After 17 years of anguish, hope, failure, and redemption, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad finally reached its conclusion. In the IPL 2025 final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who are frequently referred to as the "heartbreak kids" of the Indian Premier League, secured victory with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings. Right in the middle of it was Virat Kohli, finally unburdened.

As soon as the victory was mathematically certain for RCB, Kohli's emotions took over. Following the last delivery, he collapsed to his knees and was immediately hugged by his entire squad. The celebrations continued throughout the evening, and after the post-match presentation, a touching film starring Kohli and former India head coach Ravi Shastri became popular online.

With a lengthy hug, Kohli jumped into Shastri after running playfully. Kohli and Shastri make an excellent partnership as captain and head coach, respectively, for Team India between 2017 and 2021, and the pair has come a long way. Kohli eventually hugged Shastri, who also gave him a head pat.

Watch:

The duo’s close bond endured long after Shastri’s departure from the Indian team. Shastri recently revealed that he had an in-depth conversation with Kohli following the batter’s unexpected Test retirement last month.

“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,” Kohli had said during his interview with Matthew Hayden following the win, voice heavy with emotion. “It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, prime and experience… to finally have it is unbelievable.”

For Kohli, who joined RCB as a fiery teenager after winning the U19 World Cup in 2008, this wasn’t just a title but a closure of sorts. He had played three IPL finals before, all ending in defeat. On Tuesday, he ensured it would not slip again. His 43 off 35 wasn’t a usual flamboyant knock one expects from Kohli, but it steadied RCB to 190/9, a total their bowlers clung to.

PBKS could only reach 184/7 in return despite Shashank Singh's last over blitz, where he hammered Josh Hazlewood for 22 runs. “I never thought this day would come,” Kohli admitted. “I was overcome with emotion after the last ball. I gave every ounce of my energy.”

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