood by us. We are champions. And we did it — together.”
