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Virat Kohli played a crucial part in RCB's title-winning run in IPL 2025 with 657 runs. In the final in Ahmedabad, RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs to lift the silverware in the fourth attempt.
Virat Kohli reflected on the night of the Indian Premier League (IPL) final in 2025, stating all the ups and downs of the previous 18 years flashed in front of his eyes as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifted the coveted silverware for the first time in their fourth attempt.
Having reached the finals previously in 2009, 2011 and 2016, RCB fell short when it mattered but the Rajat Patidar-led side made sure they change the script at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on the night of June 3. Batting first, RCB rode on Kohli's 43 to reach 190/9 in 20 overs.
In reply, Punjab Kings fell one over boundary short despite a fighting half-century from Shashank Singh. “Very very special night. I have been here since day 1 and so has Mane kaka, probably the oldest members of the RCB group,” Kohli said in a video released by RCB on social media.
RCB dominated the tournament throughout in the league stage. Although both Punjab Kings and RCB finished on 19 points, Punjab Kings took the top spot in table due to better net run rate. RCB made the final with a win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1.
It's very difficult to explain: Virat Kohli
Kohli added that he felt a sense of calm confidence after reaching the final. “To be very honest, when we reached the finals, I felt a sense of calm confidence. When you understand its not going to be a cakewalk in the final because there is another team who has played really well to get there,” added Kohli, who scored 657 runs including eight half-centuries.
“Given the history of near misses and the almost moments of the past where we reached the finals and we could not win, I think that gave us the extra motivation to hold our nerve,” continued the former skipper.
With 29 runs needed in the last over, Josh Hazlewood calmed his nerves to concede no run in the final two balls. Although Shashank smashed 6, 4, 6, 6 in the last four deliveries of the match, but those two dot balls at the start of the over sealed the deal for the Bengaluru-based franchise.
"It was quiet surreal for me honestly and unbelievable because it was all unfolding, so many things flashed in front of the eyes, the whole journey for 18 years, all the ups and downs, all the good and bad moments. It's very difficult to explain, its a thing to experience, especially the last over when you know the game is sealed, hoping that Josh doesn't bowl a no ball.
“Knowing that the game is beyond them and then wait for the last three balls was the most toughest part,” concluded Kohli.
RCB's IPL 2026 schedule in first phase
With just less than a week to go before the first ball is bowled, RCB have hit the ground running at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru as Bengaluru franchise gear up to defend their crown. RCB will kick off their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 in Bengaluru.
| March 28 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| April 5 | Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| April 10 | Rajasthan Royals | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| April 12 | Mumbai Indians | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
About the Author
Koushik Paul
Koushik lives and breathes sports. After transitioning from his own aspirations of becoming a professional athlete, he successfully channeled that lifelong passion into a prolific career, documenting the action both from the sidelines and the editorial desk. With over eight years of industry experience, Koushik joined LiveMint as a Deputy Chief Content Producer in 2024, following impactful stints at Outlook India, India.com, Sportskeeda, Women’s CricZone, and OrissaPOST. A 2017 Journalism and Mass Communication graduate from Maharaja Manindra Chandra College, Kolkata, Koushik has reported on high-profile events including the FIFA U17 World Cup 2017, Ranji Trophy, FIH Pro League, FIH World League finals, the Indian Premier League, and Lionel Messi’s historic visit to Kolkata in 2025. <br><br> While he possesses a versatile command over all sports, he finds his niche in cricket, specializing in breaking news, long-form interviews, global sporting updates, and high-energy live blogs. Koushik’s professional perspective was further sharpened through the 2020 AIPS Young Reporters Programme, where he gained invaluable insights from renowned international journalists, including Keir Radnedge and Riccardo Romani from the United Kingdom, and Martin Mazur from Argentina. Currently based between Kolkata and Delhi, Koushik remains at the forefront of the breaking developments that shape the public sporting discourse. When he isn't tracking scores or deconstructing plays, he can be found exploring new landscapes on his travels or channeling his creative energy into the kitchen. <br><br> If you have a compelling story to share or know an individual who deserves the spotlight, please reach out via email at <a href="koushik.paul@htdigital.in">koushik.paul@htdigital.in</a>.
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