Virat Kohli’s IPL Victory: A Moment to Relieve

Virat Kohli’s long wait for an IPL trophy has been a topic of much discussion, especially after the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) won the coveted title in 2025. Kohli, who has been a part of RCB since the very beginning, played a vital role in the team’s success. His triumph is often compared to another cricket legend, Sachin Tendulkar, and their shared experiences of waiting for a major title. Kohli’s IPL victory was a huge achievement after an 18-year-long drought, and Virender Sehwag recently made a poignant comparison, likening it to Tendulkar’s 22-year wait for his first ODI World Cup title.

Virender Sehwag’s Take on Kohli’s IPL Journey

Sehwag, a former Indian cricketer, noted that Kohli’s wait for the IPL trophy lasted only 18 years, while Tendulkar had to wait from 1989 to 2011 for his World Cup dream to come true. Sehwag emphasized that Kohli’s journey was significantly shorter, yet the anticipation and pressure felt were similar. “Even as Kohli’s wait ended, it’s important to understand that it’s not just about the wait; it’s about the heart and the dedication to the game,” Sehwag said.

The comparison reveals a powerful connection between the two greats of Indian cricket. Despite the years of wait, neither Kohli nor Tendulkar ever gave up on their dreams. Kohli’s win was not only a personal victory but also a victory for all his fans, especially those who have followed his career from the start.

Virat Kohli’s Contribution to RCB’s Success

Kohli’s contribution to RCB’s maiden IPL title was immense. He ended the 2025 IPL season as the third-highest run-scorer with a total of 657 runs from 15 innings. With an average of 54.75 and a strike rate of 144.71, Kohli proved his worth in the tournament. His consistency and performance were key factors in RCB’s success. A standout moment for Kohli was his match-winning knock of 73* against Punjab Kings, where he guided RCB to a thrilling six-run victory in the final.

This victory signifies much more than just a personal milestone for Kohli; it marks a turning point in his IPL career, much like Tendulkar’s World Cup win did for him. As Sehwag noted, Kohli’s win allows him the freedom to retire without regrets, knowing that he has achieved what he set out to do.

RCB’s Team Effort and Key Contributions

While Kohli played a crucial role, RCB’s 2025 IPL title win was a true team effort. Players like Josh Hazlewood were instrumental in securing the title. Hazlewood finished as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets from 12 innings at an impressive average of 17.54. This balanced performance from all quarters made RCB’s triumph even more significant, as nine different players won the Player of the Match award throughout the season.

RCB’s journey to the title showed the importance of collaboration, and their collective effort is a key reason behind their success. Kohli’s leadership and contributions were the backbone, but the whole team came together to make the dream a reality.

In conclusion, as Sehwag rightly said, Virat Kohli’s wait for an IPL trophy is over, and it is a significant milestone in Indian cricket, drawing a beautiful parallel with Tendulkar’s World Cup dream. Now, with a title in hand, Kohli can look forward to the next chapter of his career, knowing he has truly made his mark.