Fans across India erupted in joy after Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 trophy after an 18-year wait. Nearly two decades of heartbreak, near-misses and the dreaded “ee sala cup namde (This year the cup is ours)” memes, RCB defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
Celebrations broke out in every corner of the country as fans took to the streets and fireworks lit up the skies in Bengaluru. Social media was flooded with emotional tributes, throwback videos and the moment every RCB supporter had imagined for years, their team finally lifting the IPL trophy.
Fans celebrate across India
At the centre of it all stood Kohli, the forever face of RCB, who broke down in tears moments before the team won the match. Falling to his knees as the last ball was bowled, the cricketer wept with joy as an 18-year-old dream became a reality.
Emotional fans cheered for the former RCB captain, who gave everything for the franchise, making it a personal victory for many. “You’ve carried this team on your shoulders for years through the highs, the heartbreaks, the rebuilds. As RCB’s most loyal warrior and consistent performer, no one deserves this moment more than you,” wrote one fan on X.
“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given this team my youth, prime and experience. I’ve tried to win it every season, gave it everything I have. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. Never thought this day would come, I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled. Gave each and every ounce of my energy and it’s an amazing feeling,” Kohli said.
Across the country, in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata, RCB supporters took to the streets and chanted “ee sala cup namdu” and “Kohli, Kohli”.
Ahead of the match, fans organised hawans and digital scans, offered prayers at temples across the country, and even covered their cars in nimbu-mirchi to ward off nazar from their team’s victory.
