Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

After 18 long years of near misses and heartbreaks, Virat Kohli finally led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first-ever Indian Premier League title, sealing a tense six-run victory over Punjab Kings in a pulsating final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Tuesday night. As the last ball was bowled and victory was confirmed, Kohli’s emotions overflowed. Tears streamed down his face as he embraced his wife Anushka Sharma in the stands — a poignant moment capturing the weight of years of dedication, sacrifice and unwavering loyalty to the Bangalore franchise. “This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,” Kohli said in a heartfelt post-match interview. “It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, prime and experience. I’ve tried to win it every season, gave it everything I have. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. Never thought this day would come, I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled.”Reflecting on the journey, he added, “I’ve stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I stood behind them, they stood behind me. And this is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart and soul are with Bangalore. Tonight, I’m going to sleep like a baby.” Kohli also paid tribute to AB de Villiers, saying, “What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous. I told him, ‘this win is as much yours as it is ours.’ Despite being retired for four years, he’s been the Player of the Match most times in this franchise. That tells you the impact he’s had on the league, the team and me.”