RCB End 18-Year Wait For IPL Glory, Emotional Virat Kohli Soaks It In

India-West News Desk

AHMEDABAD – Eighteen years of heartbreak, near-misses, and unbreakable loyalty finally came to a euphoric end on June 3 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy. In a nail-biting final against Punjab Kings, RCB clinched a dramatic 6-run victory — and with it, immortality in the league’s storied history.

Virat Kohli played a crucial knock in the final, anchoring the innings with a gritty 68 that steadied RCB after a shaky start. His poise under pressure laid the groundwork for their 190/9 total, despite a spirited spell from Arshdeep Singh, who picked 3/40 for Punjab Kings. The chase saw Punjab fight till the last over, but RCB’s bowlers held their nerve to restrict them to 184/7. Krunal Pandya – played a huge part  taking 2-17 from his four overs, conceding just one boundary.

Though Rajat Patidar officially led the team this season, the night belonged to Kohli. His emotional arc has mirrored RCB’s journey — from the early years of promise to the crushing loss in the 2009, 2011 and 2016 finals. His commitment to RCB — a franchise he’s been with since 2008 — has turned him into a symbol of loyalty.

As the final ball was bowled and the crowd at the Narendra Modi stadium erupted, players rushed in celebration — but Virat Kohli stood still. Near the boundary line, the man who had become synonymous with the franchise was overcome by emotion. Hands on his head, eyes brimming with tears, Kohli was no longer the stoic warrior — he was a man who had finally arrived at a dream eighteen years in the making.

He hugged longtime teammates, fell to his knees, and pointed to the RCB crest on his jersey. “It means everything,” he said, voice trembling.

“This title is as much Virat’s as it is the team’s,” said head coach Andy Flower. “He’s been the heartbeat of this franchise. He might not have the captaincy anymore, but he’s led us in every way that counts.”

Fans who had travelled from Bengaluru unfurled banners and chanted his name as he climbed the advertisement boards, waving, pointing to the sky, and finally smiling through the tears. The wait was over. And it was perfect.

For RCB fans across the world, this wasn’t just a title. It was vindication. It was emotion. It was history.