In a historic finale at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs. This victory ended an 18-year wait for the franchise and its iconic captain, Virat Kohli.
Match Highlights
- RCB’s Innings: RCB set a target of 191, with Virat Kohli contributing 43 runs off 35 balls. Mayank Agarwal provided support after an early dismissal.
- PBKS’s Chase: Punjab Kings began strong with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya, but RCB’s bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya, tightened the game. Krunal’s figures of 2/17 from four overs were pivotal in restricting PBKS.
- Final Moments: Shashank Singh’s half-century brought PBKS closer, but they fell short, finishing at 184/7. RCB defended their total successfully, clinching the title.
Kohli’s Emotional Moment
The victory was especially poignant for Virat Kohli, who has been with RCB since the tournament’s inception. Overcome with emotion, Kohli was seen in tears, sharing a heartfelt moment with his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, on the field.
Season Overview
- RCB’s Journey: RCB finished second in the league stage with 9 wins and 4 losses, becoming the only team to win all away games in the season.
- Captaincy: Rajat Patidar, in his first year as captain, led the team to their maiden IPL title.
- Key Performers: Josh Hazlewood was the team’s highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets, while Virat Kohli scored 614 runs throughout the season
Celebrations and Legacy
The celebrations were filled with joy and nostalgia, with former RCB players AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle joining the team on the field. The victory not only fulfilled the long-held aspirations of the team and its fans but also solidified Kohli’s legacy as one of the game’s greats.
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