‘This place is home’: Virat Kohli reflects on RCB’s back-to-back IPL …

New Delhi [India], June 9 (ANI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli reflected on the franchise’s successful IPL 2026 campaign with an emotional post on X, days after the team defended its IPL title with a commanding victory over Gujarat Titans in the final.

RCB clinched their second consecutive IPL crown after defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the summit clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, becoming only the third team in tournament history after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to successfully defend the title.

Sharing a video on X, Kohli looked back on the team’s journey through the season and highlighted the bond within the squad. afsport.lat

Started the season with belief. Ended with back to back titles.

This team lived every emotion together. The highs, the pressure, the hurdles, and the unwavering support. It feels extra special because… this place is HOME! @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/H02HdsHCX3

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) June 9, 2026

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“Started the season with belief. Ended with back to back titles. This team lived every emotion together. The highs, the pressure, the hurdles, and the unwavering support. It feels extra special because… this place is HOME!" Kohli wrote.

The Rajat Patidar-led side produced a clinical all-round performance in the final. After restricting the Gujarat Titans to 155/8 in 20 overs, RCB chased down the target with five wickets in hand and two overs to spare.

Kohli once again played a decisive role in the title-winning campaign, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 75 off 42 deliveries, studded with nine fours and three sixes. His knock ensured RCB crossed the finish line comfortably despite a late fightback from Gujarat.

Earlier, Gujarat struggled for momentum after being put into bat. Washington Sundar top-scored with an unbeaten 50 off 37 balls, while Nishant Sindhu contributed 20. RCB’s bowling attack was led by Rasikh Dar Salam (3/27), with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2/29) and Josh Hazlewood (2/37) providing crucial breakthroughs.

In reply, RCB got off to a brisk start through a 62-run opening partnership between Venkatesh Iyer and Kohli. While Gujarat clawed their way back into the contest by reducing RCB to 132/5, Kohli remained unbeaten to guide his side to another historic title.

The veteran batter enjoyed another prolific season, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer in IPL 2026. Kohli amassed 675 runs in 16 innings at an average of 56.25 and a strike rate of 165.84, registering one century and five half-centuries, with a highest score of 105 not out. (ANI)

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India captain Shubman Gill hailed his side’s all-round display against Afghanistan as a near-perfect performance, saying the team had “ticked all the boxes” in a dominant victory that showcased both the depth of India’s bowling attack and the direction of a young side in transition.

Leading India in a match that saw his team pile up 564-8 declared before dismissing Afghanistan twice, Gill was particularly pleased with how every department contributed to the result. “I think a complete win from us, ticked all the boxes. So very happy with that,” Gill said.

Gill believes the team’s path forward is straightforward: build a batting group capable of consistently posting big first-innings totals while relying on a bowling attack he believes can win matches anywhere in the world.

“I’d say pretty simple. When you’re batting first innings, try to post 350 on the board every time you get into bat, no matter where we are playing, what kind of conditions it is,” Gill mentioned.

The confidence in India’s bowling resources, he said, provides the foundation for that philosophy. “I think there’s enough trust in our bowling group that we can take 20 wickets anywhere.”

One of the key decisions during the match came after India bowled Afghanistan out for 152. With a massive first-innings lead in hand, India had to decide whether to enforce the follow-on in challenging conditions. “It was very hot. We decided that if we get them before lunch or just after the first drinks, we’ll see if the bowlers are fresh, we’ll give them a follow-on,” Gill said.

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New York [US], June 9 (ANI): US President Donald Trump became the first sitting president in American history to attend an NBA Finals game on Monday night, drawing a mixed reception from fans as he watched Game 3 between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden.

According to ESPN, Trump arrived at the iconic New York venue shortly before tip-off and took his place in a heavily secured suite alongside family members, cabinet officials and Knicks owner James Dolan. His appearance marked a historic moment for the NBA, with no sitting US president having previously attended a Finals game.

However, the president’s presence sparked a notable reaction inside the arena. According to CBS News, Trump was booed loudly by sections of the crowd when he appeared on the giant video screens during the national anthem. Trump was shown for several seconds giving a military salute. The boos subsided when the American flag was shown on the screens, while Knicks players received cheers from the home supporters.

Dressed in a dark suit and red tie, Trump stood and saluted the flag during the anthem before settling in to watch one of the biggest basketball games New York has hosted since the Knicks’ last NBA Finals appearance in 1999.

His attendance prompted extraordinary security arrangements around Madison Square Garden. The New York Police Department and the US Secret Service established a large security perimeter around the arena, while fans were advised to arrive hours before tip-off. All attendees, including players and team personnel, underwent enhanced airport-style security screening before entering the venue.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed Trump’s attendance, describing him as a longtime Knicks supporter and highlighting the sport’s ability to unite people despite political differences.

Outside the arena, a small group of protesters gathered with signs critical of the president, while Trump’s motorcade made its way through Manhattan following his arrival by helicopter from New Jersey.

Game 3 also attracted a host of celebrities and public figures, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, baseball great Derek Jeter, former Knicks guard Jeremy Lin, filmmaker Spike Lee, and actors Timothee Chalamet, Ben Stiller and Tina Fey.

The Knicks are leading 2-0 in the NBA finals, and a win in Game 3 will take them a step closer to a historic title win. (ANI)

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