After almost two decades of dogged chasing, Virat Kohli eventually enjoyed his first Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, ending a journey interspersed with heartbreaks, close calls, and sheer commitment.
The 36-year-old cricket legend, who has won virtually everything in white-ball cricket around the world, had one lapse in his storied career — an IPL championship. That disappeared this season.
Kohli, sporting his favorite jersey number 18, celebrated his 18th IPL year in style by holding aloft the prized trophy in front of a delirious 91,000-strong populace.
Kohli led RCB's batting with an unruffled 43 in the final, when his side scored 190/9. When victory was within grasp, tears rolled, smiles broke, and the gold trophy belonged to him at last.
Tamil Nadu fans have fondly named him "King Kohli," and the experienced batter had another phenomenal season with 657 runs off 15 innings with eight half-centuries, remaining the fulcrum of RCB's batting unit.
Having returned to his hotel after the thrilling finale in Ahmedabad, Kohli spent some time writing an emotional note to the journey, teammates, and fans. In an emotionally charged Instagram post, he wrote:
"This group made the dream work, a season I'll never ever forget. We've enjoyed the ride for the last 2.5 months to the fullest. This one is for the RCB fans who never ever left our side in the most trying of times. This one is for all the years of disappointment and heartbreaks. This is for all the effort left on the field every inch of playing for this side. And as for the IPL trophy—I've made you wait 18 years to hold me and celebrate with me, my friend—but it's been totally worth the wait."
Addressing the media following the final, Kohli spoke on what the occasion meant to him. Even though the magnitude of the success cannot be understated, he was practical in his affection for the game's longer version:
"I've dedicated this team to my youth, my best years, my experience. I gave it all I had. I never believed this day would arrive. I was emotional the moment the last ball was delivered," he declared.
Kohli further added that while winning the IPL was a personal milestone, it still can't surpass his love for Test cricket:
"This experience is among the very best in my career. But it's still five levels down from Test cricket. That's how much I cherish Test cricket. And that's how much I adore Test cricket."
He also shared some advice with young cricketers:
"If you wish to gain respect in world cricket, do Test cricket. Give your heart and soul."
For Kohli, the IPL trophy may have come 18 years too late, but when it did, it was a moment not only of a championship, but of devotion, resilience, and unshakeable determination.
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