Ponting Reflects on Kohli’s Tears After RCB’s Historic IPL Triumph

Virat Kohli’s long and emotional journey in the Indian Premier League reached a dramatic and tearful conclusion on Tuesday night as Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their maiden IPL title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

Kohli, who has been the face of RCB since the tournament’s inception in 2008 and remains the only player to have represented a single franchise throughout, was visibly overcome with emotion. As the final over unfolded and victory became inevitable, the iconic batter dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face an image that captured the raw emotion of a career-defining moment.

RICKY PONTING ON KOHLI’S EMOTIONAL REACTION

Ricky Ponting, head coach of the Punjab Kings and one of cricket’s most respected voices, shared a heartfelt reaction to Kohli’s emotional release. The former Australian captain, who has tasted glory on the biggest stages, emphasized the toll that such a long pursuit of success can take on a player.

"You could see it in his eyes during that last over the tears said it all. That’s what this means to players. That’s the weight of 18 years of belief, heartbreak, and resilience," Ponting told reporters post-match.

He added, “It’s a tournament that’s incredibly hard to win. Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have done it multiple times, but it’s never easy and Virat’s reaction is proof of how much it takes, and how much it means.”

KOHLI’S PERSPECTIVE: IPL GLORY STILL BELOW TEST CRICKET

Despite calling the title one of the highest points of his career, Kohli humbly stated after the match that IPL success still ranks "five marks below" the honor of representing India in Test cricket.

Ponting, a known traditionalist when it comes to cricket formats, strongly resonated with Kohli’s sentiments.

"I'm probably one of the biggest purists of the game still involved in it whether as a coach or a commentator and Test cricket will always be my first love," Ponting said. “But I get what Virat means. Winning something like this, after giving everything you have, is the closest many players get to the emotional intensity of a Test match.”

A VICTORY BEYOND NUMBERS

For Kohli, this IPL title was about more than just a trophy  it was the culmination of nearly two decades of loyalty, perseverance, and passion. And for Ponting and many others in the cricketing world, his reaction reminded fans and players alike that the IPL, while a franchise tournament, is capable of creating deeply personal, career-defining moments.