Royal Challengers Bengaluru will paint the city red when they return home on Wednesday, 4 June, to celebrate their landmark Indian Premier League victory, Virat Kohli said moments after clinching the elusive title in Ahmedabad. Kohli grew emotional as he reflected on his relationship with the fans, revealing that a special treat had been lined up for RCB supporters on Wednesday.
RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the IPL 2025 final, bringing an end to their 18-year-long wait for the trophy. Kohli broke down in tears even before the final ball was bowled at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Overcome by emotion, he sank to the ground and celebrated the long-awaited triumph with his teammates.
Shortly after, Kohli was joined by his former teammates AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle as he paid tribute to the leaders who had helped shape the franchise through the years. He shared a heartfelt embrace with De Villiers before reuniting with his wife, Anushka Sharma, at the venue.
IPL 2025 Final, RCB vs PBKS: Highlights
Speaking to broadcasters JioStar after the historic win, Kohli said he was eagerly looking forward to celebrating with RCB fans in Bengaluru. He expressed awe after watching videos of the fireworks and jubilant scenes that erupted across the city following the win.
“It’s going to be something special,” Kohli said, inviting De Villiers and Gayle to be part of the celebrations with fans in Bengaluru.
Chris Gayle revealed that a victory parade would be held in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
“The city is waiting. My god. I’m thinking about them. Imagine what the fans must be feeling now, poor ones. Someone sent me a video – the entire city is filled with fireworks. The whole city. It’s very special. I can’t express my feelings. I have to experience it,” Kohli added.
NEVER SEEN LOYALTY LIKE THAT: KOHLI
Kohli also reflected on his enduring bond with the fans, crediting their loyalty as a key reason he stayed with RCB for 18 years. He remains the only player in IPL history to represent the same franchise since the league’s inception in 2008.
“I said it straight away – this is as much for the fans as it is for us. These guys have stuck with RCB through horrible seasons and great ones. They’ve turned up every single time at the Chinnaswamy. I’ve never seen loyalty like that. That’s what made me never waver from RCB. That’s why this is so special,” he said.
Kohli acknowledged that both the team and their fans had been subjected to trolling over the years, but said those tough moments only served to strengthen their bond.
“I’ve taken a lot of stress. I’ve heard all sorts of things: ‘RCB this, RCB that’. It’s all part of the journey. A lot of people have trolled us. A lot of people have made fun of us. All of it happened. But it made us stronger. It brought us closer – as a team, and as a franchise. The relationship our fans have with RCB, that golden connection, was forged through all these setbacks. Tonight, I will sleep peacefully. It’s not going to be one of those nights of endless partying. Just peace,” he added.
Kohli top-scored for RCB with a composed 43 in their total of 190. Krunal Pandya led a collective bowling effort that saw RCB successfully defend the total by six runs.
RCB became the eighth different team to win the IPL title. Their success in 2025 was underscored by yet another brilliant season from Kohli, who finished with 657 runs in 15 matches — a testament to his enduring class and commitment.
