Credit: X
After 18 years of service to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Virat Kohli got the opportunity to lift the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in his team’s jersey on June 3. In Challengers’ maiden title win, Kohli played a pivotal role with his bat. The 36-year-old racked up 657 runs in 15 matches and emerged as the best batter for his team in the season. Following the win against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium, emotions poured out from Kohli as he was waiting for the moment for the last 18 years. In the history of IPL, he is the only player who has served only one team.
Noting Virat Kohli overwhelmed with emotions, Chairperson of Mahindra and Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra wrote a long note on X. Dropping Kohli’s picture through his social media handle, he praised the 36-year-old’s allegiance to Challengers. “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.” – Tagore. For 18 years, Virat Kohli gave his heart to a team that had never touched the trophy. Waiting for the light of that dawn. And now, at last, the stars have answered his faith. Loyalty like this doesn’t just win titles — it carves legacies,” wrote Anand.
Virat Kohli will next be seen in action in August
As Virat will now be active for Team India in One-Day International (ODI) only, his next assignment will be against Bangladesh, where the Men in Blue will vie against Najmul Hossain Shanto’s team in three matches to be played between August 17 and 23. Following that series, India will tour Australia in October for three ODIs and five T20 Internationals (T20I).
Kohli, who has retired from two formats of the game, will aim to play for India until World Cup 2027 to be played in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. In World Cup 2023, he became the Player of the Tournament, scoring 765 runs with three centuries and six fifties in 11 matches.
