Virat Kohli celebrates historic IPL victory after 17-year drought

In India, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru broke a long-standing title drought by clinching their first Indian Premier League championship. The final was held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where they narrowly defeated the Punjab Kings by six runs. Bengaluru managed to post a total of 190 runs, with Virat Kohli contributing significantly by scoring 43 runs, anchoring their innings. Despite their modest total, their bowling performed admirably, managing to restrict Punjab to 184 runs. Kohli's emotions ran high as he realized that the team would finally shed the underachievers' label that had clung to them since the league's inaugural season in 2008. The match showcased the resilience of Bengaluru's bowling lineup, particularly notable were the performances from Krunal Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took crucial wickets at crucial moments. Punjab's chase got off to a promising start, but Bengaluru's bowling attack, spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya, turned the match in Bengaluru's favor. The close encounter highlighted the ups and downs of the game, with Punjab's Shashank Singh making a strong effort by scoring an unbeaten 61 runs in just 30 balls, but it wasn't enough. The victory ended Bengaluru's 17-season wait for an IPL title, a feat that Kohli had longed for throughout his career with the franchise. With this title, Kohli's status as one of cricket's biggest stars is further solidified, and anticipation grows around his future contributions, particularly as some of India's cricket legends approach retirement. The significance of this win is not just personal for Kohli, but also for a franchise that has faced immense pressure and criticism over the years. The match was adorned with celebrations reflecting India's culture, with fighter jets flying overhead, acknowledging the national pride associated with the event. The closing ceremony was a tribute to India's armed forces, showcasing patriotism amidst the thrilling cricketing action. Overall, the IPL 2025 season had its ups and downs, but this final victory for Royal Challengers Bengaluru is undoubtedly a highlight in the league's rich history. The season had seen record-breaking performances, with numerous teams scoring 200-plus totals, but for Kohli and Bengaluru, the most significant moment was their hard-fought victory that brought joy and relief after a long wait.