RCB Celebrates Back-to-Back IPL Titles as Virat Kohli Shines
RCB's Remarkable IPL Victory
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India] - June 1: After the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched the Indian Premier League (IPL) title, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal remarked that the franchise has only begun its journey. He emphasized that their star player, Virat Kohli, doesn't require trophies to validate his greatness, stating he is 'a trophy himself.'
RCB has continued its impressive performance in Indian franchise cricket, achieving consecutive IPL titles, a feat previously accomplished by five-time champions CSK and MI. This victory marks their fourth title in Indian franchise cricket, which includes two Women’s Premier League (WPL) championships. Notably, they have the unique honor of holding both the IPL and WPL titles this year.
In a media interaction, Dhumal expressed confidence in RCB's future, saying, 'They have just started. Last year, they mentioned it would be back-to-back, and they delivered. Their performance throughout the season was outstanding. Although Gujarat Titans showcased excellent teamwork and had a strong bowling lineup, it simply wasn't their day.'
Regarding Virat, he added, 'Virat does not need any trophies. He is a trophy himself.'
Virat concluded the season with an impressive tally of 675 runs across 16 innings, averaging 56.25 and achieving a remarkable strike rate of 165.84. His season included a century and five half-centuries, with a top score of 105*. He finished as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament.
On the topic of Rajasthan Royals' young talent, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhumal praised his skills, wishing him success in his future endeavors for the country.
As a final note, Dhumal mentioned that the upcoming year will mark the IPL's 20th anniversary, promising it will be a special occasion.
In the final match, RCB batted first, with GT managing to score only 155/8 in their 20 overs. Washington Sundar (50* off 37 balls, including five fours) and Nishant Sindhu (20 off 18 balls, with three fours) were the only players to surpass the 20-run mark. Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29), and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) consistently took wickets.
RCB began their innings strongly, with a 62-run partnership between Venkatesh Iyer (32 off 16 balls, featuring four boundaries and two sixes) and Virat Kohli. Although GT fought back, reducing RCB to 132/5 at one point, Virat (75* off 42 balls, with nine fours and three sixes) led RCB to victory with two overs remaining.