Virat Kohli’s IPL 2025-winning tribute to Anushka Sharma: “Something you can’t explain in words”

Last night was a momentous night for many; for cricket lovers, who sat through a nail-biting match, for Bangalore residents, who cheered as Royal Challengers Bengaluru brought home the IPL 2025 trophy; and for Virat Kohli, who had been waiting for this very moment for 18 long years when RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar, beat Punjab Kings in the final by six runs.

The celebrated Indian cricketer already has many accolades to his name; Team India’s former cricket captain, winner of multiple Orange Caps and numerous ICC awards and 2018’s Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, which is India's highest sporting honour. Last night at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, it was the Indian Premier League 2025 trophy. The emotional weight and sporting pressure of millions of fans brought Virat to his knees at the realisation of the amazing feat; which was completed with a warm embrace in the arms of his wife, Anushka Sharma.

During post-match interviews with Star Sports, Virat didn’t just discuss the trophy; that has now perfectly rounded off his celebrated cricket career. He also took the moment to speak about the gruelling process required make it this far, which was made possible by his life partner Anushka. In a tribute to her, he extolled, “It has been 11 years for her as well. Relentlessly coming to games, watching tough games, watching us just miss out. What your life partner does for you to be able to play, and the sacrifices, and the commitment, and just backing you through thick and thin, is something you can’t explain in words.”

It’s enough to make anyone tear up. The cricketer, showcasing the support needed to make it to the top, continued, “Only when you play professionally, you understand the amount of things that go on behind the scenes, and what they go through as well.”

Mentioning why it’s a particularly special win for the actress, Virat added, “What Anushka has gone through emotionally; watching me, being down and out, her coming to games, being so connected with Bangalore. She’s a Bangalore girl as well, and being connected to RCB, this is very, very special for her as well, and she’s going to be so, so proud.”

May a love like theirs find everybody who desires it; which might be a bigger win than any trophy.