RCB Celebrates Historic IPL Victory After 18 Years
RCB Claims First IPL Title in Front of 91,000 Fans
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) achieved their first-ever IPL championship after a thrilling match against the Punjab Kings, witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd of 91,000. Virat Kohli, a pivotal figure for RCB since the inception of the IPL, has never donned another team's jersey. The immense pressure of leading the team to victory took its toll, prompting him to step down as captain, a decision he had previously discussed. After 18 long years of striving for this moment, Kohli finally savored the triumph that had eluded him for so long.
Kohli Shares the Spotlight with AB de Villiers
Kohli quickly shifted the focus from himself to another RCB legend, AB de Villiers, who contributed significantly to the team from 2011 to 2021, scoring 4,522 runs in 157 matches. For Kohli, this victory represented not only personal achievement but also a shared legacy.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Fans and Team
Kohli expressed his gratitude, stating, 'This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, my experience. Every single season, I’ve walked out with a heart full of hope and a mind obsessed with victory. To finally have this moment… it’s beyond belief.'
Overwhelmed with Emotion
Reflecting on the moment, he said, 'I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion the moment that last delivery was bowled. I had nothing left in me — every ounce of energy, every drop of sweat, I gave it to this cause. And tonight, it all came back full circle.'
Honoring AB de Villiers' Legacy
Kohli praised de Villiers, saying, 'What AB has done for this franchise is phenomenal. I told him, ‘This win is as much yours as it is ours. You have to celebrate with us.’ Even after four years of retirement, he’s still probably our most frequent Player of the Match. That tells you everything about his impact — not just on the league or the team, but on me personally. He deserves to be here, on this podium, lifting this cup.'
A Journey of Loyalty and Belief
Kohli emphasized his commitment to the team, stating, 'It’s right up there. Maybe at the very top. I’ve had chances to move on, to switch teams, but I stayed. I stuck through the tough years. I believed in this badge, this city. Bangalore is not just a franchise for me — it’s home. My heart and soul are here. And I always dreamt of winning with them. That makes this even more special.'
Team Effort Leads to Victory
He acknowledged the management and team, saying, 'This management, this group — they’ve been outstanding. People questioned our auction strategy, mocked our picks. But we knew what we were building. Match-winners, risk-takers, people who believe. And when the pressure came, this squad stood tall.'
A Dream Fulfilled
Kohli concluded with a sense of fulfillment, stating, 'As a sportsperson, you dream of big moments. And the IPL — this tournament — it’s one of the biggest. I wanted this. Not just for my legacy, but for this group. For the fans who’ve stood by us. For the city that’s sung our name. And tonight, I can finally sleep like a baby.'
A Win for the City of Bangalore
He emphasized, 'This win isn’t mine. It’s not just the team’s. It belongs to Bangalore. To every fan who waited 18 years. To every family member, every support staff, every person who stood by us. We are champions. And we did it — together.'