After 18 Years!
Ee Sala Cup Namde to Ee Sala Cup Namdu!
- This 18-year-long wait turned RCB's win into more than just a cricketing achievement. It became a story of loyalty, resilience, and belief.
As the trophy was finally lifted high in the Bengaluru sky, the entire cricketing fraternity acknowledged the poetic justice of it all. The franchise that had given so much to the IPL in terms of entertainment, star power, and drama, had finally received its due.
In a night that will forever be etched into the annals of Indian cricket, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their title drought and lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy for the very first time in 2025. After 18 years of passionate cricket, painful losses, and unwavering fan support, RCB’s victory became one of the most emotional and celebrated moments in the tournament’s history.
The journey to this point had been nothing short of cinematic. Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, RCB had built a strong fan base, attracted legendary players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, and delivered several unforgettable performances. But despite reaching the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, the title always remained just out of reach. For nearly two decades, the team was haunted by the narrative of being the “best team to never win the IPL.” Each season began with the familiar cheer “Ee Sala Cup Namde” — this year, the cup is ours but year after year, that chant ended in heartbreak. Until 2025.
This year, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, a surprising but effective captaincy choice, RCB looked more focused and united than ever before. They finished second in the league stage, securing their place in the playoffs with nine wins and only four losses. Their batting line-up was deep and aggressive, while the bowling unit, often criticized in the past, displayed discipline and balance. More importantly, the team didn’t rely on individual brilliance alone it was a collective effort, where everyone played their part.
The final match against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was nothing less than a thriller. RCB batted first and posted a challenging total of 190, thanks to a composed 43 from Virat Kohli and useful contributions from the middle order. The score wasn’t unbeatable, but it was defendable and that’s all RCB needed. In reply, Punjab Kings gave it their all, with Shashank Singh’s explosive innings keeping the match alive until the final over. But the calm nerves of the RCB bowlers, especially Krunal Pandya’s clutch spells, ensured a six-run victory that sent shockwaves of joy across the cricketing world.
For Virat Kohli, the moment was almost surreal. Having played for RCB since 2008, Kohli had become synonymous with the team itself. He had led them for several seasons, borne the brunt of criticism, and remained loyal despite not winning a single title. When the final ball was bowled and victory was confirmed, cameras caught Kohli in tears, overwhelmed by the emotion of a dream finally realized. His words echoed the feelings of millions: “This is not just a win for the team. It’s a win for every fan who stood by us for 18 years. This is the proudest moment of my career.”
The celebrations were wild and heartfelt. Fans flooded the streets of Bengaluru, lighting fireworks, waving flags, and chanting RCB slogans late into the night. Social media exploded with tributes, emotional messages, and viral videos of Kohli’s tears, Patidar’s leadership, and the team’s trophy lift. Even former players like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle shared congratulatory messages, with many fans declaring it the most satisfying IPL win ever not just because of the victory, but because of the years of struggle that preceded it.
This 18-year-long wait turned RCB's win into more than just a cricketing achievement. It became a story of loyalty, resilience, and belief. Very few teams in world sport have endured such a prolonged title drought while maintaining such an intensely loyal fan base. What made this moment even sweeter was that it wasn’t a fluke. RCB earned it. They played hard, planned smart, and delivered in the big moments.
As the trophy was finally lifted high in the Bengaluru sky, the entire cricketing fraternity acknowledged the poetic justice of it all. The franchise that had given so much to the IPL in terms of entertainment, star power, and drama, had finally received its due. This win was not just for the players who wore the red and gold in 2025, but also for those who came before for Kohli in his youth, for de Villiers in his prime, for the fans who believed when it was hardest to believe.
RCB’s maiden IPL title will be remembered not just as a sports victory but as the emotional climax to a saga that spanned almost two decades. It was a win that united a city, redeemed a franchise, and reminded everyone watching that in cricket, as in life, persistence pays off. After 18 long years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are not just contenders anymore. They are champions. And this time, the cup is finally theirs.
