Experienced Virat Kohli Royal Challengers Bangalore has opened at the most nerve-wracking stage in its history IPL Fateh 2025, 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 true feeling of finally lifting the IPL trophy after years of heartbreak.
Eighteen years of waiting ended with a historic victory
For the first time in their history, RCB entered the IPL season as the defending champions. The franchise had previously fallen short in the finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016, making the 2025 victory all the more special. Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inaugural season, termed the win 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 before the final
Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Kohli revealed that the team approached the final with a composed mindset. RCB were confident going into the clash against the Punjab Kings but were fully aware of the challenge of a grounded, strong opposition.“When we got to the final, I felt a sense of calm confidence. But you also understand that it’s not going to be a cakewalk. It’s a final and it’s another team that’s played really well to get there. Obviously, they’ve beaten a lot of good teams too so they’re also very confident in what they want to do.”
Close to the championship character builder Mrs
Rather than being weighed down by past failures, Kohli believes that RCB’s earlier disappointments actually strengthened their resolve. After coming close several times without crossing the final hurdle, the team used these experiences as motivation.“Looking at the history of recent memory and the near moments in the past where we reached the final and we didn’t win. I think that gave us extra motivation to hold our nerve. Because the league has become so competitive, we must have played really good cricket to reach the final. We’ve beaten some really good teams, and we’re an amazing team. Those who have earned the right to be here on this day.“As the match drew to a close, Kohli said the occasion became very personal. The result brought a rush of memories of his long run with the franchise.“Overall, it was an amazing night for all of us. It was quite surreal for me to be honest, just unbelievable when it all finally unfolded. Many things came before your eyes. The whole journey of 18 years. All the ups and downs, all the good moments, the bad moments. It seems like the sum of them all is coming your way and it’s going to happen in the next ten minutes. It is very difficult to explain. This is something to experience. And that experience I will never forget.”
The hardest part: the nerves over the finale
Interestingly, Kohli revealed that the toughest 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, especially waiting for the last few balls.“Especially the last over where you know the game is sealed. Hopefully Josh [Hazlewood] No one makes a new ball that he never does. There was a lot of confidence but still like I said, you’re hoping for the perfect result. So, knowing that the game was ahead of them and then waiting for those last three balls was probably the hardest part of the night,” recalled Kohli.
