Veteran Virat Kohli has opened up on the most nerve-wracking phase of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic IPL 2025 triumph, recalling how the final moments of the title clash against Punjab Kings tested his emotions despite victory being within reach.In a video shared by Royal Challengers Bengaluru on social media, Kohli reflected on the journey, the pressure, and the surreal feeling of finally lifting the IPL trophy after years of heartbreak.
Eighteen Years of Waiting Ends in Historic Victory
For the first time in their history, RCB enter an IPL season as defending champions. The franchise had previously fallen short in finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, making the 2025 triumph even more special. Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inaugural season, described the victory as more than just a celebration.“It was a very special night for all of us at RCB. I have been here since day one and so has Ramesh Mane [Team Masseur and Caretaker]. We are probably the oldest members of the RCB group,” Kohli said ahead of the 2026 IPL season.
Calm Confidence Ahead of the Final
Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Kohli revealed that the team approached the final with a composed mindset. RCB entered the clash against Punjab Kings confident but grounded, fully aware of the challenge posed by a strong opposition.“When we reached the finals, I felt a sense of calm confidence. But you also understand it’s not going to be a cakewalk. It’s a Final and there is another team who has played really well to get there. Obviously, they have also beaten a lot of good sides so they are also very confident of what they want to do.”
Near Misses That Built Championship Character
Rather than being weighed down by past failures, Kohli believes RCB’s earlier disappointments actually strengthened their resolve. Having come close multiple times without crossing the final hurdle, the team used those experiences as motivation.“Given the history of the near misses and the almost moments of the past where we reached the finals and we could not win. I think that gave us extra motivation to hold our nerve. Because the league has become so much more competitive, we must have played really good cricket to get to the finals. It’s not a fluke; it’s not by chance. We have beaten some really good teams, and we are an amazing team. Who have earned the right to be here on this day.“As the match moved towards its conclusion, Kohli said the occasion became deeply personal. The result brought with it a rush of memories from his long journey with the franchise.“All in all, it was an amazing night for all of us. It was quite surreal for me honestly, quite unbelievable when it was all unfolding in the end. So many things flashed in front of your eyes. The whole journey for 18 years. All the ups and downs, all the good moments, bad moments. It’s like the accumulation of all of that is unfolding in front of you and that is going to happen in the next ten minutes. It’s a very difficult thing to explain. It’s a thing to experience. And that experience I will never ever forget.”
The Toughest Part: Final Over Nerves
Interestingly, Kohli revealed that the most difficult part of the night came when the result was almost certain. Even with the game sealed, the tension of the final over kept him on edge, particularly the wait for the last few deliveries.“Especially the last over where you know the game is sealed. Hoping that Josh [Hazlewood] doesn’t bowl a no ball which he never does. There was quite confidence but still as I said, you are hoping for the perfect result. So, knowing that the game is beyond them and then to wait for those last three balls was probably the toughest part of the night,” recalled Kohli.
