Ricky Ponting opines on Virat Kohli getting emotional after RCB's maiden IPL title win

Ricky Ponting, head coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS), lauded Virat Kohli's dedication and perseverance after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their first-ever IPL title. The historic win came on June 3, 2025, when RCB edged past Punjab Kings in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ponting acknowledged that winning an IPL trophy is a dream for every player, and for someone like Kohli—who has stayed loyal to the same franchise since the tournament’s inception—the moment was deeply emotional and hard-earned. Ponting noted how Kohli’s passion and commitment have never wavered despite the franchise falling short in the past. 

As RCB inched closer to victory, emotions ran high, with Kohli visibly overwhelmed by the magnitude of the occasion. Ponting added that while elite teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have lifted the trophy multiple times, it highlights just how tough and competitive the league truly is. He emphasized that success in the IPL doesn’t come overnight—it requires years of strategic planning, team building, and on-field execution. Ponting concluded by stating that Kohli’s triumph is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to resilience, leadership, and belief, something aspiring cricketers can truly admire.

"You can see in his eyes in that last over, he was shedding a tear, that's what it means to players, that's what it means to everyone. Chennai (Super Kings) have won it a few times, Mumbai (Indians) have won it a few times, but it's not an easy tournament to win — it is as simple as that — and you have to think long and hard about that. It's not easy to win this thing," stated Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting in a recent interview. 

In the aftermath of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s dramatic win over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final, visuals captured an emotional Ricky Ponting—head coach of PBKS—who appeared visibly dejected as his side came agonizingly close to glory, only to fall short at the final hurdle. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for a team that had fought valiantly throughout the tournament, only to finish as runners-up. Ponting, known for his competitive spirit, maintained composure but couldn’t hide the disappointment of seeing his team come so far and yet return without the trophy.

Amidst the celebrations, attention shifted to Virat Kohli’s emotional response to RCB’s historic title win. Ponting was asked to reflect on Kohli’s unwavering reverence for Test cricket, even after finally clinching an elusive IPL title. The Australian legend praised Kohli’s perspective, stating that the format's true test of skill, temperament, and endurance remains unmatched. Ponting commended Kohli’s maturity in recognizing that while T20 success is significant, Test cricket continues to be the ultimate benchmark of greatness for any cricketer. In an era driven by fast-paced formats, Kohli’s commitment to the red-ball game, even post-retirement, reinforces his deep-rooted respect for cricket’s oldest and most demanding form.

"I'm probably one of the biggest purists of the game still involved. Whether I'm coaching or commentating, my first love is Test match cricket, always will be. But I totally understand what he means... this is as close as I can get to playing a Test match again," Ponting added.