Virat Kohli reflects on IPL win: why Test cricket still reigns supreme

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended an 18-year wait to clinch their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a nail-biting final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.

The victory was a deeply emotional moment for captain Virat Kohli, who top-scored with a composed 43 runs in RCB's total of 190-9. Kohli, who has been the face of RCB throughout the tournament and IPL history, dedicated the win to fans and former teammates AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, acknowledging their immense contributions.

"This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience," Kohli said, reflecting on the long journey marked by three previous final losses.

Despite the IPL triumph, Kohli emphasized the enduring supremacy of Test cricket, the format he cherishes most. "This moment is right up there with the best moments I've had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That's how much I value Test cricket. And that's how much I love Test cricket," he told broadcasters.

Kohli, India's most successful Test captain with 40 victories in 123 Tests, urged young cricketers to pursue Test cricket to earn global respect.

The final was a tense contest, with Punjab Kings falling short at 184-7, despite a valiant 61 from Shashank Singh. Key moments included a crucial catch by Phil Salt and tight bowling from Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

The win sparked massive celebrations in Bengaluru and across Karnataka, with political leaders lauding the emotional milestone for the franchise and its passionate fanbase.

RCB's coach, former England captain Trevor Bayliss, also earned praise for guiding the team to this historic victory after finishing second in the previous season.

This IPL title not only crowns Kohli's illustrious T20 career but also reinforces his belief in the primacy of Test cricket as the ultimate measure of a player's legacy.

Virat Kohli led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their first IPL title after 18 years, top-scoring with 43 in a thrilling six-run win over Punjab Kings. Despite the triumph, Kohli emphasized Test cricket's supreme value, urging young players to respect the traditional format above all.