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STUMP VISION JUNE 13, 2025 | The Indian Eye 45

Tears of Triumph: Virat Kohli’s

Unbreakable Bond with RCB

In the victorious IPL 2025 season, Virat Kohli once again proved to be a central pillar of RCB’s

success. He emerged as their highest run-scorer, amassing 657 runs

ARCHAN MEHTA

ell, it only took 18 years, but someone
finally remembered to check under the
Wcouch for the IPL trophy, the wait is fi-
nally over. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
have been crowned champions of the Indian Pre-
mier League (IPL) 2025. For Virat Kohli, this vic-
tory marks the culmination of nearly two decades
of unwavering loyalty, profound passion, and relent-
less effort. The emotional impact was undeniable; Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli, former teammates AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and others, celebrate with the trophy after
tears flowed freely from Kohli after the final ball, a
powerful testament to the immense significance this winning the Indian Premier League 2025 final match against Punjab Kings, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad (ANI)
triumph held for both him and the team.
Kohli’s enduring journey with the RCB fran- anchoring the innings was deemed vital. Commen- satisfaction was evident, as he graciously dedicated
chise began in its inaugural year, 2008. He has tators highlighted his stabilizing presence, which the win to the team, management, and their families,
remained a steadfast presence throughout their prevented a collapse as wickets fell whenever the emphasizing that the victory was a collective effort.
eighteen-year campaign, with the primary objec- team seemed to gain momentum. His performance, While celebrating this significant white-ball
tive always being the elusive trophy. This coveted complemented by significant contributions from achievement, Kohli also took a moment to express
goal often seemed tantalizingly close yet ultimate- teammates such as Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingston his deep respect for Test cricket. He noted that this
ly unattainable. RCB had previously reached three and Rajat Patidar, was instrumental in setting a de- IPL win, while monumental, still ranked below the
finals and qualified for the playoffs on numerous fendable total. pinnacle of Test cricket and urged young cricketers
occasions, only to fall short, fostering a deep-seated Virat Kohli is often described as one of the to revere the longest format, as strong performanc-
sense of frustration. Despite these persistent disap- greatest white-ball batters the world has ever seen, es there earn global respect.
pointments and the understandable temptations to with an impressive list of accomplishments already Ultimately, RCB’s IPL 2025 triumph was a re-
seek success with other franchises, Kohli’s loyalty including a 50-over World Cup, a T20 World Cup, sult of a collective team effort, with numerous play-
to RCB never wavered. He dedicated his youth, his and a Champions Trophy. The IPL trophy was the ers contributing significantly throughout the season.
prime cricketing years, and his wealth of experience sole significant white-ball title that had eluded him. However, Virat Kohli’s eighteen-year journey, his
to the team. His heart and soul are firmly rooted Beyond his formidable statistics, Kohli’s champion consistent high-level performances, and his deep
in Bengaluru, and he has consistently affirmed that status is built on his remarkable consistency, his emotional connection to the franchise made this vic-
RCB is the team he will represent until his final day ability to perform under immense pressure, and his tory incredibly poignant, not just for him but for mil-
in the IPL. unwavering dedication to his craft. lions of loyal RCB fans worldwide. It was, as he truly
In the victorious IPL 2025 season, Virat Kohli Kohli expressed that he never truly believed felt, the last major accomplishment he deeply desired
once again proved to be a central pillar of RCB’s this day would arrive. The win held immense per- to achieve in this high-intensity tournament. “And
success. He emerged as their highest run-scorer, sonal significance, given the immense energy he had just like that, the universe righted itself, and a certain
amassing 657 runs, and his consistency at the top invested in the team. He ranked this achievement king finally got his crown – now, if you’ll excuse him,
of the order provided crucial starts. While there right alongside his other major career milestones, he has 18 years of peaceful sleep to catch up on!”
were discussions regarding his strike rate in the fi- stating that winning with any other franchise would Archan Mehta is a writer dedicated
nal match, especially when compared to his more not have felt the same, as his heart and soul belong to to telling compelling stories about athletes, teams, and
explosive innings earlier in the season, his role in Bengaluru. A palpable sense of relief and profound the world of cricket

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