The Emotional Journey of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the first IPL Cup

Eighteen long years.
Years filled with chants, hope, heartbreaks, and unwavering belief.

“Ee Sala Cup Namde” wasn’t just a slogan — it was a manifesto of faith for millions of RCB fans. And now, after nearly two decades of dreams and despair… ‘Ee sala cup namdu!  

From the ashes of near-misses and final defeats, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have risen like warriors — IPL 2025 belongs to the men in red and gold.

This victory wasn’t just about lifting a trophy. It was the culmination of the journey of RCB — a rollercoaster ride marked by unforgettable highs, painful lows, and the unwavering spirit of a team and its fans.

It was about every loyal fan who stood by when memes flew, when jokes were cracked, when seasons ended in silence. It was about Virat Kohli, who gave this team his soul, and finally held the title his legacy deserves. 

The final against Punjab Kings was more than a match — it was a battle between two underdog legacies chasing a shared dream. PBKS fought bravely, giving fans one of the most emotional campaigns of the season.

Also Read: India’s Journey in the ICC Champions Trophy

Journey of RCB From “almost there” to “champions at last”

2008 – The Beginning of a Dream
RCB entered the inaugural IPL season with a star-studded squad and massive expectations. But the debut year turned out to be underwhelming. The team finished second last, and the critics were ruthless. Still, a loyal fan base began to form — one that would grow stronger with every season, regardless of the scoreboard.

2009 – The First Spark
Under Anil Kumble’s leadership, RCB made a miraculous comeback and reached their first IPL final. Hope soared. Fans believed this was the year. But heartbreak struck — they lost to the Deccan Chargers. The trophy remained a dream.

2011 – The Powerhouse Era
With Chris Gayle’s explosive arrival, RCB became the team to fear. They were bold, aggressive, and thrilling. They made it to another final. But again, the ending was painful — a loss to Chennai Super Kings.  Still, the chant grew louder: Ee Sala Cup Namde.

2016 – The Kohli Masterclass
Virat Kohli, in the form of his life, scored a jaw-dropping 973 runs — the highest in a single season. Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Kohli tore bowling attacks apart. The final was in their grasp. But yet again, they fell short — a narrow defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad crushed millions of hearts.

Years of Ups and Downs (2017–2021)
RCB faced inconsistency, captaincy pressure, injuries, and playoff exits. Memes became routine. Other fanbases mocked them mercilessly. But the team stood firm — loyal in pain, louder in belief.

2022–2024 – A Resilient Rebuild
A new core, new strategies, and glimpses of brilliance began to show. Faf du Plessis joined. Siraj became a fire-breather quickly. Youngsters like Rajat Patidar and Dinesh Karthik gave hope. But the trophy still eluded them.

2025 – THE REDEMPTION

Eighteen years. Three lost finals. One legacy on the line.

In the final, PBKS won the toss and opted to bowl first. RCB posted a total of 190/9 in their 20 overs, with Virat Kohli top-scoring with 43 runs off 35 balls. Despite a modest total, RCB’s bowlers delivered a stellar performance, restricting PBKS to 184/7. Krunal Pandya was the standout bowler for RCB, taking crucial wickets and earning the ‘Player of the Match’ award.

In IPL 2025, the stars aligned. RCB stormed into the final. Virat Kohli, the face of this franchise, finally got the moment he waited his whole career for. Against Punjab Kings, they played with heart, hunger, and heritage.

And they finally WON.
Tears flowed. Bengaluru lit up. Every RCB fan who waited through mockery and misery got their reward.

Virat Kohli’s Legacy in Royal Challengers Bangalore

Virat Kohli’s journey in the IPL is nothing short of legendary. Having played every single season for Royal Challengers Bangalore since the league’s inception in 2008, Kohli stands as the longest-serving one-franchise player in IPL history. His loyalty to RCB is a rare feat in modern T20 leagues, where player transfers are common.

Kohli’s legacy is underscored by a series of records and defining moments:

• Most Runs in IPL History: With over 8,552 runs as of 2025, Kohli is the highest run-scorer in IPL history. His tally includes 5 centuries and 65+ half-centuries, all in RCB colors. 
• Single-Season Record: His 2016 season is the gold standard in IPL history—973 runs in 16 matches, including 4 centuries, a record yet to be broken. 
• Captaincy Era (2013–2021): Though Kohli didn’t win the IPL as captain, he led RCB through some of its most prolific batting seasons and playoff runs (notably 2016 and 2020). His commitment to team culture, fitness, and grooming young players became foundational to RCB’s ethos. 
• Match-Winning Moments: From his explosive knocks at the Chinnaswamy Stadium to his composed 43-run anchor role in the 2025 final, Kohli has consistently risen on big occasions. His iconic duels with bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga are part of IPL folklore. 
• Off-Field Influence: Kohli’s stature brought global attention to RCB. His fierce loyalty, aggressive playing style, and charisma helped shape RCB’s identity as the boldest and most emotionally resonant franchise. He also amplified fitness culture across the league. 

In 2025, when RCB finally won their first IPL trophy, Kohli—no longer captain but still the spiritual leader—top-scored in the final, symbolizing his eternal commitment to the team. For fans, Virat Kohli isn’t just a player—he is RCB.

Other players to mentions 

AB de Villiers – Mr. 360° Magic (2011–2021)

AB de Villiers’ arrival transformed RCB’s batting firepower. From helicopter flicks to reverse sweeps, his blistering 133* in 2016 and numerous clutch innings defined RCB’s fearless approach. His presence drew global fans and pushed team morale. Even post-retirement, his legacy lives on in RCB’s attacking brand.

Chris Gayle – Universe Boss Era (2011–2013)

In just a few seasons, Gayle became a cult figure. He won the Orange Cap in 2012 (733 runs) and created history with the record-breaking 175* in 2013. His power-hitting at the Chinnaswamy made RCB home to the IPL’s loudest sixes.

Rajat Patidar – The Homegrown Hero

Rising through the ranks, Patidar became the finisher RCB needed. He played a key role in the 2025 Qualifier with a Massive six  and captained the team to their first-ever IPL title that same year. He symbolizes RCB’s youth leadership and calm confidence.

 A Legacy Sealed, A Journey Worth Taking

The 2025 IPL title wasn’t just a victory for RCB—it was the culmination of years of belief, heartbreak, passion, and perseverance. From Virat Kohli’s unwavering loyalty to Rajat Patidar’s breakout leadership, the team proved that legacies are earned, not given. Fans across the globe, especially the Red Army, celebrated a moment that was 17 seasons in the making.

For die-hard RCB fans in the USA and around the world, moments like these remind us why we stay loyal. And if you dream of flying to India to experience the next IPL season live at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Indian Eagle is your trusted travel partner. With cheap flight deals from the Los Angeles to India, Indian Eagle helps you stay close to the action, culture, and cricketing spirit that unites millions.

As the dust settles on IPL 2025, one thing is clear: RCB’s wait is over. The crown fits. And with every match ahead, their journey continues—not just on the field, but in the hearts of fans worldwide.

Next stop: 2026. Are you flying in? Book with Indian Eagle and be part of the roar. 

🏏 RCB’s IPL Stats Summary (2008–2025)