June 4, 2025: Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), led his team on a victory lap around the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday night, as the franchise finally lifted their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title after a grueling 18-year wait.
The electrifying atmosphere at the IPL 2025 final saw over 90,000 fans fill the stands, with many staying back to witness RCB’s long-awaited triumph. As the trophy was hoisted high, Kohli, surrounded by his teammates, cheered on the fans, soaking in the moment and acknowledging the decades of heartbreak that had finally culminated in this historic win. Fans eagerly captured every second of the victory lap on their phones, turning the occasion into a celebration of a dream fulfilled.
Victory Lap: A Moment for the Fans and Kohli
As the match concluded and RCB lifted the IPL 2025 trophy, the victory lap became a symbol of redemption. Kohli, visibly emotional, took a moment to relish the journey with his teammates, making sure to thank the passionate fans who had stood by the team throughout their difficult years. The iconic image of Kohli hoisting the trophy in front of the ecstatic crowd will be etched in IPL history.
This victory was not just a triumph for RCB, but also the realization of a dream long-awaited. Fans who had endured the team’s struggles over nearly two decades were finally able to say, “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” (This year, the cup is ours), and it was no longer a slogan, but a reality.
A Night of Glory for RCB
While the final may have been a struggle for RCB’s batting lineup, their bowling attack, led by the likes of Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, did the job in the second innings to seal the win. As Punjab Kings fell short in their chase, the fans were treated to one of the most emotional moments in IPL history.
The 18-year wait was over, and the cup was finally in RCB’s hands. The win also marked a personal triumph for Virat Kohli, who had endured much in his quest for an IPL title, and for the entire RCB franchise, who could finally call themselves champions.