Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally put an end to their IPL title drought after they beat Punjab Kings by six runs in the final on Tuesday in Ahmedabad to claim their maiden Indian Premier League title. In the wake of RCB’s win, Virat Kohli, who is the only player in IPL history to have played for a single franchise since the start of the tournament, thanked the fans for standing by the side in the worst of times.
“This team made the dream possible, a season I’ll never ever forget. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ride over the last 2.5 months. This one is for the fans of RCB who never ever left our side in the worst of times. This one is for all the years of heartbreaks and disappointment,” Kohli wrote on Instagram.
“This is for every inch of effort left on the field playing for this team. As far as the IPL trophy is concerned - you’ve made me wait 18 years to be able to lift you and celebrate my friend, but it’s been absolutely worth the wait,” Kohli added.
Asked to bat, RCB posted a challenging total of 190/9 in 20 overs, with Virat Kohli top-scoring with 43. Later, RCB bowlers restricted PBKS to 184/7 in 20 overs. Krunal Pandya was the most economical bowler for the side, claiming two wickets for 17 runs from four overs.