'Watching Virat Kohli cry was emotional': Krunal Pandya

NEW DELHI: The 18-year wait was finally over, and when it ended, emotions overflowed across every Royal Challengers Bengaluru player, especially Virat Kohli, who has been with the franchise since the inception of the league back in 2008. Tears of joy, kissing the trophy, holding it high with pride, and continuous celebrations marked the scenes as RCB lifted their historic IPL 2025 title.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first-ever IPL title after 18 years, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya reflected on the title win, calling it one of the most emotional moments of his career and dedicating the triumph to the fans and former skipper Kohli.

Speaking on JioStar’s “The Krunal Pandya Experience”, the all-rounder said the long-awaited trophy meant the most to Kohli, who struggled to hold back his emotions after the win.

"The ones who deserved it the most are Virat Kohli and the RCB fans. Virat has been an integral part of RCB from the first season. So, to win it and see him get emotional was special. Watching him cry was an emotional moment for everyone," Krunal said.

"The love people have for RCB is incredible. That day, I said on the mic that whatever happens, we must win the trophy for the fans," he added.

Krunal said fulfilling that promise after 18 years of waiting made the victory even more meaningful.

"I am glad I said it and that we were able to deliver in the final. The fans deserved this trophy more than anybody else, and obviously, Virat as well," he said.

"Playing for the country is number one for me, but winning for RCB after 18 years and having my best season while contributing well has to be one of my top moments," Krunal said.

Krunal also spoke about his evolution as a cricketer over the years.

"I have changed over a period of time, for the better. As you go through the journey, you learn. A lot of credit goes to my parents and the upbringing they gave me. But as a human being, who I am, has remained the same. I love cricket, still as excited and passionate to play. I have always been a family man. I love my family, kids, and my wife, who has played an integral part," the RCB all-rounder said.

Pandya, who was bought by RCB for Rs 5.75 crore at the IPL 2025 Mega Auction in Jeddah, was retained by RCB for the 2026 IPL season.

In IPL 2026, RCB are currently placed second on the points table with 10 points.