IPL champions

NEW DELHI: Newly-crowned IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru were greeted with a thunderous and emotional reception as passionate fans flooded the streets and gathered in massive numbers at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to catch a glimpse of their heroes—most notably the ever-iconic Virat Kohli. It was yet another major milestone for Kohli, who has remained loyal to RCB since the inception of the league.Wednesday witnessed a mix of jubilation and tragedy. While fans celebrated with euphoric chants and cheers, the excitement unfortunately turned into chaos, with a stampede leaving several injured and claiming lives.TimesofIndia.com takes you through a timeline of how the day unfolded:– The RCB team, led by skipper Rajat Patidar, landed at Bengaluru airport. The players and support staff were welcomed with loud cheers and were formally received by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.– The squad then proceeded to meet Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at the Vidhana Soudha. Jubilant fans lined the route, waving flags and raising chants to celebrate the team’s long-awaited IPL triumph.– At Vidhana Soudha, the team was officially felicitated by the state government. The ceremony began with the national anthem and was attended by CM Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, and other key officials. ‘A particularly special feeling’: Andy Flower hails Virat Kohli, RCB after historic title win – Post-felicitation, the players made their way to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for a special fan-engagement event. Thousands had already gathered at the venue in anticipation, eager to celebrate alongside their beloved RCB.– The triumphant RCB squad arrived at Chinnaswamy Stadium to an electrifying atmosphere.– Tragedy struck as reports emerged of a stampede near the stadium gates. Several people were feared dead and many injured as the crowd surged to enter the premises.– Despite the grim development, RCB conducted a victory lap inside the stadium, proudly displaying the hard-earned IPL trophy that had eluded them for 18 seasons.– Addressing the crowd during the felicitation, Virat Kohli shared an emotional message:“I don’t have much time, we need to wrap this up and show you the trophy so please let me talk. I am going to start off by repeating what our captain said after we won the trophy. It’s no more ee sala cup namde, it’s ee sala cup namdu. We have done it, this is not just for the players or someone like me who has been here for 18 years but for all of you, the people of this wonderful city. People who have supported RCB through all these 18 years. The trust and love you have for the team is truly special, I have never seen any fan base anywhere in the world like you. So congratulations to all of you.”