In a moment that transcended sport and touched the hearts of millions, Virat Kohli, the talismanic Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star, paused amidst euphoric celebrations to share a deeply emotional gesture with Mayanti Langer, one of Indian cricket’s most respected broadcasters. This heartfelt act came moments after RCB lifted their first-ever IPL trophy in 17 years, defeating Punjab Kings in a nail-biting final in Ahmedabad.
A Moment Beyond the Trophy: Kohli
While the Narendra Modi Stadium was electric with celebration and the roar of RCB fans filled the air, Kohli noticed a teary-eyed Mayanti Langer standing just outside the frame of the jubilation. In an incredibly respectful and emotional moment, Kohli walked over to her, holding out the IPL trophy, and invited her to touch it—recognizing her years of association and emotional investment in the league and the RCB team.
Mayanti, visibly moved, teared up on live television, later calling it one of the most unexpected and touching gestures she had experienced in her career.
“He didn’t need to do that. But he did. And that’s what makes Virat who he is.” – Mayanti Langer, post-match broadcast
The Weight of 17 Years
RCB’s victory marks the end of a 17-year wait filled with heartbreak, close calls, and unwavering support from a loyal fanbase. The team, captained this season by Faf du Plessis, finally delivered under pressure in a thrilling final, with Virat Kohli contributing 43 off 35 deliveries, setting the stage for a strong total.
But beyond the scoreboard, it was Kohli’s composed leadership and sportsmanship that defined the night. His emotional response after the final whistle — visibly crying, clutching the trophy, and later dedicating the victory to AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle — underlined the magnitude of the moment.
Read more about RCB’s maiden IPL title win.
Source: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
A Gesture for the Ages
What made Kohli’s gesture to Mayanti so special was its spontaneity and awareness. In a world of rehearsed media moments, this was raw and real. Mayanti Langer, who has anchored IPL broadcasts for over a decade, has often been the silent witness to countless highs and lows. While she rarely makes the story about herself, this time she became part of one.
The act went viral almost instantly. Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, were flooded with clips and appreciation posts. Hashtags like #KohliClass, #RCBChampion, and #MayantiLanger trended for hours after the match.
Virat Kohli’s heartfelt ‘touch the trophy’ gesture to Mayanti Langer is winning hearts ❤️🏆#ViratKohli #MayantiLanger #IPL2025 #RCB #RCBvPBKShttps://t.co/8GTy9Oo0fy
— CrickIt (@CrickitbyHT) June 4, 2025
Source: CrickIt (@CrickitbyHT)
Kohli’s Legacy Beyond Stats
With over 7,500 IPL runs to his name, Kohli’s contribution to the league is unparalleled. Yet, it’s moments like these that define his human side. He’s always worn his heart on his sleeve—whether in the way he celebrates a wicket, argues a decision, or embraces a teammate.
This is the same cricketer who once told Anushka Sharma, his wife, that
“no trophy matters without you by my side”—a sentiment he echoed after this victory too, posing with her and the trophy with tears of relief and joy.
A Message to the Fans
Kohli’s actions also delivered a message: cricket is not just about those who take the field but also about those who support, report, and breathe the game every day. From journalists to anchors to fans in the stands, every voice matters.
In Mayanti’s case, it was a reminder that women in cricket broadcasting have had to navigate stereotypes, harsh criticism, and gender biases. Kohli’s gesture subtly challenged those narratives, putting the spotlight on the power of inclusivity and respect in sports.
Twitter Reactions and Public Sentiment
Cricket fans and prominent figures in the media praised Kohli:
- “Virat Kohli just walked up to Mayanti Langer with the trophy… class act.”
- “This wasn’t just a win for RCB. It was a win for every loyal fan, every anchor, every support staffer who stayed hopeful.”
- “Respect. Kohli knows how much this means to all of us. #RCB #IPLFinal”
Statistical Highlights of the Final
- Match result: RCB beat Punjab Kings by 6 runs
- Top scorer: Rajat Patidar – 64 (RCB)
- Key spells: Krunal Pandya – 2/17, Mohammed Siraj – 3/29
- Man of the Match: Krunal Pandya
- Orange Cap 2025: Virat Kohli (753 runs)
- Purple Cap 2025: Ravi Bishnoi (24 wickets)
Check full IPL 2025 stats and rankings.
What This Means for the IPL
This moment between Kohli and Mayanti might just become one of the defining images of IPL 2025. While every season brings its drama, performances, and controversies, few moments resonate emotionally on such a universal scale. It also raises the bar for how players can use their platform to uplift others in the cricket ecosystem.
The IPL is more than just a tournament. It’s a festival of narratives, and this year, the Kohli-Langer moment reminded us why we watch — not just for the sixes and wickets, but for the stories that touch the soul.
Final Thoughts
Virat Kohli’s gesture wasn’t just about offering a trophy — it was about offering recognition, respect, and inclusion. In that single act, he embodied the spirit of the game: camaraderie, humility, and grace.
Mayanti Langer, holding back tears, summed it up best when she said,
“I’ve never lifted the IPL trophy before, but last night, I felt like a champion.”
And for millions of fans watching around the world — so did they.