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Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli holds the IPL trophy and poses with his wife Anushka Sharma (AP)
Virat Kohli took to coailmedia to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy.
“This team made the dream possible, a season I’ll never ever forget. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ride over the last 2.5 months. This one is for the fans of rcb who never ever left our side in the worst of times. This one is for all the years of heartbreaks and disappointment. This is for every inch of effort left on the field playing for this team. As far as the ipl trophy is concerned- you’ve made me wait 18 years to be able to lift you and celebrate my friend, but it’s been absolutely worth the wait.” he posted on Instagram.
After making history, Kohli had stated on Tuesday that he had dedicated his “youth and prime” to achieving one of the best moments of his career, as RCB secured their first IPL title on their 18th attempt.
However, the 36-year-old Kohli admitted that the six-run victory over Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad, while sweet, ranked “five levels below Test cricket”.
An emotional Kohli, who has participated in all 18 of RCB’s campaigns, including the three previous finals they lost, dropped to the ground before being embraced by his teammates.
“I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, my experience. I gave it everything I have. I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion as soon as the last ball was bowled,” said Kohli before passionately defending the oldest and longest format of the game.
“This moment is among the best in my career. But it still ranks five levels below Test cricket. That’s how much I value Test cricket and love it.
“So, I urge the youngsters coming through… if you want to earn respect in world cricket, take up Test cricket and give your heart and soul to it.”
In the IPL, Kohli joined Bangalore (then) at the IPL’s inception in 2008 and remained with them despite the disappointment of losing the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
Kohli was a key player this season, scoring 657 runs, including eight half-centuries in 15 innings, often playing the anchor role after opening the batting.
“Tonight I’ll sleep like a baby,” said Kohli, who hinted that full retirement might not be far off.
“I have an opportunity to play this game for only a few more years, there’s an end date to our career.
“And by the time I hang up my boots, I want to sit at home and say I gave it everything I had.”
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket, having cov… Read More
