Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) went on to win their first-ever IPL title in 2025 by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final. This is the first title that the franchise won in 18 years, thus ending the long wait of fans. Virat Kohli has been the biggest part of this franchise, being the only player in history to play 18 seasons of the IPL for one team, and his loyalty was finally rewarded with the trophy. He was picked as a youngster back in the inaugural auction for Rs 20 lakh, and has stayed with the team since. Former RCB owner Vijay Mallya has now stated why he picked Virat 18 years ago.

In the 2008 IPL auction, after the main event was overs, teams were given a chance to pick players from the 2008 U-19 World Cup-winning side. Delhi Capitals had the first choice and they picked Pradeep Sangwan, and RCB picked Virat Kohli in the second draw.

In an interaction on the 'Figuring Out' podcast by Raj Shamani, Vijay Mallya said that he go lucky on the draw when he got Virat Kohli. He was impressed with Virat's run in the 2008 U-19 World Cup, and this is why he was selected. He was young, full of energy and a great talent, and has now gone on to become one of the greatest Indian cricketers ever.

"Well, you know, obviously, there was the young cricketers (in the 2008 auction) and it was draw by lots. Right. And finally, I got lucky. So I got to pick and I immediately went for Virat. You know, I mean, I looked just, I think, shortly before the actual selection process. They were playing the under 19 World Cup and I was very impressed. So I picked him and, you know, it's wonderful. 18 years later, he's still there. Yeah, he was a young kid at that time when I got him. But, you know, full of energy, great talent. One of the greatest Indian cricketers ever," he said.

Virat Kohli has been he most influential player for RCB in their 18 years of existence. He has scored 8661 runs, becoming the highest run-getter in IPL history. He also has 8 centuries and 63 fifties, both being the highest in the history of the tournament.

He also played a major role in RCB's title-winning campaign. He scored 657 runs in 16 games, becoming their highest run scorer, and the third-highest run scorer in this edition of the cash-rich league.

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