Bengaluru, March 23 (NationPress) Virat Kohli shared insights on Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic IPL victory, noting that the team's past near misses fueled their determination during the final match. He described lifting the trophy as the pinnacle of an 18-year journey with the franchise.

RCB triumphed over Punjab Kings in the final, marking the end of an 18-year wait for their first IPL trophy.

"This night was incredibly special for all of us at RCB. I've been part of this journey since day one, alongside Ramesh Mane (team masseur and caretaker). We are likely the longest-serving members of the RCB family," Kohli remarked.

Looking back at the lead-up to the championship match against Punjab Kings, Kohli expressed that the team approached the final with a sense of quiet confidence.

“Upon reaching the finals, I felt a profound sense of calm confidence. However, we also knew it wouldn't be easy. The opposing team had performed exceptionally well to get there. They had overcome formidable opponents, instilling a strong sense of confidence in their capabilities.”

Kohli emphasized that the team's past experiences with near misses acted as a significant motivator to remain composed.

“Reflecting on our history filled with near misses and almost victories in previous finals, I believe this pushed us to maintain our composure. The league has grown increasingly competitive, and reaching the finals required us to play exceptional cricket. It wasn't mere luck; it was earned through defeating strong teams, showcasing our prowess as a remarkable squad deserving of this moment.”

As the final moments of the match unfolded, Kohli recalled a rush of emotions tied to their journey.

“Overall, it was an extraordinary night for all of us. Honestly, it felt surreal, almost unbelievable as events unfolded in those final moments. So many memories flashed through my mind—eighteen years of ups and downs, cherished moments and challenges. It felt like the culmination of everything converging within those next ten minutes. It’s an experience that’s hard to articulate; it’s something one must truly feel to understand. I will forever cherish that experience.”

He also reflected on the tension during the final over as the conclusion of the match drew near. "Especially during those last moments, knowing the game was almost sealed, there was hope that Josh wouldn’t bowl a no-ball, which he typically avoids. While I felt confident, I still wished for the perfect outcome. The anticipation while waiting for those final three deliveries was arguably the most challenging part of the night.”

As Kohli prepares for his 19th IPL season, he aims to add another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career. With 8,661 runs across 267 matches, he leads the scoring charts in the Indian Premier League, boasting eight centuries and 63 half-centuries to date.