Kohli’s GLORY, Flower’s GENIUS! RCB Stuns PBKS to Win IPL Title! #ipl2025 #kohli #rcb | BIFF Cricket

TATA IPL 2025 Final Press Conference: Andy Flower Reflects on IPL 2025 Final In the aftermath of the thrilling TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025, head coache Andy Flower of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Ricky Ponting of Punjab Kings (PBKS) addressed the media, sharing their insights on the match, their teams’ performances, and the emotional weight of the occasion. The final saw RCB clinch their maiden IPL title, defeating PBKS by a narrow margin of 6 runs, ending an 18-year wait for the franchise and its talismanic star, Virat Kohli. Here is a detailed report of the press conference, followed by curious headlines featuring Kohli. Andy Flower’s Remarks (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) Andy Flower, visibly elated yet composed, opened the press conference by praising his team’s resilience and collective effort. He highlighted the strategic decisions that paved the way for RCB’s victory, particularly the game-changing spell by Krunal Pandya, who took 2 wickets for 17 runs in his four overs, earning the Player of the Match award. • On the Team’s Performance: Flower emphasized the balanced contributions from the squad, noting that RCB’s success was not solely reliant on Virat Kohli. “We’ve worked hard to build a team where everyone steps up. Krunal was our joker in the bag this season, and his ability to adapt and bowl slow on a pitch that got easier in the second innings was phenomenal,” Flower said. He also commended Josh Hazlewood’s disciplined bowling, particularly in the final over where he defended 29 runs, and Jitesh Sharma’s explosive 24 off 10 balls that boosted RCB to a competitive 190/9. • On Virat Kohli: Flower reserved special praise for Kohli, who scored 43 runs off 35 balls and was instrumental in steadying the innings. “Virat’s hunger and loyalty to RCB over 18 years is unmatched. This win is as much for him and the fans as it is for the team. His emotion after the final ball said it all—he’s given his heart and soul to this franchise,” Flower noted. He also highlighted Kohli’s leadership off the field, which inspired younger players like captain Rajat Patidar. • On the Tactical Approach: Flower discussed the decision to rely on spin, particularly Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma, to control the middle overs. “We knew the pitch would assist slower bowlers, and Krunal’s bravery in varying his pace was the turning point. Our fast bowlers, like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal, complemented that strategy perfectly,” he explained. • On the Emotional Victory: Reflecting on RCB’s journey, Flower acknowledged the franchise’s history of near-misses. “This is a cathartic moment for RCB. From Malleshwaram to Marathalli, the chant ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ has finally come true. The fans deserve this as much as the players,” he said, referencing the iconic Kannada phrase meaning “This year the cup is ours.” Key Moments from the Match • RCB’s Batting: RCB posted 190/9, with Virat Kohli (43 off 35), Phil Salt, and Liam Livingstone providing stability, and Jitesh Sharma’s late cameo (24 off 10) adding crucial runs. Kyle Jamieson and Arshdeep Singh were standout bowlers for PBKS, with Jamieson taking 3/48. • PBKS’s Chase: PBKS finished at 184/7, falling 6 runs short. Shashank Singh’s unbeaten 61 off 30 balls and Josh Inglis’s 39 off 23 kept them in the hunt, but Krunal Pandya’s 2/17 and Josh Hazlewood’s final-over heroics sealed RCB’s victory. • Emotional Celebrations: Post-match, Kohli was overcome with emotion, collapsing to his knees and sharing heartfelt moments with teammates, coach Andy Flower, and his wife, Anushka Sharma. Former RCB stars AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle joined the podium celebrations, lifting the trophy alongside Kohli.