How Virat Kohli Contributed to RCB’s IPL 2025 Title Win

Virat Kohli is one of the most celebrated cricketers in the history of this game. His achievements are nothing less than a dream for players worldwide. From Under 19 World Cup to 50-over World Cup and from T20 to Champions Trophy, he has been the key factor in successful Indian campaigns. However, the only blank space was the IPL trophy. Despite performing phenomenal every year, he could not get Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to the title, until 2025.

This edition was one of the most successful seasons for Virat as a batter, which ultimately allowed him to celebrate as a title winning side. Let us see in this blog, how Kohli has contributed to this franchise throughout 18 years and how he has been the most important player for RCB’s maiden IPL title.

Virat Kohli’s Emotional Reaction to RCB’s Maiden IPL Title

From the very first season, King Kohli has been a key player for RCB. He has stayed loyal to the franchise till date. Once in an interview, he said that he will play for RCB only as long as he participates in the IPL. Despite achieving the most prestigious titles, the IPL title was something that was still a dream for Virat. However, the long wait of 18 years ended when he lifted the trophy as the winner of IPL 2025 edition.

It was obviously an emotional moment for him as he has given everything to his team as a batter, as a senior player, and as a captain. You could see him crying at the boundary line with every delivery of Hazlewood’s last over. Even though Shashank Singh was smashing Hazlewood for sixes and fours, it was already certain that RCB was going to lift its first ever IPL trophy. It made Virat very emotional, making his videos and images go viral on the internet.

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Cementing the Legacy: Kohli’s Journey of Loyalty to RCB

In a tournament where players switch teams in search of glory, Virat Kohli chose to stay rooted. For 18 long years, he wore only one jersey in the IPL—the red and gold of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Through highs and heartbreaks, cheering fans and crushing eliminations, Kohli never walked away. His loyalty wasn’t just about contracts; it was about belief. A belief that one day, this team would rise.

He joined RCB as a young, ambitious cricketer in 2008. Over the years, he transformed into the heartbeat of the franchise. From an aggressive youngster to inspiring captain to senior statesman, Kohli gave everything—his sweat, his runs, his fight, and above all, his unwavering loyalty.

There were seasons when he was the only shining light in a struggling squad. There were years when his personal brilliance couldn’t carry the team far. Yet, not once did he let frustration dictate his future. He stayed. Not because it was easy, but because it meant something. When RCB finally lifted the trophy in 2025, it wasn’t just a win, but a validation. A tribute to 18 years of faith, fire, and fierce loyalty. 

Kohli’s On‑Field Role in IPL 2025 Final

In the high-pressure IPL 2025 final, Kohli was the driving force for RCB. He performed as the torch-bearer of RCB’s batting unit. If we say that this season was his best after the year 2016, it won’t be an exaggeration. Opening the innings with calm intent, he laid a solid platform with a composed fifty. Beyond the runs, his agility on the field, spirited energy, and constant mentoring of younger players made him a true anchor in RCB’s historic win.

Key Contributions Throughout IPL 2025 Season

• Runs Scored: 741 runs in 15 innings – second-highest run-getter of the season.
  
• Consistency: 8 fifties, including 3 match-winning knocks in crucial chases.
  
• Strike Rate: Maintained a healthy 143.6 SR while anchoring innings when needed.
  
• Powerplay Dominance: Averaged 38.4 in the powerplay with a strike rate of 151.
  
• Leadership Presence: Constantly guided field placements and bowlers despite not being captain.
  
• Fitness & Fielding: Took 9 catches, many at key moments, showcasing elite athleticism even in his 18th season.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Biography: Career, Records & Life Story

Kohli’s Critical Innings in the Final: Tactical Breakdown

Virat Kohli led from the front as he has been doing for years in the IPL as well as in world cricket. His  inning in the final wasn’t just about runs, it was about reading the moment and playing it perfectly. Here’s how he crafted a match-defining knock:

• Steady Start: Took his time early, scoring 18 off 16 balls to nullify the new-ball threat.
  
• Acceleration Phase: Shifted gears post powerplay, targeting spinners with calculated risks.
  
• Partnership Building: He took time to stabilise the inning after losing Phil Salt’s wicket early. His partnership with Mayank Agarwal prepared a platform for the upcoming batters.
  
