Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 4: After an 18-year wait, Virat Kohli, the star batter for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), expressed his joy following the team's first Indian Premier League (IPL) title victory. He remarked that he would 'sleep like a baby' after this monumental win and dedicated the triumph to his former teammate and close friend, AB de Villiers, who was present at the final.
RCB's long-awaited title was secured with a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS), thanks to a stellar performance from the bowlers, particularly in the middle and death overs, despite a commendable 61* from Shashank Singh.
In a post-match interview, Kohli emphasized that this win was as much for the fans as it was for the team. 'It has been 18 long years. I have dedicated my youth and experience to this team, striving for victory every season. To finally achieve this is an unbelievable feeling. I was overwhelmed with emotion after the last ball was bowled,' he shared.
Kohli also highlighted de Villiers' significant contributions to the franchise, stating, 'What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous. I told him, 'this win is as much yours as it is ours. I want you to celebrate with us.' He has been the Player of the Match multiple times for the franchise, even after retiring four years ago, showcasing his lasting impact on the team and the league.'
De Villiers ranks as RCB's second-highest run-scorer, amassing 4,522 runs in 157 matches at an average of 41.10, with two centuries and 37 fifties, boasting a strike rate of 158.33.
When asked about the significance of this title win, Kohli stated it ranks among his most cherished moments, affirming his commitment to the franchise until his last day in the IPL. 'This victory is incredibly special because I have remained loyal to this team through thick and thin. I always dreamed of winning it with them, and this moment is far more meaningful than winning with anyone else,' he expressed.
Kohli concluded, 'As a sportsman, when you work hard for something, especially in a high-stakes tournament like this, it holds immense value in world cricket. I aim to win big tournaments, and this title was the missing piece. Tonight, I will sleep soundly.'
In the match, PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl first. Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) delivered crucial breakthroughs, while Yuzi Chahal (1/37) kept the batters in check. Kohli contributed 43 runs off 35 balls, supported by Rajat Patidar (26 off 16), Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10), and Liam Livingstone (25 off 15), helping RCB set a target of 190/9 in 20 overs.
During the chase, PBKS started strong with Priyansh Arya (24 off 19) and Prabhsimran (26 off 22) forming a 43-run partnership. Josh Inglis (39 off 23) and Shashank Singh (61* off 30) fought hard to keep up with the required run rate, but Krunal Pandya (2/17), Yash Dayal (1/18), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/38) restricted PBKS to 184/7, despite Shashank's explosive 22 runs in the final over.
PBKS continues to seek their first title, having reached their second final and their first in 11 years.
