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"You Can See In His Eyes": Ponting Lauds Teary Virat Kohli For The Spirit Of The Game

Soumyajit Dutta

Ricky Ponting and Virat kohli [Source: @RCBTweets/X]Ricky Ponting and Virat kohli [Source: @RCBTweets/X]

Virat Kohli's visible emotion, tears welling in his eyes as the final moments of the IPL 2025 final unfolded, captured the immense weight of Royal Challengers Bangalore's long-awaited victory. After 17 years and numerous near misses, RCB had finally clinched their maiden IPL title with a tense six-run win over Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad. 

Kohli dropping to his knees underscored just how deeply he and the franchise had yearned for this triumph. Later, while hugging his wife Anushka Sharma, he was overwhelmed again filled with tears and PBKS coach Ricky Ponting shared what it means to be in the game.

Ricky Ponting Backs Kohli's Tears

Former Australia captain and Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting reflected on the powerful scene, emphasizing what the tournament means to every player despite some franchises having won multiple times.

“You can see in his eyes in that last over, he was shedding a tear, that’s what it means to players, that’s what it means to everyone. Chennai (Super Kings) have won it a few times, Mumbai (Indians) have won it a few times, but it’s not an easy tournament to win; it is as simple as that, and you have to think long and hard about that. It’s not easy to win this thing," Ponting said at the post-match press conference.

While celebrating the IPL victory as a career pinnacle, Kohli made a heartfelt plea about the enduring primacy of Test cricket.

“You know, this moment is right up there with the best moments I have had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Tests. I would just urge the youngsters coming through to treat that format with respect. Because if you perform in Tests, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye and shake your hand and say, ‘well done, you played the game well," Kohli told the broadcasters after the final game. 

Ponting, a legend of the Test arena himself, wholeheartedly agreed with Kohli's sentiment and shared his thoughts on Test format as quoted by News18.

“Yeah, I understand that. I’m probably one of the biggest purists of the game still involved, whether I’m coaching or commentating, my first love is Tests, always will be," Ponting stated.

With the win, RCB now breaks off from the holy trinity of Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings who are yet to get their maiden title. Notably, after the win, Bengaluru is also set for a victory parade from 3:30 PM IST onwards for the trophy showcasing.