Narendra Modi Stadium

Virat Kohli hugs Anushka Sharma after the win. (Pic credit: IPL) NEW DELHI: It was a night drenched in red and emotion as Virat Kohli finally achieved his long-cherished dream of lifting the Indian Premier League trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, ending an 18-year wait for both the franchise and its talisman. RCB held their nerve to defeat Punjab Kings by six runs in a tense final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, sealing their maiden IPL title.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Kohli, who scored a pivotal 43 off 35 balls, was overwhelmed after the win — collapsing to the ground before being enveloped by jubilant teammates. In a stadium buzzing with over 91,000 fans, many chanting his name and wearing his iconic No. 18 jersey, the moment felt like destiny.Who’s that IPL player?But what followed off the field was just as powerful. In an emotional post-match interview, the 36-year-old batting legend opened up about the sacrifices behind the glory — especially the support from his family and wife Anushka Sharma.“I have not cried many times on the field, but this was very difficult to control,” Kohli admitted. “I know what I have gone through in the last 18 years. I have given my youth, my prime, and my experience to this team.” ‘A particularly special feeling’: Andy Flower hails Virat Kohli, RCB after historic title win Reflecting on the poetic symmetry of the moment, he added, “The total of today’s date is 18, the season is 18… Thank you God! Forever grateful for all the things that God has blessed me with — and this is absolutely right up there with anything else I have experienced.”The most heartfelt part of Kohli’s message was his tribute to Anushka and his family. “Anushka has been part of this journey for the past 11 years. She has seen the heartbreaks, the ups and downs, and my emotional swings. My mum, my brother, my coach — they’ve all seen it over the 18 years.”He continued, “Without the support, without Anushka keeping my perspective right, my family supporting me, my coach being there — none of this is possible. You have to be thankful for the support you get daily. I’m very grateful.” Poll How do you feel about RCB’s maiden IPL title victory? Kohli also spoke about his mindset and commitment to the game. “I’ve always wanted to do what is best for my team. Even after stepping down as captain, I told the management I’d support whoever they pick. My job is to score runs and win games.”“I’m not someone who wants to hang around just for the sake of it. I want to contribute, to improve, to field for 20 overs, and give everything. And to have another 600-plus run season makes me feel very happy.”