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Phil Salt’s wife gave birth just two days before the final. Though he managed only 16 runs in the final, Kohli’s focus remained on celebrating the team’s long-awaited triumph
RCB edged out Punjab Kings in a nail-biting six-run win, finally putting an end to an 18-year-long wait for glory. (X/@mufaddal_vohra)
A day after scripting history with Royal Challengers Bangalore’s first-ever IPL title, Virat Kohli was back in action — not on the field, but on social media. The RCB star had a cheeky message for his teammate Phil Salt.
“Well done partner. Now go back to the real stuff and get ready for changing diapers,” Kohli posted a story on Instagram. His playful jibe came after RCB edged out Punjab Kings in a nail-biting six-run win, finally putting an end to an 18-year-long wait for glory.
Salt’s wife had given birth to a child just two days before the final. Although Salt’s performance in the final was modest, scoring only 16 runs before being dismissed, Kohli’s focus was on the team’s triumph.
The moment victory was sealed, an emotional Virat Kohli dropped to his knees in tears, overwhelmed by the weight of the long-awaited triumph. The win brought similar tears to the eyes of RCB fans, who had chanted “E Sala Cup Namde” for 18 years in hope and heartbreak.
In the high-stakes final played on a batting-friendly pitch, RCB held their nerve and showed remarkable grit to clinch the win. The RCB batted first and posted a competitive 190 for nine.
Kohli, who has been with RCB since the inaugural season, was the highest scorer in the final, contributing 43 runs off 35 balls, including three fours.
In the IPL 2025 final, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer chose to field first. Although the target of 191 runs wasn’t particularly daunting, PBKS, despite a promising start, couldn’t secure the win.
RCB’s victory over PBKS on Tuesday marked them as the eighth team to win the IPL title, following Rajasthan Royals (2008), Deccan Chargers (2009), Chennai Super Kings (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023), Kolkata Knight Riders (2012, 2014, 2024), Mumbai Indians (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020), Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016), and Gujarat Titans (2022). Before their triumph on June 3, RCB had finished as runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016.
Meanwhile, tragedy struck outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday evening, where a celebratory event turned chaotic. At least 11 people lost their lives and over 30 were injured in a stampede as thousands gathered to catch a glimpse of the victorious RCB squad. The team was scheduled to be felicitated by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following their historic IPL 2025 triumph over Punjab Kings.
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