WATCH: Virat Kohli breaks down in tears as RCB ends 18-year drought to lift IPL trophy

In what will go down as one of the most iconic nights in IPL history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) held their nerve to beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs and lift the coveted IPL trophy for the first time. The final, played at the packed Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw RCB post a competitive 190/9 in their 20 overs, thanks to vital knocks from their middle order. In response, PBKS fought hard but were restricted to 184/7, falling agonizingly short despite a valiant last-over effort. This marks the end of an 18-year wait for the Bengaluru-based franchise, who had previously reached the finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 but failed to cross the final hurdle—until now.

Virat Kohli overwhelmed with emotion after long-awaited glory

As soon as the winning moment arrived—a six that meant little to the result but marked the official end of the contest—Virat Kohli collapsed to the ground in tears. The emotion was raw, unfiltered, and impossible to miss. After 18 seasons of toil, heartbreak, and relentless criticism for not winning the IPL, Kohli finally had his moment. He was crying—tears of joy, relief, and redemption—as his teammates rushed to embrace him.

Moments later, he stood up, looked toward the stands, and walked over to his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma. In a heartwarming scene that melted fans across the globe, Kohli wrapped her in a long, emotional hug—both visibly moved by the occasion. Anushka, who has stood by him through the highs and lows of his cricketing journey, was seen clapping and wiping away her own tears.

As the team celebrated with the trophy, Kohli remained at the center of it all. With the number 18 on his back, in his 18th year at RCB, the stars had aligned. He later looked up at the sky, eyes still moist, as if thanking the universe. The scenes were cinematic, fitting for a man whose cricketing journey has been nothing short of legendary.

Here’s the video:

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

Also READ: Fans rip into Shreyas Iyer after PBKS skipper’s cheap dismissal in IPL 2025 final against RCB

A lifelong memory for RCB fans across the globe

For every RCB fan who has endured heartbreak, trolled memes, and near-misses over the past 17 years, this moment is pure redemption. From Bengaluru to Bellary, Mysuru to Mangalore, the chant of “Ee Saala Cup Namde” has finally become a reality. The infamous IPL trophy curse has been lifted—and the sigh of relief from the red and gold faithful is almost audible across the cricketing world.

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