'Watching Virat Kohli cry was emotional': Krunal Pandya
After an 18-year wait, Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their maiden IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs. All-rounder Krunal Pandya expressed immense emotion, dedicating the historic victory to the passionate RCB fans and long-serving player Virat Kohli, who was visibly moved by the triumph.
NEW DELHI: The 18-year wait was finally over, and when it ended, emotions overflowed across every Royal Challengers Bengaluru player, especially Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since the inception of the league back in 2008. Tears of joy, kissing the trophy, holding it high with pride, and continuous celebrations marked the scenes as RCB lifted their historic IPL 2025 title. Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first-ever IPL title after 18 years, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya reflected on the title win, calling it one of the most emotional moments of his career and dedicating the triumph to the fans and former skipper Kohli. Speaking on JioStar’s “The Krunal Pandya Experience”, the all-rounder said the long-awaited trophy meant the most to Kohli, who struggled to hold back his emotions after the win. "The ones who deserved it the most are Virat Kohli and the RCB fans.
Virat has been an integral part of RCB from the first season. So, to win it and see him get emotional was special. Watching him cry was an emotional moment for everyone," Krunal said.
"The love people have for RCB is incredible. That day, I said on the mic that whatever happens, we must win the trophy for the fans," he added. Krunal said fulfilling that promise after 18 years of waiting made the victory even more meaningful.