Virat Kohli Ends 18-Year IPL Title Drought with RCB Victory
After nearly two decades of persistence, Virat Kohli finally secured his first Indian Premier League (IPL) championship, leading Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a thrilling victory over Punjab Kings by 6 runs in the IPL 2025 final. This triumphant moment marked a significant milestone in Kohli's illustrious career, celebrated by cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
Sehwag Draws Parallels Between Kohli and Tendulkar
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag highlighted the similarity between Kohli's long-awaited IPL win and Sachin Tendulkar's historic pursuit of a World Cup victory. Tendulkar famously waited from 1989 until 2011 to clinch the coveted trophy, ultimately achieving this feat when India triumphed over Sri Lanka in the 2011 World Cup final held on home soil. Both Sehwag and Kohli were integral parts of that victorious 2011 squad.
Sehwag emphasized the resilience demonstrated by both players despite the lengthy wait: "Kohli's wait was 18 years, whereas Tendulkar waited over two decades. Yet, both remained steadfast with their ambitions—Tendulkar resolved to retire only after securing the World Cup trophy."
Implications for Kohli’s IPL Future
Sehwag also discussed the impact of this victory on Kohli’s IPL career moving forward. Having retired from T20 Internationals and Test cricket, Kohli now focuses on One Day Internationals for India but is expected to continue representing RCB in the IPL for the next few years. Sehwag remarked that with the IPL title finally in hand, Kohli now has the freedom to decide his playing commitments without any pressure.
Key insights from Sehwag’s commentary include:
- Kohli can choose when to retire from the IPL without concerns over a missing trophy.
- Winning trophies holds greater significance than financial gains in a player’s career.
- Kohli’s loyal association with RCB since the league’s inception in 2008 is rare and commendable.
- This victory was not only a personal achievement for Kohli but also a jubilant moment for his devoted fanbase.
Legacy and Emotional Impact
Having played continuously for RCB since the IPL began in 2008, Kohli's perseverance and commitment paid off in an emotional win that resonated with fans and cricket experts alike. As the only original 2008 player still representing a single franchise, Kohli's loyalty and dedication have become hallmarks of his professional journey.
This IPL triumph adds a vital chapter to Kohli’s career, reflecting the convergence of talent, determination, and long-term endurance in professional sports.
