Virat Kohli breaks down as 18-year wait for IPL trophy ends at last: ‘Never thought this day would come’
Virat Kohli could be seen with his hands on his mouth as soon as the second ball of the last over in the Punjab Kings’ was fielded at long on and went for no runs. It meant that PBKS had to score 29 runs off the last four balls, a mathematical impossibility unless bowler Josh Hazlewood sent in extras. That never happened, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first Indian Premier League title in their and the league’s 18th year of existence. Kohli, who has been with the side right from the first season, collapsed to his knees and the tears flowed uninhibited.
Kohli spoke to Star Sports in the aftermath of the match and admitted that he never thought he would clinch the title. “This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team,” said the former RCB captain. “It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, prime and experience. I have tried to win it every season, and I gave it everything I can. To finally have this moment come, it is an unbelievable feeling. I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion (when the) last ball was bowled. I have given each and every ounce of my energy to this team.”