RCB Celebrates Historic IPL 2025 Victory with Kohli, de Villiers, and Gayle

RCB Breaks 18-Year Title Drought

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have finally claimed their first IPL title after 18 long years, and for Virat Kohli, this triumph was more than just lifting the trophy; it was about celebrating with the two legends who helped shape the team's legacy: AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle.

In a nail-biting final held in Ahmedabad, RCB narrowly defeated Punjab Kings, leading to emotional scenes featuring the franchise's iconic trio.

Following the match, Kohli shared his thoughts with broadcasters, expressing the significance of celebrating this long-awaited victory alongside de Villiers and Gayle, who have been by his side through the highs and lows of the past decade.

Kohli's Tribute to de Villiers

“What he’s done for the franchise has been absolutely tremendous,”

Kohli mentioned that he had told AB before the final that this trophy was as much his as it was for the current squad.

“I told him that before the game as well—that this one is as much yours as it is ours, and I want you to celebrate with us when we lift that trophy at the end of the night. He’s got the maximum number of Man of the Match awards and he’s been retired for four years now. That tells you the impact he’s had on this team, on this league, for me as a person, our friendship.”

The relationship between Kohli and de Villiers has been a defining aspect of RCB’s identity, and Kohli emphasized that AB deserved to be part of this monumental moment.

Emotional Moments in the Final

“What he means for the people of Bangalore, to this team, to this franchise, is something I cannot describe in words. So I said, he deserves to be on that podium, lifting that cup with all of us tonight.”

Kohli reflected on the emotional intensity of the final moments, not just due to the impending victory but also because he saw de Villiers standing silently at the boundary as Hazlewood prepared to bowl the final over.

“Oh man, you know what was more special was having you right at the boundary line in the last two overs. And I told him, ‘I’m going to go. It’s too much to take.’ And when Hoff [Hazlewood] bowled that second ball and it didn’t go for six, they needed five sixes. I was gone. I don’t know how I held back the tears for the last three balls of the innings.”

Alongside de Villiers was another RCB legend, Chris Gayle, who donned a red turban and RCB jersey, visibly moved as Kohli embraced him.

Kohli Reflects on Their Journey

“You know, for me, why it’s so special to share it with these two is because I’ve shared my prime years with them,”

Kohli acknowledged the missed opportunities in previous seasons but emphasized that this victory felt even more rewarding, especially with his closest teammates by his side.

“All of us have that hurt because we gave our prime years to this franchise. And we really, really, from the bottom of our heart, wanted to win that title for RCB. I promise you, this feels like ten times more special just because these two are standing next to us.”

The bond between RCB fans and their 'Holy Trinity'—Kohli, AB, and Gayle—extends beyond mere results, and Kohli recognized the legacy they have built together.

A Legacy Beyond the Game

“When they come to Bangalore, it’s not just me. People go absolutely berserk because they appreciate that they’ve given their heart and soul for this team till the time they played here. They deserve it as much as I do… it’s equally theirs too.”