WATCH: Virat Kohli cry after winning at PBKS vs RCB IPL 2025 Final clash

For 18 long years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and its passionate fans had waited to raise the IPL trophy. That dream became reality on a dramatic night in Ahmedabad, creating an incredible chapter in the franchise's history. At the center of that emotional victory stood Virat Kohli — RCB's face since 2008 — with tears in his eyes, hands on head, clearly shaken by it all. His emotional response was the iconic image of the night, a culmination of years of pain, criticism, and unwavering dedication.

The relationship between Kohli and RCB runs deep. There were near misses for the franchise in 2009, 2011, and a memorable season in 2016, and then there were the tough lows, which might have tested even the most patient and determined athlete. Kohli never wavered and came back each season still hungry and hoping for the day that he could finally take his beloved franchise to the top. And that day finally came, after almost two decades of tireless pursuit. 

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A Final to Remember

RCB's long-desired victory was made all the more pleasurable by a heart-pumping victory against Punjab Kings, winning by 6 runs in the final. The Bengaluru innings was 190 for 9, and Kohli anchored the innings with a score of 43. Even with Shashank Singh's blistering 61 off 30 balls, Punjab could only manage 184 for 7. As the last ball was bowled and celebrations erupted all around him, Kohli remained motionless, processing everything that had just transpired. This wasn’t simply a title; this was a moment of redemption - and legacy - now forever part of IPL folklore.