Virat Kohli has won almost every major prize in international cricket, leading his team to numerous victories. But the one thing missing was an IPL trophy, a dream he chased for 17 long years. When he finally won, his emotions revealed how much it meant to him.

Following the historic victory, a tearful Kohli shared his profound feelings with the world. “This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience. I tried to win it every season, giving it everything I could. Never thought this day would come, was overcome with emotion after we won.”

Beyond the elation of the long-awaited win, Kohli also made a significant statement regarding his playing approach in the context of the IPL's "Impact Player" rule. The rule, introduced to allow teams to substitute a player mid-match for tactical advantage, has seen veterans like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma take on limited roles as batting-only options.

"I don't want to play as an impact player. I want to field and make an impact", he added while reiterating that he chooses excellence and integrity.

Kohli’s refusal to embrace the part-time route once again highlights his old-school philosophy, where performance, not preservation, defines legacy.

For Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Virat Kohli, it was 18 years of hurt and disappointment that were finally washed away on a dreamy night in Ahmedabad as they conquered Punjab Kings by six runs to lift their maiden Indian Premier League title.

The final turned out to be a battle of nerves, and RCB certainly channelled their years of disappointment and pain to come back roaring in the contest and seal a commanding victory.

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