Virat Kohli could not hold back the tears after he finally became an IPL winner on Tuesday, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings by six wickets in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Kohli, who was part of the RCB team that lost three finals in the past, shared a heartfelt moment after the franchise became IPL champions on their fourth attempt. The 36-year-old was seen crying while hugging his wife, Anushka Sharma, who was seen consoling the cricketer.

Kohli was the top scorer for RCB, scoring a measured and patient 43 off 35 balls, including three boundaries, as RCB posted 190 for 9 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first by PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer. Chasing the total, PBKS put up a strong fight but eventually fell short of the target by six runs, finishing at 184 for 7.

In the past, Kohli came close to winning the IPL in 2009, 2011, and 2016, when he was the captain of RCB. But on all three occasions, RCB ended as runners-up.

“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,” Kohli, who scored 657 runs from 15 matches at an average of 54.75, said in a heartfelt post-match interview.

“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—I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled,” he added.

Reflecting on his journey with RCB, he said, “I’ve stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I stood behind them, they stood behind me. And this is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart and soul are with Bangalore.” "Tonight, I’m going to sleep like a baby," said the cricketer.

Kohli later shared the trophy with former RCB stars AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. Paying tribute to de Villiers, Kohli said: "What he's done for the franchise has been absolutely tremendous. I told him that before the game as well—that this one is as much yours as it is ours and I want you to celebrate with us when we lift that trophy at the end of the night."

"Because what he's done for RCB is so very special. He's got the maximum number of Man of the Match awards and he's been retired for four years now. That tells you the impact he's had on this team, on this league, for me as a person, our friendship," he added.

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