RCB's Historic IPL 2025 Victory: The Journey to Ee Sala Cup Namde - Best11.in

After years of waiting and disappointments, a dream has finally come true. Our beloved Royal Challengers Bangalore, or RCB, has won the IPL title. This victory is not just an achievement but an emotion etched in the hearts of millions of fans. Let’s dive into this incredible journey.

We’ve waited years, sometimes disappointed, sometimes hopeful, chanting “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This year, the cup is ours), and that slogan has finally become reality. Let’s explore RCB’s journey from its inception to this title triumph, covering key milestones, challenges faced, legendary players, and the role of fans.

First, let’s talk about RCB’s beginnings. RCB was formed in 2008 when the IPL started. Industrialist Vijay Mallya acquired the franchise for $111 million. Led by Rahul Dravid, India’s batting maestro after Sachin Tendulkar, the team’s first captain and icon player, there were high expectations. Bangalore’s Chinnaswamy Stadium was packed for every match. However, the first season was disappointing. In their debut IPL match, RCB suffered a massive defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders, with Brendon McCullum’s 158-run blitz leaving them stunned. That 140-run loss was a harsh wake-up call, hinting at challenges ahead. The team struggled with poor combinations, often mocked as a “Test team” due to inconsistent batting. In 2008, they won only four of 14 matches, finishing seventh.

Despite this bitter start, fans remained hopeful for improvement. The 2009 IPL, shifted to South Africa, brought a turnaround. After a shaky start, a pivotal decision changed the captaincy from Kevin Pietersen to spin legend Anil Kumble. Kumble’s disciplined leadership and bowling prowess elevated the team. RCB surged to the final in Johannesburg against Deccan Chargers. Kumble’s four wickets for 16 runs restricted Deccan to 143, earning him Player of the Match. Chasing, RCB started well but faltered under pressure, needing 15 runs in the final over. They lost by six runs, a heartbreaking defeat. Kumble later revealed pleading with Robin Uthappa to avoid fancy shots.

In 2010, under Kumble, RCB reached the semifinals, with young Virat Kohli showing flashes of brilliance, but they lost to Mumbai Indians. The 2011 season marked the era of Kohli, Chris Gayle, and AB de Villiers. With Daniel Vettori as captain and Kohli as vice-captain, Gayle and AB transformed the team. Gayle smashed a century in his debut match, scoring 608 runs in 12 games to win the Orange Cap. RCB topped the league and reached their second final in three years, but Chennai Super Kings defeated them by 58 runs after Gayle’s early dismissal.

Despite individual brilliance, RCB struggled for consistency. In 2012, Kohli became permanent captain. In 2013, Gayle’s 175 off 66 balls set the IPL’s highest individual and team score (266/5), yet they missed the playoffs, finishing fifth due to net run rate. The “Ee Sala Cup Namde” chant became a mix of hope and frustration. The 2014 season was dismal, ending seventh. In 2015, RCB reached the playoffs but lost to Chennai in Qualifier 2, with AB’s 133 off 59 against Mumbai standing out.

The 2016 season was Kohli’s golden year, scoring 973 runs, including four centuries, an IPL record. Alongside AB de Villiers, he led RCB to the final. Despite a strong start, chasing 208 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, a middle-order collapse led to an eight-run loss. Kohli called it one of his most painful moments, alongside India’s T20 World Cup defeat. Fans’ unwavering support, chanting “RCB” post-loss, remained a pillar of strength.

The 2017 season was disastrous, with RCB all out for 49, the lowest IPL score, finishing last with three wins. The chant turned into a trolling subject. In 2018-19, despite retaining Kohli and AB, RCB missed playoffs. In 2020, held in the UAE, RCB reached the playoffs after four years but lost to Sunrisers in the Eliminator. In 2021, Glenn Maxwell’s addition helped reach the playoffs, but Kolkata Knight Riders defeated them in the Eliminator. Kohli stepped down as captain after eight years without a title, a deep personal regret.

In 2022, Faf du Plessis became captain. With Dinesh Karthik, Josh Hazlewood, and Wanindu Hasaranga shining, RCB reached the playoffs for the third consecutive year but lost to Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. AB retired in 2021, and both he and Gayle were inducted into RCB’s Hall of Fame. In 2023, Kohli scored back-to-back centuries, but a loss to Gujarat Titans, powered by Shubman Gill’s century, knocked RCB out of playoff contention.

In 2024, RCB revamped with Andy Flower as head coach and additions like Cameron Green and Lockie Ferguson. Yet, the title eluded them for 17 seasons. Fans clung to “2025 is our year.” The 2025 IPL season became unforgettable. After a long wait, RCB clinched the IPL title. A bold move saw Faf du Plessis replaced by Rajat Patidar as captain, easing pressure on Kohli and strengthening the team. New players like Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, Liam Livingstone, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar formed a balanced squad. RCB focused on teamwork over individual brilliance, winning 10 of 14 league matches to finish in the top two. Kohli returned to form, scoring 614 runs with eight fifties. Patidar, Salt, and Pandya contributed consistently, while Hazlewood took 21 wickets, and Bhuvneshwar’s swing and death bowling proved crucial.

In the playoffs, RCB exuded confidence. In Qualifier 1, they crushed Punjab Kings at home to reach the final. On June 3, 2025, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, with nearly 100,000 fans, the final against Punjab Kings was electric. RCB’s batting set 190/9, with Kohli’s 43 off 35 and Jitesh Sharma’s 24 off 10. Punjab chased confidently, but RCB’s bowlers, led by Hazlewood and Pandya, held firm. In the final over, needing 30 runs, Hazlewood bowled the last ball with Punjab needing 12. Shashank Singh couldn’t hit a six, and RCB won by six runs.

After 18 years, RCB claimed their maiden IPL title. A moment of silence followed, as players and fans confirmed the reality. Then, jubilation erupted. Fans in red flooded the stands, players embraced, and emotions overflowed. The iconic image was Kohli, jersey number 18, kneeling on the pitch, tears in his eyes. At 36, after giving his all since 2008, he became an IPL champion. Despite hiding his tears, his eyes welled up before the final ball. Teammates rallied around him, with Patidar lifting him, symbolizing the win was for Kohli. Hazlewood and Karthik later said the team aimed to win for him.

Kohli dedicated the victory to fans, lifting the glittering trophy. AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, present at the stadium, joined the celebrations, reuniting RCB’s “Holy Trinity.” Kohli brought his wife, Anushka Sharma, to share the moment. Bangalore and India erupted in joy, with fans dancing, chanting, and lighting fireworks. The “Ee Sala Cup Namde” slogan, once mocked, became reality, erasing decades of disappointment. Fans across Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata celebrated, and RCB received a hero’s welcome at Bangalore’s airport.

RCB’s “12th Man Army” stood by the team through triumphs and failures. The 2016 loss, followed by a standing ovation at Chinnaswamy, was among Kohli’s most emotional moments. The slogan united fans nationwide, fueling RCB’s journey. From 2008 to 2025, RCB’s path was filled with pain and passion—an epic tale of superstars, near-misses, and unwavering support. The 2025 victory wasn’t just a title; it was 18 years of resilience and hard work realized. Kohli lifting the trophy represented countless players and fans. The slogan now holds magical meaning, reminding us that victory dawns after perseverance. RCB’s name is etched among IPL champions, a tale of emotion, redemption, and inspiration for dreamers. The cup is finally ours—Royal Challengers Bangalore has triumphed, inspiring generations.