Indian cricket titan Virat Kohli wins elusive league title after retirement announcement

When Virat Kohli, one of India's greatest cricketers, realized his 17-year dream of winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) title with his longtime team the ​​Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the moment brought tears to his eyes. 

Overcome with emotion as the last ball was bowled, Kohli held his hands over his face in disbelief and punched the turf as his teammates celebrated. 

"It's been 18 long years," the 36-year-old cricket legend told broadcasters afterward, his eyes still bloodshot. "It's an unbelievable feeling. I never thought this day would come." 

His team, which he joined in the league's inaugural season in 2008, had been to the final three times before without a win. Kohli has won multiple World Cups with India, but never the elusive IPL trophy — until Tuesday night. 

"I'm someone that wants to win the big tournaments, the big moments, and this one was missing," he said, adding that he was "going to sleep like a baby" following the win.

The celebrations over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first league title were marred by tragedy when at least 11 people were killed in a stampede near the cricket stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, hours after the win. 

Thousands of people had gathered outside to catch a glimpse of the returning players when dozens were trampled, leaving more than 30 injured.

This last sporting triumph to check off Kohli's list came only a few weeks after his surprise announcement he was retiring from test matches, the traditional and longest format of international cricket, which is also considered the most prestigious. 

The news shocked his fans across India and around the world, as they tried to come to terms with what the retirement might mean for India's cricket team.

The legendary player