In a moment filled with emotion and pride, Virat Kohli was visibly moved after his team, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), triumphed over Punjab Kings by six runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final. Kohli, who has played his entire 18-year IPL career with RCB, was deeply touched by the victory. As the final ball of the match sailed over the boundary line, securing the win for RCB, Kohli fell to the ground, overcome with emotion. His teammates rushed to celebrate with him, and the occasion was marked as yet another remarkable chapter in his illustrious career.

Anushka Sharma, Kohli’s wife and Bollywood star, was also in disbelief, sharing the emotional moment with her husband. This win was particularly significant, marking the culmination of years of dedication and loyalty to the team.

RCB’s Victory: A Dream Realised for the Team and Kohli

RCB’s victory in the IPL 2025 final was a testament to the team’s perseverance and skill, as well as a moment of personal significance for Virat Kohli. Despite no longer captaining the side, Kohli’s leadership and presence were crucial throughout the tournament. His passion for the franchise remained unshaken, and his contribution in the final was indispensable.

Before the match, RCB’s captain Rajat Patidar expressed that the team was motivated to win the IPL title for Kohli, underscoring the respect and admiration the squad has for their senior player. This victory was as much for Kohli as it was for the entire team, who rallied around their captain and his leadership.

The Final: A Thrilling Encounter at Narendra Modi Stadium

The IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings was a spectacle, with both teams battling fiercely for the title. The match, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, witnessed intense moments, particularly during Punjab’s chase of a challenging 191-run target.

RCB batted first, posting a competitive total of 190/9 in their 20 overs. The team fought hard, with contributions from key players, including Kohli, who led the charge with his experience. Despite setbacks, RCB’s performance in the death overs ensured they set a formidable total for Punjab to chase.

Punjab Kings’ Chase and Key Moments

In response, Punjab Kings began their chase with intent but lost a crucial wicket early on. Nehal Wadhera was dismissed on the first ball of the 17th over, leaving Punjab with an uphill task. Marcus Stoinis, who walked in at 136/5, had 55 runs to score from 22 balls. He hit a six on the first delivery, keeping Punjab’s hopes alive. However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck back immediately, finding Stoinis’ outside edge on the next ball, which turned the tide in RCB’s favour.

Punjab Kings’ chase faltered as RCB tightened their grip. Despite a late flurry, Punjab ultimately fell short by six runs, handing RCB their first-ever IPL title.

RCB’s Journey to the Final: Dominance and Consistency

RCB’s path to the IPL 2025 final was marked by consistency and dominance. After finishing second in the points table during the group stages, they earned their place in the final with a stunning eight-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1. This victory in the qualifier ensured that RCB would play in their first IPL final in nine years.

Punjab Kings, however, bounced back in Qualifier 2, where they dominated Mumbai Indians, setting up a thrilling rematch in the final. The stage was set for a high-pressure encounter, and it lived up to expectations.

Kohli and AB de Villiers: A Special Bond

A heartwarming moment during the final came when Virat Kohli was seen celebrating the wicket of Marcus Stoinis with his former teammate, AB de Villiers. De Villiers, the South African wicketkeeper-batter, was watching the match from the sidelines, supporting his former team. The duo shared a fist bump, a sign of their unbreakable bond and shared history at RCB. De Villiers’ support for Kohli and RCB in such a crucial moment only added to the emotional intensity of the final.

RCB’s Historic IPL 2025 Title: A New Era

RCB’s victory in the IPL 2025 final represents a new era for the franchise. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, the team proved that resilience and teamwork could overcome any challenge. Kohli’s presence, both on and off the field, was a driving force, and the win was a well-deserved reward for his long-standing dedication to the team.

For Kohli, the victory was the result of years of hard work and commitment to the Royal Challengers. Even though he no longer captains the team, his emotional reaction after the final ball revealed just how much this win meant to him personally. It was the culmination of his journey with the franchise, and he finally saw his dreams of an IPL title realised.

Anushka Sharma’s Emotional Support

Throughout Kohli’s IPL career, his wife, Anushka Sharma, has been a strong pillar of support. In the final, Anushka was seen cheering for her husband from the stands, sharing the joy of the historic victory. Her presence at the stadium, celebrating with Kohli, further highlighted the strong personal bond between the couple. For Kohli, having his family by his side during such a monumental moment only made the victory sweeter.

Anushka’s reactions mirrored Kohli’s emotions, as both were overwhelmed by the magnitude of the win. This shared moment was a testament to the support and love that has helped Kohli achieve so much in his career.

A Fitting End to a Long Wait

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory was a dream realized for the team and their loyal fans. For Kohli, it marked the culmination of 18 years of dedication to the franchise. His emotions after the final ball summed up the journey that had led RCB to their first IPL title.

RCB’s win is a reminder that leadership, teamwork, and resilience are crucial in achieving success. Rajat Patidar’s leadership, combined with the collective effort of the team and the guidance from players like Kohli, made the difference in this historic final. As RCB celebrates their IPL triumph, they now look ahead to the future with hope, eager to build on this success and continue their dominance in the years to come.