‘I’ve given this franchise my soul’: Virat Kohli reflects on RCB’s first IPL title

After nearly two decades of perseverance, heartbreak, and unwavering belief, Virat Kohli’s long-cherished dream finally turned into reality. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captured their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title with a nail-biting six-run victory over Punjab Kings in a high-octane final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday.

For 36-year-old Kohli, who has been the face of RCB since the league’s inception in 2008, the win was nothing short of a personal triumph. After leading the team through multiple ups and downs, Kohli was overcome with emotion as he finally held the IPL trophy — a prize that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career.

“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,” he said after the match. “I’ve given this franchise my youth, my prime, and all my experience. I tried to win it every season and gave it everything I had. Honestly, I never thought this day would come.”

RCB set a challenging total of 190/9, built around Kohli’s steady 43 off 35 balls and cameos from the middle order. However, it was Krunal Pandya’s game-changing spell of 2/17 that turned the tide in Bengaluru’s favour.

Punjab Kings came out swinging and looked on course to chase down the target, but consistent pressure from RCB’s bowling attack and sharp fielding in the death overs ensured a thrilling finish.

Reflecting on his journey with the franchise, Kohli acknowledged those who had walked the path with him — especially South African legend AB de Villiers, who was in attendance to celebrate the long-awaited win.

“What AB has done for this franchise is incredible,” Kohli said. “I told him, ‘This is as much yours as it is ours.’ He’s been Player of the Match more times than anyone for RCB, and even in retirement, he remains a cornerstone of our legacy. He deserves to lift this trophy with us.”

Kohli, the all-time leading run-scorer in IPL history, reaffirmed his deep connection with RCB, a team he has represented exclusively since the league’s beginning.

“My heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. There were chances to leave, but I stayed because this team means everything to me,” he said. “They’ve stood by me, and I’ve tried to return that faith every season.”

While hinting at the nearing end of his career, Kohli made it clear he still has fuel in the tank.

“There’s an end date to every career. But until then, I want to give it my all — not just in patches, but across 20 overs. That’s who I am,” he said.

Kohli capped off a stellar season with 657 runs from 15 matches, including eight half-centuries. But on Tuesday night, it wasn’t the runs that mattered — it was the emotion, the tears, and a story 18 years in the making finally finding its fairytale ending.