SRINAGAR — In a historic triumph 18 seasons in the making, Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally clinched their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a dramatic six-run victory over Punjab Kings in a thrilling final.
Kohli, 36, an icon of Indian cricket and the only player to have represented the same franchise since the IPL’s inception in 2008, was instrumental in the win. Opening the batting, he top-scored with 43 off 35 balls, helping RCB post 190-9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Punjab Kings, chasing their first title as well, fell agonizingly short, managing 184-7 despite a late flurry by Shashank Singh, who struck a valiant 61 not out, including 22 runs off the final four balls of the match.
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“I never thought this day would come,” an emotional Kohli said post-match. “I’ve given every ounce of my energy to this team. This means so much to me.”
Kohli’s Loyalty Rewarded After 18-Year Wait
Having faced heartbreak in three previous IPL finals, Kohli finally lifted the trophy after a career defined by both personal brilliance and team misfortune. With 657 runs this season at an average of 54.75, he finished third on the tournament’s top scorers list.
Kohli’s IPL journey began in 2008 when he was just 19. Since then, he has amassed over 8,600 runs for RCB — all without switching franchises. This win completes his glittering resume that already includes the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy.
“My heart and soul are with Bangalore. This is the team I’ll play for until my last IPL game,” he added. “Tonight, I’ll sleep like a baby.”
RCB’s Bowling Holds Firm Amid Late Punjab Charge
RCB’s bowling unit maintained composure even as Punjab mounted a fierce fightback. Romario Shepherd and Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck at key moments, removing captain Shreyas Iyer and power-hitter Marcus Stoinis. Australian quick Josh Hazlewood held his nerve in the final over, ensuring the Kings fell just short.
Andy Flower’s Coaching Masterstroke
The victory also marks a major milestone for head coach Andy Flower, who transformed RCB into a cohesive, title-winning unit in just two seasons. After a semi-final exit last year, Flower’s squad peaked at the right time this season, defeating Punjab twice in five days — once in the qualifier and again in the final.
Flower’s resume now includes franchise titles in the IPL, Pakistan Super League (with Multan Sultans, 2021), and The Hundred (with Trent Rockets, 2022).
England Stars Play Their Part
RCB’s international recruits also contributed significantly. England’s Phil Salt and Liam Livingstone took key catches, while Jacob Bethell was absent due to international duty but part of the title-winning squad. Livingstone, notably, secured back-to-back IPL titles, having won with Kolkata Knight Riders last season.
