RCB’s Historic IPL Triumph: Fans Climb Trees and Buses to Join Bengaluru’s Victory Bash
In an unprecedented outpouring of joy, Bengaluru transformed into a sea of red and gold on Wednesday as thousands of fans celebrated Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) long-awaited first IPL trophy. After 18 years of grit, heartbreak, and unwavering support, RCB finally clinched the title, defeating Punjab Kings by a thrilling six runs in a nail-biting final. The city came alive with passion as supporters thronged the streets, perched on rooftops, and even climbed trees and buses for a glimpse of their beloved team, especially Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of RCB since its inception in 2008.
The victorious RCB squad, led by acting captain Rajat Patidar in the absence of regular skipper Faf du Plessis during the parade, touched down in Bengaluru around noon. The team was greeted at Kempegowda International Airport by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who couldn’t hide his excitement over the milestone. ‘Virat Kohli has poured his youth and soul into RCB. Today, he has made Karnataka immensely proud,’ Shivakumar declared, echoing the sentiments of millions of fans across the state.
From the airport, the team headed to Vidhana Soudha, the seat of Karnataka’s government, for a special felicitation ceremony hosted by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Addressing the gathering, Siddaramaiah hailed RCB’s journey as a testament to perseverance and team spirit, promising continued support for sports in the state. The brief yet emotional event saw players and officials exchanging warm gestures, marking the significance of this victory for Bengaluru’s cricketing legacy.
The celebrations hit a fever pitch as the team boarded an open-top bus for a grand victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB’s fortress. Fans lined the entire route, waving flags, holding up posters of their favorite players, and chanting slogans like ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’ (This year, the cup is ours). In scenes reminiscent of India’s 1983 World Cup celebrations, some enthusiastic supporters climbed trees, scaled walls, and even stood atop buses just to catch a glimpse of their heroes. ‘I’ve waited 18 years for this day. Seeing Virat with the trophy is everything,’ said Ramesh, a lifelong RCB fan who watched the parade from a precarious tree branch.
Inside Chinnaswamy Stadium, the festivities continued well into the evening as fans were allowed entry to join the party. The stadium, which has witnessed countless RCB heartbreaks, reverberated with cheers as the team lifted the IPL 2023 trophy amidst fireworks and confetti. For a franchise that had previously reached the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016 without success, this victory was more than just a title—it was the culmination of an 18-year odyssey fueled by fan loyalty and unrelenting hope.
Virat Kohli, who scored a staggering 741 runs in the 2023 season to clinch the Orange Cap, was the cynosure of all eyes. His emotional celebration on the field during the final, where he was seen hugging teammates and acknowledging the crowd, has gone viral. ‘This win is for every fan who believed in us when we didn’t believe in ourselves,’ Kohli said during the post-match presentation, dedicating the triumph to RCB’s unparalleled fanbase, often called the 12th man of the team.
As the night drew to a close, the streets of Bengaluru remained abuzz with celebration. For RCB, a team that has faced ridicule for its trophy drought despite boasting stars like Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle over the years, this victory marked a new chapter. And for the fans, it was a cathartic release—a moment to cherish for generations. As one banner at Chinnaswamy poignantly read: ‘From memes to dreams, we’ve come a long way!’