WATCH: Emotional Virat Kohli breaks down after RCB win maiden IPL title

Virat Kohli couldn’t hold back his emotions as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Kohli, who has been part of the RCB setup since the league’s inception in 2008, was seen in tears after the match ended, visibly overwhelmed by the moment. It marked a long-awaited achievement for both him and the franchise, who had previously lost three IPL finals.

In the summit clash, RCB posted 190/9 after being put in to bat. Kohli led the way with a steady 43 off 35 balls, hitting three boundaries. Although his knock was cautious and even drew criticism from some quarters, it proved vital in setting up a defendable total.

Punjab Kings began their chase strongly but lost momentum in the middle overs, thanks to Krunal Pandya’s tight spell of 2/17 in four overs. The match came down to the final over with PBKS needing 29 runs from the last four balls. At that point, cameras caught Kohli emotional on the sidelines, fighting back tears.

When Josh Hazlewood delivered the final ball of IPL 2025—hit for a six by Shashank Singh—RCB had already sealed the win. Kohli dropped to the ground, overcome with emotion, before his teammates rushed in to celebrate the historic triumph.

Speaking after the win, Kohli said: “This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years. I've given this team my youth, prime, and experience.”

“I've tried to win it every season, gave it everything I have. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. Never thought this day would come, I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled. Gave each and every ounce of my energy and it's an amazing feeling,” he added. 

RCB’s victory not only ended their 18-year title drought but also gave Kohli the one trophy that had eluded him in his illustrious T20 career.