Ahmedabad: India star Virat Kohli has revealed the emotional weight behind Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic triumph in the Indian Premier League 2025, admitting that years of pressure and near misses culminated in an overwhelming release of emotions when the franchise finally lifted its maiden title.

Speaking on an RCB podcast, Kohli reflected on the moment that ended the franchise’s 18-year wait for the coveted trophy, describing it as one of the most fulfilling experiences of his cricketing career.

Years of pressure finally released

Kohli, who has been associated with Royal Challengers Bengaluru since the league’s inception in 2008, said the victory carried the weight of nearly two decades of expectations, disappointments, and relentless scrutiny.

“All those emotions came out… I was just on my knees, hands folded, saying thank you that I could experience this before I stopped playing,” Kohli said.

The former RCB captain was visibly emotional after the team defeated the Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, marking a long-awaited breakthrough for one of the league’s most followed franchises.

Kohli explained that while fans saw the journey from the outside, living through repeated heartbreaks and close finishes added a deeper emotional layer to the achievement.

Near misses made victory more meaningful

Over the years, RCB had built a reputation as a strong yet unlucky side, often reaching the latter stages of the tournament without securing the title. Kohli acknowledged that these experiences made the eventual triumph even more special.

He highlighted the intense emotions during the final moments of the title clash, particularly the last few deliveries, which were difficult to put into words.

“There’s one thing to observe it, and another to live it. I have lived through all those seasons,” he said, underlining the personal significance of the win.

According to Kohli, the prolonged wait amplified the sense of accomplishment, making the victory far more rewarding than it might have been had it come earlier in his career.

No regrets, but a dream fulfilled

Kohli admitted that while he would not have carried lifelong regret if RCB had failed to win the title, there would always have been a lingering curiosity about what such a moment would feel like.

“Maybe I wouldn’t have regretted it, but there would have been a part of me wondering what it feels like,” he said.

He further added that the delayed success added unmatched value to the achievement, stating that the emotional payoff would not have been the same if the team had won the title in its early years.

Strong form continues in IPL 2026

Following the historic triumph, Kohli has continued his impressive form in the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The veteran batter has scored 484 runs in 12 matches, playing a key role in RCB’s strong campaign.

With Kohli leading from the front with the bat, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are currently placed at the top of the points table as they aim to defend their title.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s reflections offer a glimpse into the emotional journey behind one of the most significant moments in IPL history. For a player who has given his prime years to a single franchise, the 2025 title was not just a trophy but the culmination of persistence, loyalty, and belief.

As RCB look to build on that success in IPL 2026, Kohli’s words serve as a reminder that in sport, the hardest-earned victories often carry the deepest meaning.


(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)