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Kohli's long-awaited triumph overshadowed by tragedy
Cape Argus
|June 05, 2025
VIRAT Kohli finally lifted the IPL championship at his 18th attempt, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a dramatic six-run win over Punjab Kings in Tuesday night's final.
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But celebrations in the tech city turned deadly on Wednesday, with at least 11 people killed and dozens injured in a stampede as fans poured into the streets to welcome their heroes.
Kohli, 36, who has spent his entire IPL career with RCB since its inception in 2008, top-scored with 43 in front of over 91 000 fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Having lost three previous finals, his emotional celebration struck a chord with millions.
"I said it straight away - this title is as much for the fans as it is for us," said Kohli. "They've backed us relentlessly for 18 years. I've never seen loyalty like that."
This story is from the June 05, 2025 edition of Cape Argus.
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