Virat Kohli finally lifts IPL 2025 trophy after 10 years with RCB: Is 18 his lucky no.? What numerology says
Virat Kohli finally lifted his first IPL trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after 18 years of unwavering loyalty and dedication. His emotional journey from a young firebrand to RCB¡¯s iconic figure culminated in a night of triumph in Ahmedabad.

Virat Kohli life the IPL 2025 trophy after 18 years: Although Virat Kohli's name is inscribed in cricket history, his most recent IPL victory has given his illustrious career a significant new chapter. On a night that will never be forgotten, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have finally won their first IPL trophy after 18 years of highs and lows. For supporters, it's a reward for their steadfast devotion and faith, not just a win.
The cricket community has responded to Kohli's heartfelt celebration, which stands for ardor, tenacity, and poetic justice. One thing is evident from the outpouring of praise and social media buzz: this wasn't just a match; it was a moment. A player, a squad that never gave up, and an era are all defined by this moment.
A night to remember in Ahmedabad
This isn¡¯t just celebrations, it¡¯s tears, hugs and screams.
¡ª Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 3, 2025
This is what belief finally looks like. ??
pic.twitter.com/5Fh01Wep0U
At 11:20 PM, Virat Kohli stood on the edge, his chiselled, sweat-drenched face a portrait of anticipation. Just one over away from clinching that long-awaited IPL title ¡ª not just for himself, but for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It wasn't merely a match; it was the fulfilment of 18 years of loyalty and heartbreak.
The final moments of glory
At 11:25 PM, Josh Hazlewood defended 29 runs in the final over. As victory was sealed, Kohli ¡ª eyes misty, hands over his face ¡ª broke down. It wasn't just a title. It was closure. Eighteen years. Jersey No. 18. A poetic full circle, as teammates swarmed their emotional talisman, completing an epic chapter of cricketing devotion. The tears of joy and relief that flowed that night were not just Kohli's but of every fan who had been on this emotional rollercoaster with the team.
The beginning of an unscripted epic
Josh Hazlewood successfully defended 29 runs in the 20th over | Credit: Instagram
It all began in 2008. An irreverent, chubby-faced lad from South Delhi joined RCB ¡ª a dressing room graced by stalwarts like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Jacques Kallis. Among legends, Kohli was the misfit. But RCB, under the flamboyant ownership of Vijay Mallya, gave him room to grow ¡ª like a wild colt turned thoroughbred.
From young rebel to team leader
In 2011, the franchise handed a 22-year-old Kohli the captaincy. A bold move. But he didn't crack. With camera magnetism, relentless drive, and an eagerness to learn, Kohli embraced the leadership mantle. Across 12 seasons and 143 matches, he carried that burden ¡ª success eluding him, but never did he relinquish his command or commitment.
Also Read: RCB IPL 2025 victory parade: When and where to watch the Bengaluru celebration
A city's slow-burning affection
Kohli's bond with Bengaluru wasn't instant ¡ª unlike MS Dhoni's legendary connection with Chennai. But over the years, it matured beautifully, like a finely aged wine. The city's cricketing heart warmed gradually to Kohli's passion, transforming its cosmopolitan crowd into fierce RCB loyalists. He wasn't just a player; he became part of the city's cultural fabric.
The face of a franchise
Kohli evolved into RCB's public face ¡ª across billboards, social platforms, and press events. His presence masked the franchise's lack of silverware. While rivals CSK and MI piled up titles, Kohli stood firm ¡ª never turning his back on the club, never publicising his pain, always returning for another try, year after relentless year.
The weight of empty cabinets
Over the years, Kohli watched as friends and foes lifted trophies. CSK and Mumbai Indians clinched five each, Sunrisers and Deccan Chargers shared two. Kohli, despite being one of modern cricket's finest, had none with RCB. Still, he never wavered ¡ª a sign of rare sporting fidelity.
His words, his heart
Speaking on an RCB podcast just last month, Kohli made it clear: "Trophies are wonderful, but what I value more is this relationship. The love I've received from fans, nothing else compares." For him, loyalty wasn't a brand ¡ª it was a belief. And that belief finally bore fruit. The unwavering support of the fans, their chants and cheers, and their disappointment and hope all played a significant role in this victory.
Triumph at last
On that humid June night, Kohli finally held the IPL trophy aloft ¡ª not as the captain, but as the eternal heartbeat of RCB. The crown fit snugly atop cricket's greatest showman, the man who gave the IPL its soul and spectacle.
A rockstar's curtain call?
Whether this victory is the grand finale of the Kohli¨CRCB saga or just another act, one thing is clear ¡ª cricket gave us a rare character arc. From the "young and restless" to the battle-scarred champion, Kohli's journey wasn't perfect ¡ª it was human. And in sports, that's what makes legends.
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