After 18 emotional seasons, Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted the IPL trophy for the first time in 2025, ending one of the longest title droughts in the history of the Indian Premier League. In a night soaked with relief, pride, and legacy, Kohli poured his heart out in a raw, emotional post-match interview that will echo in cricket fans’ minds for years to come.
🔴 “This is for the fans, for the team – for every drop of sweat I’ve given.”
Kohli began by reflecting on the emotional weight of the win:
“It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, my pride, and my experience. And I’ve tried to win this every season. To finally have this moment… it’s an unbelievable feeling.”
For a player who has carried the RCB badge through ups and downs, Kohli’s eyes welled with emotion.
“I never thought this day would come. As soon as that last ball was bowled, I just broke down.”
👏 “AB de Villiers – This One is Yours Too”
The victory celebrations became more heartfelt with AB de Villiers in the dressing room, joining the team in lifting the trophy. Kohli couldn’t hold back his admiration:
“He deserves this as much as any of us. What he’s done for RCB is beyond stats. He still holds the most Man-of-the-Match awards and hasn’t played in four years. That tells you his impact.”
Their bond, often called one of the purest friendships in cricket, reached poetic closure as the two RCB legends stood together in celebration.
📈 “This Ranks Right Up There – Because My Soul is With Bangalore”
When asked where this win ranks among his career achievements, Kohli responded from the heart:
“This is far more special than winning with anyone else. Because my heart is with Bangalore. My soul is with Bangalore. This is the team I’ll play for till my last IPL game.”
Kohli made it clear that loyalty and belief in the franchise added unmatched value to this championship.
🔥 “The Fire in Me Hasn’t Burned Out”
Kohli silenced all talk around his fitness and longevity:
“I don’t want to just be an impact player. I want to field all 20 overs, I want to contribute everywhere. That’s who I am.”
At 36, Kohli continues to push the bar of intensity and professionalism, proving that age is just a number when the hunger is alive.
💡 “This is for Bangalore – Not Me”
In true leader fashion, Kohli deflected praise:
“This win is for Bangalore. For the players. For the support staff. For the fans who filled the stadium even when we were losing. I don’t want to talk about myself anymore.”
He credited the management, the auction strategy, and the players who stepped up under pressure.
“A lot of people questioned our auction, but by Day 2, we knew we had something special.”
🏏 “Test Cricket Will Always Be the Top Format”
In a moving message to upcoming cricketers, Kohli reminded the world of what truly defines greatness:
“This is right up there, but it’s still five levels under Test cricket. If you do well in Tests, people look you in the eye and say, ‘Well done, you played the game well.’ That respect is unmatched.”
😴 “Tonight, I’ll Sleep Like a Baby”
After chasing the IPL title for 17 years, Kohli finally got to say:
“Tonight, I’ll sleep like a baby. Because now, I have it. We have it. And we did it together.”
🎯 Key Highlights of Kohli’s Post-Final Interview
🏆 “Given every ounce of my energy to this team”
🤝 “AB, this is your win too”
🧠 “Stuck with RCB even when I had thoughts otherwise”
🔥 “Still want to give everything, every game”
👨👩👦 “This is for the fans, the players, the families, and the city”
💭 “Test cricket is still the most respected format”
📝 Final Words: A Chapter of Legacy, Loyalty, and Love
Virat Kohli’s journey with RCB will now be remembered not for the wait, but for the faith that outlasted it. This title wasn’t just about silverware—it was a story of commitment, emotion, and unfinished dreams finally fulfilled.
In a world of shifting franchises and fleeting loyalty, Kohli remained the constant heartbeat of RCB. And on June 3, 2025, that heartbeat turned into a roar.
