Surreal and Unforgettable”: Virat Kohli Reflects on RCB’s Historic First IPL Title

For the first time in their history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter a new IPL season carrying the tag of defending champions—a label that had long eluded them despite years of promise and near-misses. In 2009, 2011, and 2016, they had come agonizingly close, only to fall at the final hurdle. Through every one of those campaigns, one figure remained constant: Virat Kohli.

Kohli’s journey with RCB has been one of loyalty, perseverance, and emotional investment. From a young player finding his feet to becoming the face of the franchise, he has experienced every high and low. When RCB finally lifted the trophy in 2025, it was not just a sporting achievement—it was the culmination of nearly two decades of hope, disappointment, and relentless belief.

Speaking ahead of IPL 2026, Kohli described that night as deeply emotional, almost overwhelming in its significance. For him and long-serving members of the franchise like team masseur Ramesh Mane, the victory carried a special meaning. They had witnessed the team’s entire journey from its early days to its moment of ultimate triumph.

Kohli recalled that the atmosphere leading into the final against Punjab Kings was one of quiet confidence. There was belief in the dressing room, but also a clear understanding of the challenge ahead. Finals, he emphasized, are never straightforward—especially against a team that has performed consistently well throughout the tournament.

RCB’s approach, according to Kohli, was rooted in balance. The players were confident in their abilities but remained grounded, aware that their opponents had earned their place just as convincingly. This mindset, he suggested, was crucial in ensuring that the team stayed composed under pressure.

Interestingly, Kohli believes that the heartbreaks of previous seasons played a key role in shaping the team’s mentality. Instead of creating fear or doubt, those losses became a source of motivation. The experiences of falling short in earlier finals helped the players understand what it takes to succeed in high-pressure situations.

He pointed out that reaching the final in a highly competitive league like the IPL is no accident. Teams must consistently perform at a high level to get there. For RCB, their journey to the 2025 final was built on strong performances against top opposition, reinforcing their belief that they truly belonged on the biggest stage.

As the final progressed and the possibility of victory became more real, Kohli found himself reflecting on his long association with the franchise. He described the closing moments of the match as surreal, with memories from across his career flashing through his mind.

It was not just about the match itself but everything that had led up to it—the years of effort, the setbacks, the moments of joy and frustration. All of it seemed to converge in those final minutes, creating an emotional experience that was difficult to put into words.

Kohli admitted that even when the result appeared almost certain, the tension did not fully subside. The final over, in particular, tested his nerves. Despite having confidence in bowler Josh Hazlewood, the unpredictability of cricket meant there was still a sense of anticipation and anxiety.

He spoke about the mental challenge of waiting for the last few deliveries to be bowled. Even with victory within reach, those moments felt incredibly long, highlighting the emotional intensity of the situation. For Kohli, that wait was perhaps the most difficult part of the entire night.

When the win was finally sealed, the sense of relief was immense. It was not just about lifting the trophy but about releasing years of built-up emotion. The victory validated the team’s efforts and justified the faith that players, staff, and fans had shown over the years.

Kohli’s reflections also underline the importance of resilience in sport. RCB’s journey is a reminder that success does not always come quickly, even for talented teams. Sometimes, it requires patience, learning from failures, and continuing to believe despite repeated setbacks.

As RCB prepare to defend their title in IPL 2026, they do so with a renewed sense of identity. They are no longer a team chasing their first trophy; they are champions with a legacy to uphold. This shift brings its own set of challenges, as expectations will be higher than ever.

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For Kohli, however, the focus remains on the present. While the memories of the 2025 triumph will always hold a special place, the demands of a new season require fresh energy and commitment. The team will need to reset, adapt, and once again prove themselves against strong competition. At the same time, the victory has provided a foundation of confidence. Having experienced success, the players now know what it takes to win. This knowledge could prove invaluable as they navigate the pressures of defending their title.

Ultimately, Kohli’s story with RCB is about more than just cricket. It is about loyalty, perseverance, and the emotional connection between a player and his team. The 2025 title was not just a moment of glory—it was the realization of a long-held dream. As the new season begins, that journey continues. But now, it carries a different tone—one of fulfillment, pride, and the determination to build on a historic achievement.