Thursday, July 10, 2025

No. 18 for No. 18: Why Virat Kohli Deserves to Lift the IPL Trophy

For over a decade, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the arena where legends are made and legacies cemented. Among the brightest stars in the league’s storied history stands Virat Kohli — fierce, passionate, and unwaveringly loyal. Wearing jersey No. 18, Kohli has become the heartbeat of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and yet, despite all his brilliance, one thing continues to elude him: the IPL trophy. It’s time cricket fans ask — isn’t it long overdue for No. 18 to finally lift a title for RCB?

A Staggering IPL Legacy

Kohli’s IPL statistics are staggering. He holds the record for the most runs in IPL history, with over 7,000 runs to his name. His 2016 season remains iconic — 973 runs, four centuries, and a strike rate above 150. That year, he carried RCB to the final, nearly single-handedly. While the trophy slipped away, his heroic run is etched in IPL folklore.

But Kohli’s contribution to the tournament goes beyond numbers. He has been the league’s poster boy — selling out stadiums, raising broadcasting viewership, and giving the IPL a competitive edge with his sheer intensity. He transformed T20 batting, balancing aggression with classical technique, and always wearing his emotions on his sleeve.

Loyalty in a League of Changes

In an age where cricketers switch teams for better contracts or chances at silverware, Kohli has stayed true to RCB since the league’s inception in 2008. Through ups and downs, from finishing bottom to making finals, he has stood by his franchise like a true leader. His loyalty — unmatched in IPL history — deserves to be rewarded with a title.

More than that, Kohli built the RCB brand. Even as captain, when results didn’t go RCB’s way, he shouldered the pressure with grace. He became a mentor for young Indian players and overseas recruits alike. His commitment has turned RCB into one of the most passionately supported teams globally — and the love fans shower on him year after year is a testament to that.

viagogodirect.com |Sportmasteries.com | PrimeSportZone.com | SportStarPlace.com | SportPowerHub.com

Beyond the Trophy: The Spirit of the Game

Kohli’s legacy won’t be defined solely by whether he lifts the trophy. But sport is also about fairytale endings — and for a player who has given his all for the team and the tournament, a maiden IPL trophy would be the perfect tribute.

We’ve seen Kohli evolve — from the aggressive youngster to the matured statesman, balancing aggression with empathy, competitiveness with camaraderie. Watching him finally lift that trophy would be a win not just for RCB fans, but for everyone who believes in hard work, resilience, and loyalty.

The Sentimental Finish

At 36, Kohli is still as fit and driven as ever. But time is ticking. Each IPL season could be his last. And with every powerful cover drive, every roar after a wicket, every passionate celebration, fans know — he’s still chasing that one elusive moment.

Imagine it: Virat Kohli, No. 18, holding the IPL trophy high under the floodlights, a sea of red chanting his name. It’s not just a dream — it’s justice. It’s destiny.

Because if anyone deserves it — it’s him.

No. 18. For No. 18.

Latest articles