Virat Kohli has shared an emotional tribute to Royal Challengers Bengaluru following the franchise’s successful IPL 2026 title defence, reflecting on the journey behind the team’s second consecutive championship. Posting a video on X days after the final, the former India Captain looked back on a season that ended with RCB creating history and further strengthening his long-standing connection with the franchise.
Started the season with belief. Ended with back to back titles. 🏆
This team lived every emotion together. The highs, the pressure, the hurdles, and the unwavering support. It feels extra special because… this place is HOME! ❤️ @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/H02HdsHCX3— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 9, 2026
Kohli reflects on RCB’s title-winning journey
The post quickly drew attention from fans, many of whom viewed it as a reflection of Kohli’s deep bond with the Bengaluru-based franchise after nearly two decades in RCB colours.
In the caption accompanying the video, Kohli wrote on X, “Started the season with belief. Ended with back-to-back titles. This team lived every emotion together. The highs, the pressure, the hurdles, and the unwavering support. It feels extra special because… this place is HOME.”
The message came shortly after RCB became only the third franchise in IPL history to successfully defend its title, joining an exclusive group that also includes Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
A defining performance in the final
Rajat Patidar’s side completed the achievement with a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Chasing 156 for victory, RCB reached the target with two overs remaining to secure another trophy.
Kohli once again played a decisive role in the championship match, remaining unbeaten on 75 from 42 deliveries. His innings featured nine fours and three sixes and anchored the chase after RCB lost wickets during the second half of the innings.
Earlier in the contest, Gujarat Titans were restricted to 155/8 from their 20 overs. Washington Sundar top-scored with an unbeaten 50, while RCB’s bowling effort was led by Rasikh Dar Salam, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.
Another prolific IPL campaign
Kohli’s contribution extended well beyond the final. The veteran batter finished IPL 2026 as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the competition, accumulating 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84.
His campaign included one century and five half-centuries, with a highest score of 105 not out. The figures represented another highly productive season for the 37-year-old, who continued to combine consistency with a more aggressive scoring rate.
The title defence also carried added significance for Kohli given his long association with RCB. Having spent his entire IPL career with the franchise, he has experienced both its near misses and its recent rise to the top of the competition.
Injury setback after title triumph
The celebrations, however, have been followed by a fitness concern. Kohli has been ruled out of India’s ODI series against Afghanistan after sustaining a hamstring injury during the IPL final.
According to reports, the injury could require several weeks of rehabilitation before he returns to full match fitness. For now, Kohli’s focus appears to be on recovery after a season that delivered both personal success and another landmark achievement for RCB.
