Virat Kohli says 'I wanted to win only with RCB. My Heart, My Soul is Bangalore' after IPL title

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Virat Kohli went through an array of emotions as Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden IPL title after beating Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday (June 3).

Kohli was seen in tears as the match finished and the RCB stalwart thus won his first title in the 18th year, all with the same franchise.

For 18 years, Virat Kohli carried the weight of a city's hope, a franchise's unfulfilled promise, and his own unyielding pursuit of glory. On a pulsating night in June 2025, under the floodlights and amid deafening roars at the packed stadium, that burden finally lifted.

RCB, the nearly men of the Indian Premier League, were finally champions. And Kohli - their heartbeat, their soul - was overcome.

"This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team," Kohli began, his voice trembling with emotion.

"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," he added.

Kohli was seen in tears after the final ball, a rare and raw moment from a man known for his intensity and control. His outpouring wasn't just about the trophy - it was the culmination of two decades of perseverance, heartbreak, loyalty, and the unshakable bond with a franchise that often tested his patience but never lost his love.

"I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled. Gave each and every ounce of my energy and it's an amazing feeling."

As he soaked in the moment, Kohli made it a point to remember one man whose shadow loomed large over RCB's journey: AB de Villiers.

"What AB has done for the franchise is tremendous," Kohli said. "Told him 'this win is as much yours as it is ours. I want you to celebrate with us.' He's been the POTM most times in the franchise despite being retired for four years. Tells you the impact he's had on the league, team and me. He deserves to be on the podium, lifting the cup."

"My Heart is with Bangalore, My Soul is with Bangalore"

When asked where this moment ranks in his storied career, Kohli didn't hesitate.

"Well, it's right up there, if I have to be honest," he said. "I've stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I've had moments where I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. I stood behind them, they stood behind me. And I always dreamt of winning it with them. This is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore," he declared. "This is the team I'm going to play for till the last day that I play the IPL," he added.

Kohli also reserved special praise for the RCB management and their bold decisions in the auction.

"This management, this group of players has been outstanding. A lot of people questioned our tactics. But by day two, we were very happy with what we had. And we had a lot of confidence in the strength of this group."