The two former RCB players were at the ground to celebrate their first title in 18 years
ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jun-20252:28
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For Virat Kohli, winning IPL 2025 was made more special by the presence of two former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) talismans, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. The trio, dubbed RCB’s holy trinity when they played together, couldn’t hold back their emotions as they revelled in the afterglow of a maiden IPL triumph, beating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in Ahmedabad.As the three got together for a quick chat with the broadcasters, they belted out a new version of the old RCB chant. From ” (this time the cup will be ours) to “!” (This time this cup is ours).””What he’s done for the franchise has been absolutely tremendous,” Kohli said of de Villiers, his RCB colleague for a decade, with whom he had scripted many memorable batting performances. “I told him that before the game as well that this one is as much yours as it is ours and I want you to celebrate with us when we lift that trophy at the end of the night. Because what he’s done for RCB is so very special.Related
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“He’s got the maximum number of Man-of-the-Match awards and he’s been retired for four years now. That tells you the impact he’s had on this team, on this league, for me as a person, our friendship.”What he means for the people of Bangalore, to this team, to this franchise is something I cannot describe in words, so I said he deserves to be on that podium, lifting that cup with all of us tonight.”De Villiers stood just outside the boundary, waiting to begin his broadcasting duties after the game, as Josh Hazlewood began the final over with 28 runs to defend. Kohli revealed watching de Villiers standing there made the winning moment even more special.
“I’m going to feel the real side of it when we get to Bengaluru tomorrow and celebrate this with the city” – Virat Kohli
King Kohli walks into the dressing room with ABD, talks about Rajat’s leadership, Jitesh’s smartness, and the team coming together to achieve this… pic.twitter.com/aqLY7LHvvE
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 4, 2025