"From injury replacement to…": Virat Kohli gifts bat to Rajat Patidar as RCB end IPL trophy drought

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batter Virat Kohli showered praise on skipper Rajat Patidar following the victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final. The 36-year-old batter also gifted his bat to the RCB skipper during the dressing room celebration after ending the IPL trophy drought.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched their maiden IPL title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the 2025 final in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, June 3. Virat Kohli scored 43 off 35 balls as RCB posted a total of 190 in their 20 overs. Krunal Pandya (2/17) played a crucial role in restricting PBKS to 184/7.

From Injury Replacement to IPL-Winning Captain - Virat Kohli Gifts Bat to Rajat Patidar

Virat Kohli was visibly emotional after Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their long-awaited IPL title. The victory was special for the RCB veteran, who had spent years chasing the trophy.

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Kohli praised captain Rajat Patidar for his remarkable journey. The right-handed batter presented his MRF bat to Patidar, who gratefully accepted it and kissed the bat. RCB took to their official social media account on X (formerly known as Twitter) to share the clip.

"What a turnaround, Rajat, from injury replacement to IPL-winning captain. Bloody hell, that's a turnaround," Kohli said.

“I’m going to feel the real side of it when we get to Bengaluru tomorrow and celebrate this with the city” - Virat Kohli ❤️🙌

King Kohli walks into the dressing room with ABD, talks about Rajat’s leadership, Jitesh’s smartness, and the team coming together to achieve this… pic.twitter.com/aqLY7LHvvE

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 4, 2025

I’m Gonna Feel the Real Side of It When We Get to Bengaluru - Virat Kohli

RCB will conduct an open-bus victory parade in Bengaluru on Wednesday, June 4. The franchise has officially announced that the celebratory event will begin at 3:30 PM IST.

The parade will kick off from Vidhana Soudha and conclude at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, giving supporters a chance to join the event and celebrate alongside their team.

"Very difficult to explain, man. I think I'm gonna feel the real side of it when we get to Bengaluru tomorrow, and celebrate it with the city and the fans who have stood with us through thick and thin. So, I'm just relieved," Kohli added.

They Wear That Badge with Pride of RCB - Virat Kohli

The former Indian skipper stated that different players stepped up when the team needed them throughout the season. He praised Mayank Agarwal, who stepped in for the injured Devdutt Padikkal, and highlighted the pride that Bengaluru players carry when representing RCB.

"Full bunch of match-winners. People stepping up at different stages and putting their hand up to get the job done for the team. And just have that hunger and that quiet confidence in them to just come in and do the job. I mean, this guy (Mayank Agarwal), local lad, comes in in place of Dev, another local boy. You could see, they wear that badge with pride of RCB. That thing can never go away from a Bangalore boy. This guy was special," Virat stated.

"Sorry to cut you off. You've been playing for Bangalore for 18 years. I can tell you one thing—the city, you're as much a Bangalore boy as anybody else. I'm sure you have an idea, but I think tomorrow and in the coming days, you'll really experience the love this city has for you," Mayank said.

Also read: IPL 2025 Prize Money Revealed: What IPL 2025’s Top Teams Are Fighting For