WATCH: AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli celebrate together after winning IPL 2025 trophy

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally realized their dream of winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) after 18 years, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a nail-biting IPL 2025 final. This win was sentimental for the team considering Virat Kohli, their long-standing five-star player, was visibly choked up with emotion as he settled into the fact that RCB were champions. Even before the final few moments, Kohli was later interviewed, saying how he felt in the moment and its meaning to him. 

To add to the emotional scene, former RCB star and Kohli's good friend AB de Villiers was in the crowd to support the team. After the final ball was watched as a confirmed victory for the RCB boys, Kohli and de Villiers had a warm embrace on the pitch, which brought back memories of their unbeatable pairing for social media fans. Not only do fans love these two players on the field, but they love them personally—Individually and together, the pair is the storyline for cricket in the franchise. 

Kohli praised de Villiers for his tremendous contributions to RCB throughout the years, saying, “What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous. I told him, ‘this is as much yours as it is ours.’ He’s been the Player of the Match so many times for this franchise, even after retirement. He deserves to be on the podium lifting the cup.” This moment highlighted the immense respect and gratitude Kohli has for de Villiers’ lasting impact.

Watch the video here 

Two of the people who have given everything to #RCB. ABD and Virat ❤️#IPLFinal #RCBvsPBKSpic.twitter.com/ANx19MvxPT

— STOIC 🇭🇹⚒️⚔️ (@GunhaonKaDevta) June 3, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025, Final: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings Full Match Highlights

A Brotherhood Celebrated

The victory was not just about lifting the trophy—it was about celebrating the enduring brotherhood between two of cricket’s greatest players. Kohli and de Villiers’ connection symbolizes the heart and soul of RCB, a legacy that will inspire fans and players for years to come.