It was a long wait but perhaps worth the while. Royal Challengers Bangalore finally made it to the winners’ list winning IPL 2025 and ending a title-drought that had lasted 18 years! A team with the iconic Virat Kohli in its ranks, had always made its presence in the competition all these years but never had the silverware in its midst to show, in spite of all the enthusiasm, the on-field energy, class performances and not to forget a legion of supporters to back them. All this has been corrected with this grand win over a spirited rival the Punjab Kings, which was also looking out for its first title-win.

Clearly it was a win that Kohli would cherish for a long long time. The former India skipper and perhaps one who is the face of Indian cricket had been on the winning side in most other top tournaments but this one success had eluded him all this while. Kohli had been with the RCB right from inception and he was one player who stuck to this franchise from then on unlike most others. The perseverance and his drive finally paid off handsomely. Kohli’s cabinet is now complete and what a moment it had to be for this loyal soldier of Indian cricket!

Anyone who had missed the final........

© Mathrubhumi English