[WATCH] IPL 2025: Virat Kohli searches for AB de Villiers after RCB’s win, shares heartfelt embrace

When Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League final on Tuesday, June 3, Virat Kohli was overcome with emotion. Following a close six-run victory, Kohli sought out his buddy and former RCB teammate AB de Villiers, who wanted to give the South African international, who retired as one of the team’s most recognisable players, an emotional embrace.

De Villiers was not readily visible to Virat Kohli in the crowded Motera field as players and match officials crowded the boundary lines following the victory. He was searching frantically for his mate, who was there for the momentous occasion. As soon as Virat Kohli saw the former wicketkeeper-batter, he rushed over to give him a heartfelt embrace.

View the widely shared footage of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli here.

Kohli searched for Abd ..they ran together and hugged like kids #RCBvsPBKS #CongratulationsRCB #Rcb #RCBvsPBKS #ViratKohli #ABdeVilliers #IPL2025 #IPLFinals pic.twitter.com/Ztpt3IjLtm

— Newsbooks (@Newsbooks191172) June 3, 2025

With tears in his eyes as the victory drew closer, Kohli’s colleagues surrounded him, realising the significance of the moment for both him and the squad, which has been associated with him for 18 seasons since the start of the major competition. The Ee Saala Cup Namde (This year, the cup will be ours) shouts, which the fans had been chanting for years, eventually turned to Ee Saala Cup Namdu (This year, we have the cup), resulting in a moment of delight and celebration within the fan community.

Regarding Kohli’s 2025, he was once again outstanding at the batting end, amassing an incredible 657 runs at 54.75 from 15 games, which proved to be vital in RCB’s drive to the championship. His 43 off 35 balls set the tone for the team in the first innings, as they achieved a total of 190 after losing nine wickets, and he also finished the tournament as RCB’s highest run scorer in the final.