Virat Kohli Reflects on RCB's Historic IPL Victory After 18 Years

Virat Kohli reflects on the emotional journey of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they finally secured their first IPL title after 18 years. He shares insights on the pressure faced over the years, the significance of this victory, and his long-standing connection with the franchise. Kohli's heartfelt expressions reveal the depth of his commitment and the joy of achieving this long-awaited triumph, making it a unique milestone in his cricketing career. As RCB continues to perform strongly in the 2026 season, Kohli's leadership remains pivotal.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2026, 11:40 IST

Emotional Triumph for RCB

Star cricketer Virat Kohli shared his heartfelt emotions regarding the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's long-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) title win, emphasizing that the joy of securing the trophy after years of disappointment was far more significant than it would have been in the franchise's earlier days.

A Long-Awaited Victory

In 2025, RCB clinched their first IPL championship by defeating Punjab Kings in the final, putting an end to years of near misses for one of the league's most popular teams. Kohli, who has been with the franchise since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, was visibly moved by this historic achievement.

Kohli's Reflections on the Final Moments

During a recent episode of the RCB Podcast, Kohli recounted the intense emotions he felt during the final moments of the match when pacer Josh Hazlewood bowled the last over with Punjab Kings needing 29 runs. He expressed gratitude, stating, "I feel thankful every day of my life. That night, especially, it’s hard to put into words how I felt during those last four balls."

The Weight of Expectations

Kohli elaborated on the pressure that had built up over the years, noting how RCB was often seen as a strong team that had never won the title. He remarked, "It’s one thing to observe it, and another to live it. I have experienced all those seasons firsthand."

A Unique Achievement After 18 Years

Reflecting on the significance of the victory, Kohli stated, "I can honestly say that the feeling wouldn’t have been even five percent of what I felt had we won it in the earlier years. The accumulation of stress and pressure made this triumph incredibly special for me in my cricketing journey."

Kohli's Journey with RCB

As the face of RCB for nearly two decades, Kohli holds the record for the highest runs in IPL history, amassing 9,145 runs, including nine centuries. He reminisced about his journey with the franchise, highlighting the trust placed in him during a pivotal moment in his career when he was the only retained player ahead of the 2011 season.

Emotional Bonds with the Franchise

Kohli also discussed the emotional connections that legendary players like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle developed with RCB. He noted, "When you give so much of yourself to a team, there’s a genuine care and emotional connection that forms. I felt that impact more than anyone over the 18 years until we won the trophy."

Strong Performance in 2026 Season

Currently, RCB, the reigning IPL champions, is having another impressive season in 2026. The team is leading the points table with eight victories out of 12 matches, while Kohli has once again been a key player, scoring 484 runs at an average of 53.78 and a strike rate of 165.