Follow UsAfter winning their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title, the stars of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) thanked the loyal fans of the franchise, who waited 18 years to see their team lift the title.
Phil Salt, who scored 403 runs and was one of the reasons behind RCB’s amazing season, came back to play the final, after being with his newborn baby for just one day. He said, “It's an unbelievable feeling. I don't know where I am at the moment. I have not slept. I have got a lucky charm now. Everywhere we went, we were the best-supported team. You have won more games for us than you think.”
Mayank Agarwal, who was called in as an injury replacement for Devdutt Padikkal, on his part, was philosophical, saying, “Life is very unpredictable. If you can stay put, keep grinding, it can turn.”
Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper who scored an 8-ball 24, said, “I can't express myself at the moment. I am very happy for Virat bhai. He has waited for 18 years, and I can understand what he feels. When you feel this tournament for someone else, it becomes magical.”
Dinesh Karthik, the batting coach of the RCB side, praised all the past players who sweated and tried hard, but could not win any titles.
“It’s a team that's waited 18 years, had to wait a long time. ABD and Kohli all tried their hearts out. We believed from the start we were good. Had all the bases covered. It was great that everyone stepped up in different situations.”
Josh Hazlewood, the man who gave up 23 runs in the final over and yet managed to get his team over the line, said, “I think 190 was a good score, the wicket was up and down. It means everything to Kohli. To be there from the start and get the result tonight will bring out a lot of emotion.”
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who had previously won the title with SRH, said, “We knew the wicket would not be easy and 190 would not be easy. It was 10 more than what we thought.”