Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli broke down in tears and hugged his wife Anushka Sharma, who was equally emotional as the franchise ended its 18-year wait by defeating Punjab Kings to win IPL 2025. With the franchise managing to win their first title after succeeding for the first time in four finals, the couple were massively hysterical.
The 36-year-old had been part of the Royal Challengers since 2008 and led the franchise for numerous years but they didn't lift the trophy. However, the right-handed batter refused to play for any other franchise. With Hazlewood sealing the win only after the first two balls of the 20th over as Punjab Kings needed 29 off six balls, Kohli was filled massively with emotions.
The veteran looked slightly out of colour with the bat but still top-scored with 43 off 35 deliveries. Cameos from Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma also chipped in with cameos to lift the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 190 in 20 overs. Although the Punjab Kings made a decent start, they lost their way in the middle overs.
"Never thought this day would come" - Virat Kohli
Speaking to Matthew Hayden after the game, the Delhi-born cricketer said it belongs to the fans as much as anyone and said he wishes to celebrate it with AB de Villiers.
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. What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous, told him 'this win is as much yours as it is ours. I want you to celebrate with us'"
