In a nailbiting finish to the curtain close of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, Bengaluru bagged their first trophy in franchise history. They went on to defeat Punjab Kings by six runs. Historic finish The stage was set at the 55,000-capacity M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Emotions were sky-high as the team truly celebrated their first-place finish after 18 years of passion-fueled rivalry.
Virat Kohli, a long time resident of Bengaluru since the league began in 2008, was instrumental in the contest. Though he hit only three fours, he top-scored for his side with a brisk 43 from 35 balls. Kohli rebounded in dramatic fashion, collecting an unbelievable total of 700 runs over just 16 matches. This incredible feat earned him the third place on the list of highest run scorers.
Josh Inglis had a career-defining innings, hitting 39 runs off of only 23 balls, including four sixes. Then came his dismissal by Krunal Pandya in the 13th over, which turned the game on its head. Phil Salt couldn’t get into his groove, making just 16 runs before being the first of a steady stream of batsmen to succumb to the crafty bowling attack.
It was a game that highlighted the prowess of both teams’ bowlers. Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson paired to take six wickets between them as they strangled Punjab Kings’ chase. Krunal Pandya had a brilliant day taking 2-17 in his four overs as the bowlers wrecked opposition batting line-ups.
Then came Shashank Singh’s batting heroics, a one-in-a-hundred innings that propelled Bengaluru to 67 for 3. He cleared the ropes a dizzying six times in scoring an astounding 61 not out—off just 30 balls! It was his explosive innings that gave counterattacking momentum and that’s a key distinction to let Bengaluru pile up a daunting target.
With victory almost secured, Kohli’s passion overflowed. He wept uncontrollably with joy as he was lifted up by his teammates after the last ball had been bowled. Looking back on the win, he talked about how personally tied he is to the crew and its enthusiasts.
“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It has been 18 long years.” – Virat Kohli
Kohli’s emotional response was evident as he recounted his journey with the franchise.
“I have given my youth, my prime. I gave it everything I have. I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion as soon as the last ball was bowled.” – Virat Kohli
