After 18 years of heartbreak, hope, and unwavering fan support, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally clinched their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a thrilling six-run margin in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The victory, celebrated with the iconic Kannada chant “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” (This year, the cup is ours), marked the end of a long-standing title drought for one of the IPL’s most passionate franchises.
A Historic Night for RCB
The final on June 3, 2025, was a rollercoaster of emotions. Batting first after losing the toss, RCB posted a competitive 190/9 in their 20 overs, anchored by Virat Kohli’s gritty 43 off 35 balls. Contributions from Mayank Agarwal (28) and captain Rajat Patidar (26 off 16) provided momentum, though Punjab’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48), triggered a late collapse, with RCB losing four wickets for 19 runs in the final overs.
Chasing 191, Punjab Kings started strongly, with openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh scoring 32 runs in the first four overs. However, RCB’s bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya’s economical 2/17 and Josh Hazlewood’s crucial breakthroughs, turned the tide. A stunning catch by Phil Salt to dismiss Arya and Pandya’s tight bowling in the middle overs left PBKS at 184/7, falling agonizingly short. Shashank Singh’s valiant 61 off 30 balls kept Punjab in the hunt, but RCB held their nerve to seal the victory.
Emotional Triumph for Virat Kohli
At the heart of RCB’s triumph was Virat Kohli, the franchise’s talisman since its inception in 2008. Overcome with emotion, Kohli collapsed to the ground after the final ball, later sharing a tearful embrace with his wife, Anushka Sharma, and former teammate AB de Villiers, who had flown in to witness the historic moment. “I never thought this day would come. I’ve given everything to this team. This win means everything,” Kohli said, his voice breaking. He dedicated the victory to RCB’s loyal fans, stating, “This is as much for them as it is for us. They’ve waited 18 years.”
Kohli, joined by former RCB stars Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, celebrated by chanting “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” on air, a moment that resonated deeply with fans. “This title is as much theirs as it’s mine,” Kohli said of his former teammates, acknowledging their contributions to the franchise’s legacy.
Bengaluru Erupts in Celebration
The victory sparked euphoria across Bengaluru, with fans flooding the streets, waving red and gold flags, and lighting fireworks. The chant “Ee Sala Cup Namdu,” long a symbol of hope and often a target of memes, was proclaimed with pride. Social media exploded with tributes, with one fan writing, “18 years of pain, trolling, and loyalty. This is redemption.” Another post read, “For every ‘mundin sala’ (last year), this one’s for ‘Ee Sala’!”
A victory parade is planned today, June 4, from Vidhana Soudha to Chinnaswamy Stadium, where fans will join the team in an open-bus celebration. Celebrities, including Shiva Rajkumar, Allu Arjun, and Kiccha Sudeep, congratulated RCB, with Rajkumar calling it an “emotional tribute to Bengaluru’s spirit.”
Rajat Patidar’s Leadership Shines
RCB captain Rajat Patidar etched his name in history as the first to lift the IPL trophy for the franchise. Reflecting on the win, Patidar said, “This is special for Virat, the fans, and everyone who’s supported us. Ee Sala Cup Namdu!” He praised Krunal Pandya’s pivotal role, noting, “Whenever we’re under pressure, I look for KP.”
A New Chapter for RCB
The win not only ended RCB’s 17-year wait but also marked a turning point for a franchise long criticized for underachieving despite star-studded squads. With contributions from Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma, alongside Kohli’s experience and Patidar’s leadership, RCB showcased a balanced unit that delivered when it mattered most.
As Bengaluru celebrates, the victory parade and the echoes of “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” signal a new era for RCB. For fans who stood by through years of near-misses, this triumph is more than a trophy—it’s a testament to loyalty, resilience, and the belief that, finally, the cup is theirs.
TheNewsBit Bureau