Ahmedabad/IBNS: India's cricket icon Virat Kohli on Tuesday fulfilled his dream of lifting his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the only franchise he has played for since the tournament's inception in 2008.

Kohli's long wait for the trophy ended on Tuesday as Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the final of the 18th edition of IPL.

Speaking to former Australian cricket great Matthew Hayden after the match, Kohli said, "This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years. I have given this team my youth, my prime and my experience and I have tried to win this every season that I come and I gave it everything I have... It's an unbelievable feeling. I never thought this day would come."

"I have stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I've had moments where I thought otherwise but I stuck to this team... I always dreamt of winning it with them. This is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart and soul are with Bangalore. This is the team I am going to play for till the last day that I play the IPL," he added.

Kohli moved to tears on ground as Bengaluru's wait for their maiden trophy ended in a moment which felt surreal for the franchise that had unsuccessfully played three finals in the past.

Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings in the final defending 190-9 which they piled in their quota of 20 overs.

Kohli, who had a tough time in the middle with bat, was the top scorer for Bengaluru with 43 off 25 balls.

Liam Livingstone's 25 off 15 balls, Jitesh Sharma's 24 off 10 balls and Romario Shepherd's 17 off 9 balls powered Bengaluru to 190 on a day when Punjab bowlers were dominant.

Chasing the target, Punjab despite a solid start crumbled in the middle when Krunal Pandya delivered a match-turning spell of 2/17 in 4 overs that heavily brought Bengaluru back in the game.

Josh Inglis, who was playing big shots, was one of Pandya's victims. He scored 39 off 23 balls when he walked back to the hut.

While Shashank Singh remained unbeaten at 61 off 30 balls on one end, Punjab kept on losing wickets from the other end dashing their chances of lifting their maiden IPL trophy.