Ahmedabad, June 4 -- "I have given this team my youth, my prime. I gave it everything I have. I never thought this day would come," Virat Kohli's voice trembled, his eyes welled up and an 18-year-long weight lifted off his shoulders as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy after a dramatic six-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) yesterday.

This was more than just a cricketing victory. It was a culmination of nearly two decades of faith, fire and frustration for both Kohli and RCB's devoted fanbase.

"I was overcome with emotion as soon as the last ball was bowled," the legendary batsman admitted, summing up the sentiment of a franchise and millions of its followers who had stayed loyal despite heartbreak a...