Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their first Indian Premier League title on Tuesday after an 18-year wait, with star Virat Kohli taking center stage. RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling match at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, marking a historic moment for the franchise and its longest-serving player Kohli.
The No 18's wait for IPL glory finally coming to an end attracted praise from far and wide. Among those congratulating Kohli was the legend Sachin Tendulkar, who took to social media platform X to acknowledge the victory. He highlighted the symbolic connection between Kohli's jersey number and the tournament's 18th edition.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "Congratulations to @RCBTweets on their first-ever IPL title. Fitting that jersey no. 18 lifts the trophy in the 18th edition. Well played and well deserved! Well played to @PunjabKingsIPL as well for a well-fought season," wrote Tendulkar.
Sachin Tendulkar's tweet congratulating RCB and Virat Kohli has gone viral (Image via X/@sachin_rt)
Kohli, who has been with RCB since 2008, played a crucial role in the team's success, emerging as the highest run-scorer with 657 runs in 15 matches during the 2025 edition. His crucial knock of 43 from 35 balls proved to be instrumental in the win as well.
The victory held special significance for RCB, who had previously faced disappointment in three finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016. The win was particularly emotional for Kohli, who has been a cornerstone of the team throughout their journey.
"I have given my youth, my prime. I gave it everything I have — I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion as soon as the last ball was bowled," Kohli expressed after the match.
Who's that IPL player?The triumph marked the end of a long drought for the franchise and its loyal fanbase, who had supported the team through multiple rebuilds and heartbreaks over the years. The victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium represented a defining moment for both the franchise and Kohli, transforming a narrative of near-misses into one of ultimate success.
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