His teary eyes melted hearts right after Josh Hazlewood bowled his second ball of the 20th over. When an emotional Virat Kohli kissed the Motera ground, it felt like a million fans, just like him, were shedding tears of joy. This season, the IPL hit a milestone, and Kohli’s status just soared. This win is for the fans as much as for the team. It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given my youth and energy to this team. I’ve fought to win every season; I’ve put in everything I have, Kohli said, speaking from the heart.
After the match, a tired Kohli hugged his wife Anushka, and you could see they were still processing the moment. To finally have this is unreal. I never thought this day would come. I was overwhelmed with emotion after the last ball. I gave my all, and this feels amazing.
His best friend AB de Villiers watched from the boundary, and Kohli made sure to honor one of RCB’s legends. What ABD has done for us is incredible. I told him, ‘this win is as much yours as it is ours. Celebrate with us.’ He’s been the Player of the Match so many times, even after retiring four years ago. That says a lot about his impact on the team and the league.
When commentator Matthew Hayden asked Kohli where he ranks this first IPL win compared to his other trophies, he was honest: It’s right up there. I’ve given everything for the last 18 years. I’ve stayed loyal to this team through ups and downs. I’ve always dreamed of winning it with them. This is special because my heart and soul are with Bangalore. I’ll play for this team as long as I can. So yes, this means everything.
Kohli added that what makes the IPL special is the quality of the competition, where you need to give more than 100 percent. “As an athlete, you work hard for something, and this tournament holds high value in cricket today. I want to win big tournaments, and this one was the missing piece, he explained.
Kohli knows that a sports career isn’t long like other jobs, so every day on the field counts. I don’t have many years left to play. When I eventually hang up my boots, I want to look back and know I gave it my all. That’s why I constantly seek ways to improve.
For Kohli, being an Impact Player isn’t an option; he wants to be involved in every moment. I can’t just come in as an impact player; I need to feel the game for 20 overs and make my mark. That’s who I am. I’m blessed with that talent, and I always look for ways to help the team.