Bengaluru was engulfed in celebration on Tuesday night as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their talisman Virat Kohli lifted the IPL trophy for the very first time after 17 years of heartbreak and close finishes. The city stood still while the streets came alive in a frenzy of chants fireworks and euphoric celebrations marking a long-awaited moment of redemption for both the franchise and its loyal supporters.
RCB’s historic victory came against Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final as emotions ran high at the stadium and across the city. Thousands took to the streets from MG Road to Indiranagar celebrating not just the team’s win but also Kohli’s unwavering dedication and loyalty to the franchise he’s called home since the inaugural 2008 season.
Despite Bengaluru’s infamous traffic problems the roads were gridlocked in a rare but joyous way. There were no signs of frustration only happiness as people waved flags exchanged high fives and chanted Kohli’s name. The sound of vehicle horns turned into a rhythmic anthem echoing ‘RCB RCB RCB’ across the night as Bengaluru paid tribute to their cricketing heroes.
For Kohli who has played his entire IPL career with RCB the win was deeply personal. After years of carrying the franchise on his shoulders and losing three finals the former Indian captain finally held the silverware he had long chased. Standing next to legends Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers the emotional impact of the victory was etched across his face.
Leading the team from the front throughout the tournament Kohli accumulated over 9000 runs for RCB—more than any other player has scored for a single franchise in T20 cricket. His resilience passion and belief inspired generations of fans even during the most difficult seasons when victory felt out of reach.
This season RCB’s captain Rajat Patidar guided the team to the top but it was Kohli’s presence that remained the heart of the franchise. From his early days under the mentorship of Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble to becoming the team’s soul Kohli’s journey mirrored the transformation of RCB from underdogs to champions.
The city’s love for Kohli was on full display as celebrations continued late into the night. Fireworks lit up the skies while fans shared sweets danced in the streets and sang songs of victory. It was more than a cricket match—it was a dream fulfilled for millions who stood by RCB through every heartbreak.
Kohli’s connection with Bengaluru has always been special. When Delhi passed on drafting him in 2008 RCB seized the opportunity creating one of the most iconic partnerships in league history. His personality charisma and never-give-up spirit made him the face of the franchise and the embodiment of its fighting spirit.
As the final whistle blew and the trophy was lifted the words “Mission Accomplished” resonated not just with Kohli but with every RCB supporter who believed that someday their team would rise. Kohli later said “Tonight I will sleep like a baby” but the same couldn’t be said for the sleepless city of Bengaluru basking in the glory of their first IPL title after nearly two decades of waiting.