• Boundary Management: Although, it wasn’t the fastest innings by King Kohli, he managed to find 3 boundaries in his inning of steady 43 runs.
  
• Mindset: Played with purpose, ensuring RCB stayed ahead in the game.

Dedications and Acknowledgments: ABD, Gayle & Fans

When RCB finally ended their title drought, Virat Kohli’s post-match words weren’t just about victory, they were filled with gratitude. With tears in his eyes, he dedicated the win to two men who were pillars of RCB’s journey: AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. He called them his “brothers in arms,” acknowledging how much they had contributed to the team.

Social media exploded with love. AB de Villiers tweeted, “My brother, you finally did it. So proud of you!” while Gayle shared a heartfelt video message celebrating the “King of RCB.” Fans flooded timelines with emotional posts, art, and videos—many calling it “Kohli’s fairy tale.”

Kohli also gave a massive shout-out to the fans, thanking them for “believing through the heartbreaks.” The victory wasn’t just his, it belonged to everyone who had worn red.

Coaching, Leadership & Tactical Inputs

While Rajat Patidar officially led RCB in 2025, Virat Kohli’s leadership imprint was visible in every phase of the tournament. Being the senior most player in the squad, he contributed not just with bat but his experience and positive energy. It certainly helped the young captain Patidar keep his nerves under control during clutch situations. Having such a legend like Kohli by his side, he could bring out the best as a captain.

Kohli has always been a busy player in the field. With his aggressive approach and great cricketing talent, he plays a crucial role in dominating the opponent. During every match, he was often seen setting fields, walking up to bowlers between overs, or advising youngsters on shot selection. His experience in crunch moments became invaluable—especially during close finishes where his calmness made a difference.

Cricket is a competitive sport which requires technical excellence along with aggression. Virat Kohli is nothing short than a combined embodiment of these two characteristics. Even if he fails in a match with bat, which is obviously a rare incident, his presence keeps the energy alive in the team.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Net Worth 2025: Earnings, Assets & Investments

Historical Context: RCB’s 18‑Year Title Drought

Since the inaugural season in 2008, Royal Challengers Bangalore had always been a team filled with promise—but the title kept slipping away. Over 17 seasons, RCB reached the final three times—in 2009, 2011, and 2016—only to fall short on each occasion. The 2016 final, where Kohli scored over 900 runs in the season, was especially heartbreaking as RCB lost by just 8 runs.

Despite having legends like AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Rahul Dravid over the years, the team often crumbled at crucial moments. Fans stood by the franchise through frequent playoffs heartbreaks, inconsistent campaigns, and even bottom-table finishes.

The narrative became one of near misses and “maybe next year.” But that changed in 2025, when 18 years of waiting, rebuilding, and emotional investment finally paid off. RCB didn’t just win a trophy—they rewrote a legacy that had been waiting too long to be fulfilled.

“Ee Sala Cup Namdu”: The Chant That Came Alive in 2025

If any team has the most loyal fanbase, it is none other than RCB. Although their team could not lift the trophy ever until the 18th edition, they stood by their team. For years, “Ee Sala Cup Namde” echoed through stadiums, memes, and broken hearts. What began as a hopeful Kannada chant—“This year, the cup is ours”—gradually turned into a bittersweet joke among fans as RCB’s wait stretched across seasons. Yet, the chant never died. It became a symbol of unwavering loyalty and fan culture.

In 2025, that hope finally became reality. As RCB lifted the trophy, the chant wasn’t just heard—it was felt. Across Bengaluru and beyond, fireworks lit the sky, fans wept in joy, and a once-playful slogan transformed into a moment of pure, lasting pride.

Aftermath: Victory Parade & Celebrations

RCB’s IPL 2025 win sparked wild celebrations across Bengaluru. Streets overflowed with fans wrapped in red and gold, waving flags, dancing, and chanting Kohli’s name. The victory parade through MG Road and Cubbon Park became a sea of emotion—Kohli, Patidar, and the squad waving from an open bus, holding the long-awaited trophy high. Murals appeared overnight, social media exploded with tributes, and chants of “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” became part of the city’s soul. It was a victory not just for a team, but for a generation that never gave up.

FAQs about Kohli’s Role & RCB Victory