Follow UsVirat Kohli finally won the Indian Premier League (IPL) after waiting for 18 years as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
However, just after the win, Kohli was involved in a long interview with Matthew Hyden, where he reminisced about his time at the franchise, his friendship with AB de Villiers, who was also present at the venue as a commentator and thanked the people of the city of Bengaluru, where the franchise is based for the faith that they have shown for the last 18 years.
It seemed like he was almost about to announce his retirement.
Here’s what Kohli said in that interview.
“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience. I've tried to win it every season, and gave it everything I have. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. Never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled. [I] gave each and every ounce of my energy, and it's an amazing feeling.”
“Well, I have had an opportunity to play this game for many years. So there is an end date to our career, as you know. And by the time that I hang up my boots, I want to sit at home and say I gave it everything I had.”
“I can't play as an impact player, I want to feel 20 overs and make an impact on the field. That's the kind of player I have been. And God's blessed me with that perspective, with the talent. And I'm so very grateful for this victory.”
“I've stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I've had moments where I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. I stood behind them, they stood behind me. And I always dreamt of winning it with them. And this is far more special than winning it with anyone else, because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore.”
“I'm someone that wants to win the big tournaments, the big moments, and this one was missing. And tonight, I'm going to sleep like a baby. What ABD has done for the franchise is tremendous. He told him 'this win is as much yours as it is ours. I want you to celebrate with us'.”
“He's been the POTM most times in the franchise despite being retired for four years. Tells you the impact he's had on the league, the team and me. He deserves to be on the podium, lifting the cup.”