The culmination of years of dedication saw Virat Kohli lift the IPL trophy, marking a notable moment in his illustrious career. Having played his first IPL game in April 2008, this victory represents the fulfillment of a long-awaited dream.

Kohli, who was 19 years old at the time of his debut, was dismissed for a single run in that initial match. As then, he has amassed 8,661 runs at an average of 39.54, including eight centuries and 63 half-centuries.

Previously, Kohli experienced defeat in three final appearances: against Deccan Chargers in 2009, Chennai Super Kings in 2011, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016. He also served as the franchise’s captain from 2013 to 2021.

In recent years, Kohli has maintained exceptional form, averaging over 50 in the past three seasons, including an impressive 54.75 this year. now, after 267 matches in the competition, he finally gets to celebrate an IPL title.

This victory also highlights the continued success of coach Flower,who took over the team for the 2024 edition of the competition.

Flower, a former England coach with an Ashes victory under his belt, led the team to fourth place in his first season, losing in the eliminator match. This year, the team finished second, just behind Kings on net run-rate.

“Kohli has been in strong form in recent years, averaging over 50 in the past three seasons… and now gets to lift the IPL trophy.”

Flower’s team then beat Kings in the first qualifier match to advance directly to the final, where thay repeated their success five days later.

This triumph follows Flower’s previous wins in the Pakistan Super League with Multan Sultans in 2021 and the Trent Rockets in The Hundred in 2022.

England internationals Salt, Livingstone, and Jacob bethell will also receive winners’ medals.

Salt and Livingstone both made crucial catches in the final, while Bethell was representing England in the third ODI against the West Indies during the game, having returned home for international duty.

Salt and Bethell, who played two matches in his first IPL season, celebrated their first taste of success in the competition. Livingstone, 31, secured consecutive titles after winning with Kolkata Knight Riders last year.