Honestly, I Never Thought This Day Would Come: Virat Kohli After IPL Win

After nearly two decades of heartbreak and close calls, Virat Kohli finally lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured their first-ever title with a thrilling six-run victory over Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday.

Kohli, who scored 43 runs off 35 balls in the final, was visibly emotional as the long-awaited moment became a reality.

In a post-match interview, Kohli stated, “This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. 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. I was overcome with emotion when we won.”

RCB posted a competitive total of 190/9, thanks in large part to Kohli’s innings.

The game-changing performance came from all-rounder Krunal Pandya, who delivered a crucial spell of 2/17.

Punjab Kings started strong but fell just short in the final moments.

Reflecting on his journey with RCB, Kohli praised the contribution of legendary players, especially AB de Villiers, who celebrated with the team from the sidelines.

“What AB has done for this franchise is incredible. 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, even though he retired four years ago. He deserves to be on that podium, lifting the trophy with us,” Kohli asserted.

The 36-year-old, the IPL’s all-time highest run-scorer, spoke about his loyalty to the team and his drive to keep performing despite nearing the end of his career.

“I’ve stayed loyal to this team, and they’ve stayed loyal to me. My heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. There were other moments, but I stuck with RCB because it means everything to me,” Kohli remarked.

Kohli also hinted at the closing chapter of his cricketing journey but vowed to give his best until the very end.

“There is an end date to every career. Before that day comes, I want to be able to say I gave it everything I had. I can’t just be an ‘impact player’ — I want to contribute across 20 overs, in every way I can. That’s who I’ve always been. God’s given me the talent and perspective, and I want to use it to help the team however I can,” he noted.

As RCB finally lifted the IPL trophy, Kohli’s tears on the field reflected a story of perseverance, passion, and a dream fulfilled.

He finished the season with 657 runs in 15 matches, including eight half-centuries.

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