[WATCH] IPL 2025 Final: As RCB’s trophy drought comes to an end, Virat Kohli breaks down in tears

In an exciting final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) to finally end their 18-year quest for an Indian Premier League (IPL) championship. RCB won their first IPL trophy with a thrilling six-run triumph.

Emotions were running high as the contest came to a close in the last overs of the chase. Virat Kohli, the renowned Indian batsman and RCB star, was seen crying on the pitch. Josh Hazlewood remained composed in the final over, with PBKS needing 29 runs. The emotional weight of almost twenty years of waiting was captured on camera when Kohli covered his face to attempt to hide his tears after delivering just two deliveries.

With Rajat Patidar leading the team, Kohli, who has been with the team since its founding in 2008, finally got to grasp the coveted IPL trophy.

Here is a video of Virat Kohli crying.

The tears say it all 🥹

An 1️⃣8️⃣-year wait comes to an end 👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/X15Xdmxb0k

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

Following the momentous victory, Kohli said thanks to the supporters and gave some thought to his lengthy tenure with the RCB.

“I have given everything to the franchise, from the youth to the prime,” the stalwart said. The 36-year-old also honoured AB de Villiers, an RCB great and long-time comrade. He admitted that this victory is also for de Villiers, who gave his all for this team.

“The supporters are just as proud of this victory as the squad is. I’ve contributed my youth, prime, and experience to this team. I gave it my all and tried to win it every season. I never imagined this day would arrive, and after we won, I was overtaken with emotion. “This is as much yours as it is ours,” Kohli said on-air via Star Sports, acknowledging the amazing work ABD has done for the team.

Despite being retired for four years, he has won Player of the Match the most times in the franchise. After winning the title, Kohli remarked, “He deserves to be on the podium, lifting the cup.”