Virat Kohli finally lifted his first Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in a tense final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday.
After years of heartbreak, RCB secured their maiden IPL title in the tournament’s 18th season, thanks to a disciplined bowling effort and Kohli’s steady knock at the top of the order. The win ended a long wait for both Kohli and the franchise, who had previously finished runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It has been 18 long years,” said an emotional Kohli after the match. “I have given my youth, my prime. I gave it everything. I never thought this day would come.”
Bengaluru were put into bat and posted 190 for 9 in their 20 overs. Kohli top-scored with a composed 43 off 35 balls, anchoring the innings amid regular wickets. He built crucial partnerships with Mayank Agarwal (24) and captain Rajat Patidar (26), ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking.
Punjab Kings began their chase confidently, with openers Priyansh Arya (24) and Prabhsimran Singh (26) adding 43 runs in the first five overs. However, RCB struck back soon after the powerplay.
Spinner Krunal Pandya turned the game with a match-winning spell of 2 for 17 in four overs, dismissing both openers and putting the brakes on Punjab’s chase. Romario Shepherd added to Punjab’s woes by removing Shreyas Iyer cheaply.
Josh Inglis revived hopes briefly with a brisk 39 off 23 balls, but his dismissal—caught off Pandya—left Punjab needing 56 from the last four overs. Shashank Singh launched a spirited counterattack, smashing 61* off 30 balls with six sixes, but it wasn’t enough as Punjab ended at 184 for 7.
The win sparked emotional celebrations, particularly for Kohli, who has been part of RCB since the league’s inception in 2008. With 700 runs this season, he finished as the third-highest run-scorer, leading by example in what could be one of the most satisfying moments of his career.
