Ee Sala Cup Namdu: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Clinch Maiden IPL Title in 2025

In a moment that will be etched in the annals of cricketing history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in 2025, ending an 18-year-long wait. The electrifying final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad culminated in a six-run victory for RCB, igniting celebrations across Bengaluru and beyond.

A Historic Triumph

RCB's journey to their first IPL title has been a rollercoaster of near misses and heartbreaks. Since the inception of the league in 2008, the team had reached the finals thrice but fell short each time. However, the 2025 season saw a rejuvenated squad under the astute leadership of captain Rajat Patidar, who guided the team with composure and strategic acumen.

The final was a testament to RCB's resilience and determination. Batting first, RCB posted a competitive total of 190/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Virat Kohli, the stalwart of the team, played a pivotal role with a composed 44 off 35 balls, anchoring the innings and setting the stage for a defendable score.

The Bowling Brilliance

Defending 190 in a high-stakes final is no small feat, but RCB's bowlers rose to the occasion. Krunal Pandya emerged as the pick of the bowlers, claiming two crucial wickets and applying pressure at vital junctures. The bowling unit, comprising a mix of seasoned campaigners and young talents, executed their plans meticulously, restricting PBKS to 184/7.

The fielding was equally commendable, with sharp catches and agile movements that saved crucial runs. The synergy between the bowlers and fielders exemplified the team's collective effort and commitment to clinching the title.

Emotional Highs and Iconic Moments

The victory was not just a statistical achievement but an emotional catharsis for players and fans alike. Virat Kohli, who has been the face of RCB for over a decade, was visibly moved, shedding tears of joy as the final wicket fell. His journey with RCB has been one of 

unwavering loyalty and passion, making this triumph all the more poignant.

Adding to the emotional tapestry was the presence of former RCB legends AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle in the stands. Their support and camaraderie underscored the deep-rooted bonds within the RCB fraternity. The image of Kohli embracing his wife, Anushka Sharma, with the trophy in hand, became an instant symbol of perseverance and fulfilment.

Virat Kohli: The Heartbeat of RCB

No story of RCB’s first IPL title is complete without celebrating the man who carried the hopes of a franchise and a city for over 16 seasons—Virat Kohli. Though not the captain in 2025, his presence in the team was nothing short of magnetic. With 741 runs in the season, Kohli ended as the second-highest run scorer of the tournament, reinforcing his stature as the backbone of the batting lineup.

In the final, his composed 44-run knock may not have been a blazing century, but it was pure gold in context—anchoring the innings when it mattered most. Off the field, his emotions captured the soul of the RCB journey. As tears welled up in his eyes during the victory lap, fans across the world were reminded of the sheer passion, loyalty, and fight he has brought to the red jersey.

This win wasn't just RCB’s—it was Kohli’s. A reward for years of commitment without silverware. As social media flooded with messages like “King Kohli finally gets his crown,” his legacy was cemented not just as one of the greatest players in IPL history, but as the soul of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

"This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years," Kohli told the broadcasters JioStar, a sea of red roaring behind him.

"I've given this team my youth, my prime, and my experience. I've tried to win this every season that I come, and I give it everything I have. And to finally have this moment come, it's an unbelievable feeling. I never thought this day would come," said the man who was fourth-time lucky on Tuesday.

RCB’s IPL Journey: Year-by-Year Finish (2008–2025)

Royal Challengers Bangalore has always been one of the most talked-about franchises in the IPL, not just for its star power but for its roller-coaster journey. Here’s a look at how RCB has performed across the seasons:

Year	Position	Captain	Highlights
2008	7th out of 8	Rahul Dravid	Slow start; major revamp followed.
2009	Runners-up	Anil Kumble	Finalists; lost to Deccan Chargers.
2010	Semifinalist (3rd)	Anil Kumble	Strong bowling core.
2011	Runners-up	Virat Kohli (mid-season)	Chris Gayle magic; topped league stage.
2012	5th	Daniel Vettori	Missed playoffs narrowly.
2013	5th	Virat Kohli	Kohli’s batting brilliance; missed playoffs.
2014	7th	Virat Kohli	Inconsistent form.
2015	Playoffs (3rd)	Virat Kohli	AB de Villiers-Kohli heroics.
2016	Runners-up	Virat Kohli	Kohli’s record 973 runs; heartbreak final.
2017	8th (last)	Virat Kohli	Injuries and form slump.
2018	6th	Virat Kohli	Mid-table mediocrity.
2019	8th (last)	Virat Kohli	Rough campaign despite loyal support.
2020	Playoffs (4th)	Virat Kohli	Reached Eliminator.
2021	Playoffs (3rd)	Virat Kohli	Consistent season; lost Eliminator.
2022	Playoffs (3rd)	Faf du Plessis	Promising new leadership.
2023	6th	Faf du Plessis	Missed playoffs; inconsistent.
2024	5th	Faf du Plessis	Narrow miss in race to playoffs.
2025	🏆 Champions	Faf du Plessis	Finally! The cup comes home! 🎉

Celebrations in Bengaluru

Back home, Bengaluru erupted in jubilation. Streets were adorned with RCB flags, and fans gathered in large numbers to celebrate the long-awaited victory. The city's iconic landmarks were illuminated in red and gold, reflecting the team's colors and the collective pride of its residents.

A grand victory parade is scheduled to commence from Vidhana Soudha, culminating at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The event promises to be a spectacle, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of their heroes and the coveted trophy.

A Balanced Perspective

While the celebrations are well-deserved, it's essential to acknowledge the commendable performance of Punjab Kings. Their journey to the final showcased grit and determination, with notable contributions from players like Priyansh Arya and Josh Inglis. The final was a closely contested affair, highlighting the competitive spirit and high standards of the IPL.

RCB's victory, though monumental, was achieved through a combination of strategic planning, individual brilliance, and team cohesion. It's a reminder that success in sports is often a culmination of years of hard work, learning from past failures, and seizing the moment when it arrives.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 IPL season concluded RCB's focus will shift to building on this success. The challenge now lies in maintaining consistency and striving for continued excellence in future tournaments. The team's management and coaching staff will undoubtedly analyze the season's learnings to refine strategies and nurture emerging talents.

For the fans, this victory is a validation of their unwavering support and belief. The chant "Ee Sala Cup Namdu" has finally materialized into reality, symbolizing the power of hope and perseverance.

Conclusion

RCB's maiden IPL title in 2025 is more than just a sporting achievement; it's a narrative of resilience, unity, and the unyielding spirit of a team and its supporters. As the celebrations continue and the city of Bengaluru basks in glory, one thing is certain—the legacy of this victory will inspire generations to come.

For more detailed insights and match statistics, refer to the comprehensive coverage by The Indian Express.