After nearly two decades of anticipation and dedication, Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a nail-biting final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The win marked a historic moment for both the franchise and its longtime captain, with emotions running high on and off the field.
Kohli’s Pivotal Knock and the Bowling Brilliance
Kohli, the heartbeat of RCB ever since the inception of the IPL in 2008, also contributed importantly to the final with a calm knock of 43 runs from 35 balls. But it was the bowling attack that absolutely clinched the victory for RCB. Krunal Pandya bowled a match-winning spell of 2/17, and he took away the Player of the Match award. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 2/38 increased pressure on Punjab Kings, while RCB defended a modest total with grit and determination.
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Emotional Celebrations and Tributes
Celebrations erupted as Kohli finally held the IPL trophy aloft, surrounded by jubilant teammates and franchise legends AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. The moment was a culmination of 18 years of near-misses, heartbreaks, and unyielding fan support. Kohli’s emotional tribute to his wife, Anushka Sharma, in the post-match interaction captured hearts across the nation.
“she’s been coming here and cheering for RCB since 2014, so it’s been 11 years for her as well,” Kohli said his voice full of emotion. “she’s been there relentlessly… what your life partner does for you to be able to play, the sacrifices, the commitment — it’s something you can’t really explain in words.”
Deepika Padukone Among Celebratory Voices
One of the most-liked posts on social media came from Kohli’s celebration photos, featuring the trophy and jubilant moments with teammates. Bollywood stars including Deepika Padukone, Athiya Shetty, Sidharth Malhotra, and Varun Dhawan expressed their admiration online. Deepika, who has strong roots in Bangalore despite being born in Denmark, liked and reacted to the post — a nod to her long-standing connection with RCB.
Regularly seen watching matches in the early 2010s, Deepika’s support, albeit subdued more recently, remains sincere. Her Bangalore connection and positive memories of the city resonate with fans celebrating RCB’s victory.
