[WATCH] IPL 2025, Final: Virat Kohli down in tears as RCB’s trophy wait ends

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year wait for an Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. RCB secured a memorable six-run victory to lift their maiden IPL trophy.

As the match neared its conclusion during the final overs of the chase, emotions ran high. RCB icon and India’s legendary batter Virat Kohli was seen tearing up on the field. In the last over, with PBKS needing 29 runs, Josh Hazlewood held his nerve. After bowling just two deliveries, the cameras caught Kohli covering his face, trying to hide his tears, a moment that captured the emotional heaviness of nearly two decades of waiting.

Kohli, who has been with the franchise since its inception in 2008, finally got to hold the coveted IPL trophy, this time under the leadership of Rajat Patidar.

Watch video of Virat Kohli in tears here

IndianPremierLeague@IPL

The tears say it all 🥹 An 1️⃣8️⃣-year wait comes to an end 👏 Updates ▶ bit.ly/TATAIPL-2025-F… #TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli

11:30 PM · Jun 03, 2025

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After the historic win, Kohli dedicated the victory to the fans and reflected on his long journey with RCB. The stalwart stated that he has given everything to the franchise from the youth to the prime. The 36-year-old also paid tribute to his long-time teammate and RCB legend, AB de Villiers. He acknowledged that de Villiers gave everything for this team and conceded this win is for him too. 

“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. I’ve given this team my youth, prime and experience. Tried to win it every season, gave it everything I can. Never thought this day would come, I was overcome with emotion after we won. What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous, told him ‘this is as much yours as it is ours,” Kohli told on air via Star Sports.

He’s been the Player of the Match most times in the franchise, despite being retired for four years. He deserves to be on the podium, lifting the cup,” said Kohli after winning the trophy.