I ll sleep like a baby Emotional Kohli fulfils 17 year dream with IPL triumph

AHMEDABAD, India - Virat Kohlis carefully crafted image of a snarling warrior melted away as the 36-year-old was reduced to an emotional wreck after Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended their 17-season wait for a maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title on Tuesday.

Bengaluru were effectively assured of victory in the final against Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad after Josh Hazlewood began the final over with two dot balls.

As the broadcasters camera panned, it caught a teary-eyed Kohli covering his mouth with cupped hands in disbelief.

As Bengaluru sealed a six-run victory, Kohli hunched over the turf and punched it in delight before being mobbed by teammates.

Its been 18 long years, an emotional Kohli, still with bloodshot eyes, told the broadcasters.

Ive given this team my youth, my prime and my experience, and Ive tried to win this every season...

To finally have this moment come true, its an unbelievable feeling. I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotions as soon as the last ball was bowled.

Kohli has been with Bengaluru since the inaugural edition of the league in 2008, including nine seasons as captain of a franchise that made the finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 but lost on all three occasions.

The relief was palpable as he hugged former Bengaluru teammate AB de Villiers.

Ive stayed loyal to this team no matter what, Kohli said.

Ive had moments when I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. I stood behind them and they stood behind me.

I always dreamt of winning it with them, and this is far more special than winning it with anyone else...

This is the team Im going to play for till the last day in IPL.

Kohli has won multiple World Cups with India but the IPL had