Virat Kohli in Tears, Anushka Sharma in Shock as RCB Finally Win IPL After 18 Years

Tears, disbelief, and a wave of emotion swept across the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday night as Virat Kohli, the heart and soul of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), broke down in tears moments after his team won their first-ever IPL title, ending an 18-year wait that has defined both his career and RCB’s journey.

As the final ball was bowled and victory was sealed by just six runs against Punjab Kings, Kohli dropped to the ground, overwhelmed by the enormity of the moment. For a man who has given everything to one franchise — playing all 18 seasons exclusively for RCB — this was more than just a win. It was vindication. It was legacy. It was history.

His wife, Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma, was spotted in the stands, visibly stunned, her hands covering her mouth in disbelief as tears welled up in her eyes. The raw emotion in the stands mirrored the sentiments of millions of RCB fans across the globe who had stood by the franchise through years of near-misses and heartbreak.

A Moment Etched in IPL Folklore

RCB’s road to the title was never easy. But in this final — chasing their destiny — the team pulled together with grit, composure, and an unwavering desire to win for Kohli. Heading into the match, stand-in captain Rajat Patidar had stated clearly:

"We’re going to give everything we have — for Virat bhai. He deserves this more than anyone."

And they did.

RCB set a target of 191 after being asked to bat first. Kohli, as ever, led from the front with a composed 54, supported by Maxwell and Patidar. In reply, Punjab Kings fought hard, but RCB bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, tightened the noose in the final overs.

One of the key turning points was the dismissal of Marcus Stoinis, who had just struck a six and was threatening to snatch the match away. But Bhuvi struck gold on the next delivery, finding Stoinis’ outside edge and pulling the game back into RCB’s hands.

A Reunion of Legends

In another touching moment, AB de Villiers, Kohli’s long-time teammate and one of RCB’s greatest ever players, was seen celebrating passionately from the dugout. The South African legend had flown in for the final and was seen exchanging an emotional fist bump with Kohli after Stoinis' wicket. Their bond — forged over countless battles — added another layer of nostalgia to RCB's triumph.

The Road to Glory

RCB finished second in the points table after a consistent league stage. They stormed into the final by crushing table-toppers Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 with a commanding eight-wicket win. PBKS, however, made it back to the final after defeating Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, setting up a fiery rematch — one that ultimately ended in heartbreak for them and eternal glory for Bengaluru.

"We Did It" – Kohli’s Redemption

Speaking after the match, a visibly emotional Kohli said:

"Eighteen years. So many moments where we came close, but couldn’t cross the line. Tonight, we did it. This is not just my dream — it’s for the fans, for Anushka, for AB, for everyone who believed. This is forever."

With this win, Kohli — already regarded as one of the all-time greats — now has the one accolade that had eluded him for years. It’s more than just a trophy. It’s a story of loyalty, passion, and unbreakable spirit finally rewarded.

Match Summary:

RCB: 190/7 (Kohli 54, Patidar 36)

PBKS: 184/8 (Prabhsimran 45, Dhawan 38, Siraj 3/28, Bhuvi 2/31)

Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 6 runs

Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj

Player of the Tournament: Virat Kohli