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"18 years. Not easy": Sunil Chhetri over the moon after Virat Kohli, RCB won IPL 2025

Akshita Patel

Sunil Chhetri on RCB, Virat Kohli's IPL win [Source: RCB website]Sunil Chhetri on RCB, Virat Kohli's IPL win [Source: RCB website]

RCB won its maiden title in IPL 2025, thus ending its 18-year-long wait. Virat Kohli, who fought for Bengaluru in each of those 18 seasons, was also honoured, but his friend Sunil Chhetri was happier than him.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings in the final at Ahmedabad to end their title drought. After 18 years and endless heartbreaks, RCB had their moment of glory.

Sunil Chhetri opens up on RCB’s IPL triumph

Virat Kohli, the man who stayed loyal to RCB through all these heartbreaks, broke down in tears as he finally lifted the prized IPL trophy. 

Meanwhile, legendary Indian footballer and Kohli’s best friend Sunil Chhetri recently reflected on the glorious moment.

In his appearance in ‘Serving it up with Sania,’ Chhetri said he was extremely pleased and happy for Virat Kohli, who gave everything to the franchise for 18 years.

He explained how fighting for a goal for this long is tough, but Kohli kept on grinding and brought joy to the city of Bengaluru.

"I’m so happy for Virat Kohli. So happy for the whole team and the entire city and state. 18 years. It’s not easy. To be one of the most fancy teams and not win a trophy for 18 years isn’t easy," Chhetri said.

Sunil Chhetri has a special connection with Bengaluru, as he played in the ISL for Bengaluru FC. He also visited RCB camps multiple times during the IPL season and shares a great bond with Virat Kohli.

RCB title victory spoilt by deadly stampede

However, RCB’s victory celebration didn’t last long. The team chose to conduct an open bus parade, but due to bad crowd management, a stampede broke out outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

The stampede killed 11 people, and since then, the stadium has been deserted. A legal case is still running in the court. However, according to the Karnataka government, the Chinnaswamy Stadium could host IPL games in 2026, as safety measures are being revamped.