Kohli powers Bengaluru to ‘stuff of dreams’ back-to-back IPL titles

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 and inspired bowling led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second straight Indian Premier League title with a five-wicket win against Gujarat Titans.

Bengaluru restricted Gujarat to 155-8, a total they chased down with 12 balls to spare after Kohli reached his fifth half-century of the season in a lopsided final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Kohli sealed victory with a six to cap a magnificent 42-ball innings featuring nine fours and three sixes, then pointed to the stands as Bengaluru players sprinted out to celebrate.

Bengaluru, led by Rajat Patidar, and Kohli have been on a roll since they won their first IPL crown at the 18th attempt last year. They finished top of the 10-team table after this season’s league stage.

“Stuff you dream of. Thought of this moment many times, wanting to hit the winning run,” said the 37-year-old Kohli, who was named player of the match.

“Felt really relaxed coming in. The team we have gives confidence to see any kind of situation through. Knew exactly what to do in the chase. Such is the demand (with) super young players pushing you to up the ante.”

Kohli added: “We knew what kind of ability we have in the group. And we just said one thing, ‘If we stick to our cricket, if we execute our plans, we are the best team in the competition.'”

Kohli’s iconic number 18 jersey dominated the stands at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s biggest cricket ground which recorded an official attendance of over 90,000 spectators on Sunday.