'RCB Feels Like Home': Virat Kohli Shares Emotional Tribute After Historic Title Defence

New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart Virat Kohli poured his heart out in a touching social media post after the franchise successfully defended its Indian Premier League (IPL) crown, clinching a second consecutive title in the 2026 season.

RCB etched their name deeper into IPL history by defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31. The triumph made Bengaluru only the third team in the tournament's history to retain the championship.

Sharing a video on X, Kohli reflected on the team's remarkable campaign and the camaraderie that carried them through moments of pressure and adversity.

*"We started the season believing in ourselves and finished it with back-to-back trophies. This team experienced every emotion together — the joy, the pressure, the challenges and the incredible support from our fans. What makes it even more special is that this place feels like home,"* Kohli wrote.

Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, RCB delivered a clinical performance in the final. Their bowlers restricted Gujarat Titans to 155 for 8 before the batting unit chased down the target comfortably with two overs to spare.

For Kohli, the title-winning season added another memorable chapter to his long association with the franchise. Completing 19 years with RCB in the IPL, the batting icon once again led from the front, scoring 675 runs at a blistering strike rate of 165.54. His campaign featured five half-centuries and a century.

The veteran saved one of his finest performances for the biggest stage. Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 off just 42 deliveries in the final, striking nine fours and three sixes. His composed yet aggressive knock anchored the chase and ensured RCB crossed the finish line despite a brief fightback from Gujarat in the latter stages.

As celebrations continue across Bengaluru, Kohli's heartfelt message has resonated with fans, highlighting the deep connection between the franchise and its most enduring star.
 

WIth inputs from IANS