The Moment of Release
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally secured their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title yesterday, defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final by 6 runs after an 18-year wait. While all RCB fans were overjoyed, the focus quickly shifted to a crying Virat Kohli, who became visibly emotional. Many wondered why Virat, a player who has won the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, two Champions Trophies, and three Test match maces, became so emotional over an IPL title. It’s truly a human emotion thing.
A Bond Forged in Bangalore: Kohli’s Unwavering Loyalty
Virat Kohli’s journey with RCB began in 2008, and he has remained with the franchise ever since, making him synonymous with the team. His entire IPL career, spanning 259 innings and a record 8,661 runs, has been exclusively dedicated to RCB. As Kohli himself stated after the win, “I’ve given this team my youth, my prime, and my experience. I’ve tried to win this league every season, giving it everything I have. To finally have this moment come, it’s an unbelievable feeling“. He emphasized, “This is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bengaluru, my soul is with Bengaluru.” Therefore, people always perceive RCB’s victory or defeat as a reflection of Virat Kohli’s performance.
The Weight of History: RCB’s Saga of Near-Misses
Frankly speaking, RCB had won the highest number of matches in the past 17 years but no trophy. The franchise had entered the playoffs nine times and became a finalist three times (2009, 2011, 2016, but lost the trophy by a whisker on each occasion). This consistent pattern of “nearly there” created pressure and a deep-seated frustration for the team and its loyal supporters, who year after year chanted “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” (This time, the cup is ours). Kohli dedicated the victory to these fans, acknowledging their unwavering support “in the worst of times.”
Below is a historical overview of RCB’s performances in the IPL playoffs:
Table 1: RCB’s IPL Playoff History (2009-2024)
| Year | Stage Reached | Result |
| 2009 | Final | Lost to Deccan Chargers by 6 runs |
| 2010 | Semifinals | Lost to Mumbai Indians by 35 runs |
| 2011 | Final | Lost to Chennai Super Kings by 58 runs |
| 2015 | Qualifier 2 | Lost to Chennai Super Kings by 3 wickets |
| 2016 | Final | Lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 runs |
| 2020 | Eliminator | Lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 6 wickets |
| 2021 | Eliminator | Lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by 4 wickets |
| 2022 | Qualifier 2 | Lost to Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets |
| 2024 | Eliminator | Lost to Rajasthan Royals by 4 wickets |
Beyond the Global Stage: Why This Trophy Was Different
Virat Kohli’s career is adorned with an impressive array of international accolades. He was a crucial member of the teams that won the 2011 ODI World Cup, the 2013 Champions Trophy, the 2024 T20 World Cup, and the 2025 Champions Trophy. Under his captaincy, India also held the ICC Test Championship mace multiple times (in 2017, 2018, and 2019). Despite his impressive resume, the IPL trophy remained a noticeable void in his career. For Kohli, this domestic title was “far more special than winning it with anyone else” because of his deep connection to Bengaluru.
Below is a summary of Virat Kohli’s major international trophy wins prior to RCB’s IPL 2025 triumph:
Table 2: Virat Kohli’s Major International Trophies (Pre-IPL 2025)
| Trophy | Year | Role |
| U19 World Cup | 2008 | Captain |
| ODI World Cup | 2011 | Player |
| Champions Trophy | 2013 | Player |
| ICC Test Mace | 2017 | Captain |
| ICC Test Mace | 2018 | Captain |
| ICC Test Mace | 2019 | Captain |
| T20 World Cup | 2024 | Player |
| Champions Trophy | 2025 | Player |
The Psychology of Perseverance: Triumph Over the Fear of Losing
Elite athletes are not immune to the profound psychological pressures of competitive sports, including “sports performance anxiety” and the “fear of failure. “ For Virat Kohli and RCB, the 18-year wait and history of lost finals created a chronic state of anxiety. In 2025, the target of 191 for PBKS was subpar, adding to the tension. By the 17th over of PBKS’s innings, any team could have won. Even scoring 29 runs in the 20th over was not impossible, as teams have successfully won by hitting five sixes in T20 and IPL matches. So, Virat Kohli might again have lost hope to win the title in 2025, and then suddenly, in the last over, he saw RCB winning the trophy.
The physical and mental symptoms of anxiety, such as a racing heart rate and muscle tension, are classic “fight-or-flight” responses. When the final ball was bowled and RCB secured their thrilling victory, it was not just joy but a tidal wave of profound relief that enveloped Kohli. Sometimes, when a person wins primarily out of fear of losing (especially after repeated losses), they may experience an emotional outburst. This emotional outburst might have occurred for Virat Kohli. His tears were a visceral manifestation of shedding the immense weight of 18 years of expectation, disappointment, and the pervasive fear of another heartbreaking loss.
A Shared Victory: The Roar of the RCB Faithful
The emotional resonance of RCB’s victory extended far beyond the players. Fans erupted in spontaneous celebration, with fireworks and joyous dances filling the streets. The “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” chant finally found its triumphant fulfillment. Kohli, acutely aware of this shared journey, dedicated the win to the loyal RCB supporters, acknowledging their unwavering support “in the worst of times.”
A Legacy Complete
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title in 2025 is a compelling narrative of resilience, unwavering loyalty, and overcoming prolonged adversity. For Virat Kohli, this victory fills the final “gap” in his unparalleled career, powerfully validating his 18 years of unwavering commitment to a single franchise. Kohli’s emotional outburst serves as a poignant reminder that even for the most decorated athletes, some victories carry a weight that extends far beyond silverware. It signifies the profound triumph over past failures, the vindication of unwavering loyalty, and the deep, cathartic release from the persistent apprehension of loss.
Excellent, now you have made it a daily routine … Carry on dear
Thanks Bhai