The IPL 2025 final ended in dramatic fashion as the Punjab Kings clinched the trophy, leaving Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their fans heartbroken once again. In a surprising and emotional moment, Virat Kohli, the face of RCB, expressed sympathy after the team’s narrow defeat. He said, “I feel sorry for him,” referring to a fellow RCB player whose performance in the final did not meet expectations.
This statement by Kohli came after Punjab Kings pulled off a thrilling win in the last over of the match, making a huge turnaround that shocked cricket fans across India. While many RCB supporters were devastated, Kohli’s reaction showed maturity, leadership, and empathy, even in one of the most painful moments of his career.
RCB had entered the final with high hopes. The team had shown a strong performance in the playoffs, defeating top teams with ease. Kohli himself was in excellent form, scoring runs consistently and motivating the team with his energy and experience. Many fans and experts believed that 2025 could finally be RCB’s year.
However, the final against Punjab Kings took a different turn. Despite setting a competitive target of 178 runs, RCB’s bowlers couldn’t stop Punjab’s batting lineup. With big hitters like Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran, Punjab chased down the total with just two balls to spare.
What made the defeat more painful was the fact that RCB had the upper hand for most of the game. But a few misfields, missed opportunities, and one poor over in the death phase cost them the match. Kohli was visibly upset, but he kept his cool and addressed the press with grace.
Speaking at the post-match conference, Kohli said, “Cricket is a game of fine margins. One over, one ball can change everything. We gave it our all. I feel sorry for some of our players who tried hard but things didn’t go our way.”
This statement was seen by many as a sign of Kohli’s growth as a leader. Even though he stepped down as RCB captain a few years ago, his influence in the dressing room remains strong. By showing compassion instead of blame, Kohli won hearts across the cricketing world.
Fans quickly took to social media to praise Kohli’s gesture. Hashtags like #RespectKohli, #KohliTheLeader, and #HeartbreakForRCB started trending on X (formerly Twitter). Many users shared emotional messages saying that while RCB lost the match, Kohli had won respect once again.
The IPL final also raised questions about RCB’s future. Will the team need a new strategy? Should they focus on young bowlers? Is it time for Kohli to play a different role? While these questions remain, one thing is clear: Kohli’s commitment to RCB is unbreakable.
The Punjab Kings, on the other hand, celebrated their first-ever IPL title win. The team had been underdogs in the past seasons but came together beautifully in 2025. Their coach and captain both praised the unity of the squad and the calmness under pressure. Sam Curran, who played a key role with both bat and ball, was awarded Man of the Match.
While Punjab celebrated, the spotlight remained on Kohli. Former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and AB de Villiers applauded Kohli’s maturity. “He is a true leader. He knows how to handle both wins and losses,” said de Villiers, Kohli’s former teammate.
RCB fans were emotional after the game. Many took to stadium stands and online platforms to share their heartbreak. Some fans were even seen crying in the crowd. For them, the dream of seeing RCB lift the IPL trophy still remains unfulfilled.
One emotional fan said, “Every year we believe, and every year we wait. But this team means more to us than just trophies. Kohli’s love for RCB is our love too.”
This deep bond between RCB and its fans is something unique in the world of cricket. Despite never winning an IPL title, RCB remains one of the most followed teams, thanks largely to the passion and popularity of Virat Kohli.
In the post-match interview, Kohli also shared his message for the fans. “You all have supported us through thick and thin. We feel your pain. We will come back stronger,” he said, holding back tears.
This IPL final will be remembered not just for the cricket, but for the emotions, sportsmanship, and leadership on display. Kohli’s statement—”I feel sorry for him”—reflects a deeper understanding of the game. Instead of blaming anyone, he chose kindness and unity, reminding everyone what true sportsmanship looks like.
Kohli’s journey in the IPL has been full of ups and downs. From being a young player to becoming the face of RCB and one of the most consistent batsmen in IPL history, he has given his heart and soul to the league. And even in loss, he continues to inspire.
As the season ends, one thing is sure—Virat Kohli remains the emotional center of IPL, whether he holds the trophy or not. His actions, words, and attitude continue to set an example for millions.
Looking ahead, RCB will need to regroup, rethink, and rebuild. With Kohli’s guidance and the right support, the dream of IPL glory is still very much alive. After all, in cricket, as in life, every loss brings with it the seeds of a new beginning.
