June 4, IPL 2025 Final: Virat Kohli could not control his tears when the wait of 18 seasons to win the IPL title ended, but expressing his love for Test cricket once again, he said that he still puts traditional cricket five places above T20. He said that as long as he plays IPL, he will play for RCB only.
Virat Kohli has also shared pictures with the team on Instagram. He wrote, “This team made the dream possible. A season that I will never forget. We have thoroughly enjoyed this journey in the last two and a half months. This is for the RCB fans who did not leave us even in the worst of times. This is for all those years of heartbreak and disappointment. This is for every effort made to play on the field for this team. As far as the IPL trophy is concerned – you have made me wait 18 years to lift you up and celebrate, my friend, but this wait has been absolutely worth it.”
Kohli’s Love for Test Cricket Remains Supreme
Virat Kohli , who retired from Test cricket last month, advised the youth to perform well in the traditional format if they want to get respect. After RCB won the title, he told Matthew Hayden, “This is one of the best moments of my career, but still it is five places below Test cricket. I have so much respect for Test cricket.”
Kohli said, “I will only request the youth to respect Test cricket. If you play well in Test cricket, then wherever you go in the world, people will respect you. If you want to get respect in cricket in the world, then play Test cricket and give it everything you have.”
Dedication to RCB – A Lifelong Commitment
Josh Hazelwood bowled the second ball of the 20th over and Kohli’s eyes filled up. Seeing Kohli kissing the Motera pitch, even his fans would not have been able to stop their tears of joy. IPL turned 18 this year, and with this title, Kohli’s stature increased further.
After the victory, Kohli said, “This team belongs to the fans as much as it belongs to the team. 18 seasons are a long time. I gave everything – my youth, prime and experience – to this team. I tried to win every session. I gave whatever I had.” After the final, Kohli hugged his wife, Anushka.
He said, “It is an incredible experience to finally win the title. I never thought that this day would come. I became very emotional when the last ball was bowled. I put all my energy, and it is an amazing feeling.” His close friend was standing near the boundary line at that time.
Tribute to AB de Villiers and the RCB Fans
Kohli said about him, “What ABD has done for this team is amazing. I told him that this victory is as much his as it is ours. I want you to join us in the celebration. He has been the Player of the Match the most number of times even after retiring four years ago. This shows what an impact he has on the league, on the team, and on me. He deserves to be on the podium.”
When asked by commentator Matthew Hayden where he ranks this title after winning the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy, Kohli said, “This is also at the top. I have given everything to this team in the last 18 years. I have been with this team. I have been with the team, and the team has been with me. I have always dreamt of winning with this team. My heart is in Bangalore and my soul too. As long as I play IPL, I will play for Bangalore only.”
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