It took 18 years of heartbreak, rebuilds, and relentless fan support, but Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally claimed their maiden Indian Premier League title, and while it was a special moment for RCB’s iconic no.18, Virat Kohli, the occasion wasn’t lost on the sport’s greatest no. 10, too. Moments after RCB edged out Punjab Kings by six runs in a thriller at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar summed up the win.
“Congratulations to @RCBTweets on their first-ever IPL title. Fitting that jersey no. 18 lifts the trophy in the 18th edition. Well played and well deserved! Well played to @PunjabKingsIPL as well for a well-fought season,” Tendulkar posted on X.
Tendulkar’s reference was for Virat Kohli, who dons the iconic jersey number 18. The batter played a key role in finally delivering the franchise’s most-awaited prize in the tournament’s 18th edition. He was the highest run-scorer for the side in the 2025 edition, with 657 runs to his name in 15 matches.
For a team that had previously lost three finals, in 2009, 2011, and 2016, the drought had become a defining narrative. Kohli, who has been with RCB since 2008, was visibly emotional at the final whistle.
