After 18 long seasons filled with heartbreak and close calls - RCB have finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy. On a historic night in Ahmedabad, RCB edged past PBKS by six runs in the final.
What followed was emotional celebrations across the country. Among the voices celebrating the win was Vijay Mallya -- RCB’s original owner.
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Despite his controversial status in India, Mallya couldn’t hold back his emotions after witnessing the team he once built finally conquer the IPL. Taking to X, he recalled the early days of RCB and expressed his pride in the journey of Virat Kohli -- the face of the franchise.
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Mallya owned RCB during the inaugural 2008 season, where he recalled signing a young Virat Kohli and later assembling the core of the team -- which included T20 legends like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers.
He highlighted the remarkable loyalty of Kohli, who has stayed with RCB throughout all 18 seasons. He also thanked the current squad and management.
"When I founded RCB it was my dream that the IPL trophy should come to Bengaluru... I had the privilege of picking the legendary King Kohli as a youngster... Finally, the IPL trophy arrives in Bengaluru. Congratulations and thanks again to all who made my dream come true," Mallya wrote on X.
RCB’s 2025 title win brought back several familiar faces. Kohli was joined on the field by Gayle and de Villiers, who watched proudly as their former teammate lifted the coveted trophy.
Fans flooded the streets of Bengaluru, bursting crackers and chanting the now-iconic slogan, "Ee Sala Cup Namdu" RCB's win leaves only Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings as the original franchises yet to win an IPL title.