Ee Sala Cup Namde: Vijay Mallya Leads Emotional Tributes as RCB Clinches Historic IPL 2025 Title
In a moment that will be etched in the annals of cricketing history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year wait for glory by lifting their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in 2025. The victory, a testament to resilience and passion, sparked an outpouring of emotions, with former owner Vijay Mallya leading the tributes to a team that has endured heartbreak after heartbreak.
From the streets of Bengaluru to the global cricketing fraternity, the chant of ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’—this year, the cup is ours—reverberated louder than ever. Mallya, who helmed the franchise during its embryonic years from 2008 to 2016, took to X to express his joy. ‘RCB are IPL Champions finally after 18 years,’ he wrote. ‘Superb campaign right through the 2025 tournament. A well-balanced team Playing Bold with outstanding coaching and support staff. Many congratulations! Ee sala cup namde!!’
Mallya’s words resonated deeply with fans who have weathered countless disappointments alongside the team. Under his ownership, RCB reached three IPL finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, only to fall short each time. His era saw the signing of iconic players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle, laying the foundation for the franchise’s distinct identity of bold and fearless cricket.
The cricketing world joined in the celebration of RCB’s long-overdue triumph. Rival IPL teams, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals, posted heartfelt congratulatory messages on social media, accompanied by nostalgic videos and witty memes that captured the magnitude of the moment. This camaraderie highlighted the unifying power of sport, as even adversaries reveled in RCB’s breakthrough.
At the heart of this victory was Virat Kohli, the talisman who has carried the hopes of millions since joining the team as a young prodigy in 2008. In the final against Punjab Kings, RCB secured a nail-biting 6-run victory, and as the last ball was bowled, Kohli dropped to his knees, tears streaming down his face. The image of the modern cricketing great, overwhelmed by emotion, became the defining visual of the night—a symbol of personal redemption and the end of a relentless quest for the elusive title.
Kohli’s journey with RCB is the stuff of legend. Having led the team for nine seasons and scored over 7,000 runs in the IPL—the most by any batter in the tournament’s history—his unwavering commitment has often been tested by near-misses and criticism. Yet, in 2025, with a mature squad and a renewed sense of purpose under coach Andy Flower, the stars finally aligned for the man who embodies RCB’s spirit.
As fireworks lit up the Chinnaswamy Stadium and fans painted the city red and gold, this victory marked more than just a trophy. It was a culmination of dreams, a vindication of loyalty, and a reminder of the unpredictable beauty of cricket. For Vijay Mallya, Virat Kohli, and the millions of RCB faithful worldwide, the wait was worth it. Ee Sala Cup Namde—finally, the cup is theirs.