What Does This Victory Mean for Kohli, As Hazlewood Reflects on RCB's Historic IPL Title Win?
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Synopsis
Witness the emotional night in Ahmedabad where Virat Kohli’s tears of joy marked the end of RCB's 18-year IPL title drought. Join Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as they reflect on a historic victory that changed the course of RCB's journey in the IPL.
Key Takeaways
- RCB's 18-year wait for an IPL title finally comes to an end.
- Virat Kohli's emotional journey resonated with fans.
- Krunal Pandya's strategic bowling played a vital role in the final.
- Team effort was crucial in defending the 190 runs.
- Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar's experience proved invaluable in the closing moments.
Ahmedabad, June 4 (NationPress) As the fireworks illuminated the Ahmedabad skyline and tears streamed down Virat Kohli’s face, two of the most seasoned bowlers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru—Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar—stood proud, reflecting on a momentous occasion that concluded RCB’s 18-year quest for an IPL championship.
“This victory holds immense significance for Kohli,” Hazlewood remarked following the final. “Having been part of the journey from the very beginning and finally achieving this result tonight evokes a flood of emotions.”
The Australian pacer, who made a comeback to RCB this season after facing injury setbacks, praised the bowling unit's strategic execution. “A score of 190 was competitive; the pitch was unpredictable. It might have improved in the second innings. Everyone contributed,” he commented. “Returning for this? Absolutely, there’s no better experience than this.”
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the silent hero in the closing overs, emphasized the necessity of assessing the pitch conditions early on.
“We were aware that the wicket would pose challenges, and 190 would be tough to chase. It was 10 runs more than we anticipated,” he explained, while lauding Krunal Pandya’s brilliant 4-0-17-2 spell that halted Punjab’s momentum.
“His bowling changed the game for us. Adjusting the pace was challenging, but we were cautious not to overuse it.”
On a night that will be etched in history, RCB defended 190 runs against Punjab Kings to achieve a remarkable six-run win and claim the IPL 2025 trophy—their first title ever.
Batting first, RCB capitalized on resilient performances from Virat Kohli (43), Mayank Agarwal, and Liam Livingstone, while Jitesh Sharma and Romario Shepherd provided crucial contributions at the end. Despite Arshdeep Singh’s impressive triple-wicket final over (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson’s three-wicket haul (3/48), RCB managed to post a challenging 190/9.
The chase began steadily for Punjab with Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis, but Krunal Pandya’s double strike disrupted their top order. From a solid 70/1, they faltered to 88/4, with Shreyas Iyer departing for just one run. Late efforts from Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh (61 not out) fell short as Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar held their ground in the dying moments.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of this win for RCB and its fans. The 18-year journey has been filled with ups and downs, and this moment serves as a testament to resilience and determination. Kohli's emotional response reflects the passion that drives cricket in India, embodying the spirit of the game.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did RCB wait for their first IPL title?
RCB waited for 18 years before securing their first IPL title in 2025.
Who were the standout players in the final?
Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were key players in RCB's victory.
What was RCB's final score in the match?
RCB posted a total of 190 runs in the final match.
Who was pivotal in breaking Punjab's momentum?
Krunal Pandya's spell of 4 overs for just 17 runs and 2 wickets was crucial in changing the game's momentum.
What was the reaction of Virat Kohli after the victory?
Virat Kohli was emotional and overwhelmed with joy, shedding tears as he celebrated the historic win.
