IPL 2025 is the most memorable and special season so far. This season marks the maiden win of the toughest team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. A moment like never before, never imagined, and never experienced. The team played against the Punjab Kings on June 3 in Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally won their first IPL title under captaincy of Rajat Patidar. For the team and its loyal fans, this victory meant much more than just a championship. It was the fulfilment of a long-standing dream captured in one iconic phrase: “Ee Sala Cup Namdu.”
So, what does “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” mean? And why is it so meaningful to RCB fans? Let’s break it down.
What does ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ mean?
‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ is a Kannada phrase that means in English as ‘This time, the Cup is Ours’. This phrase is spoken in the state of Karnataka, where Bengaluru is situated. The phrase has a very deep connection with the Royal Challengers team, as it came from their state, and their fans used this as a way to express hope and belief that RCB will win the IPL season that year for sure. It became famous among RCB fans in the year 2014 and became an emotion for everyone.
The fans used to chant ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ every season of IPL so that it keeps the team motivated to hold that trophy once a season. Until 2025, RCB hasn’t won any season, but this phase was a ray of hope for the team. I became a symbol of their fans’ loyalty and emotional connection to the team.
A Win That Meant Everything
RCB was made in the year 2008, and over the past 17 years, they haven’t won any IPL title. This team consisted of so many star players like Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and more. To note that RCB has reached the final four 4 times, that is in 2009, 2011, 2016, and 2025. Winning the IPL trophy had become a challenge for the team, and losing 3 times in the 3 finals was very painful. Fans faced jokes, memes, and taunts from rival teams.
The chant ‘Ee Sala Cup Namdu’ was consistent every year. And then, in 2025, a miracle happened and the dream finally came true. RCB defeated the Punjab Kings in a thrilling final to win their first trophy. This win was an emotional moment for every team player, former players, and especially RCB fans.
Reactions that Unmatched: Memorable Moments of the IPL 2025 Finals
Since this win is so special, there were different reactions from all the RCBians, from Virat Kohli crying on the ground, to Chris Gayle’s proud smile. The reactions were a blend of emotions and happiness. Here is the brief information about how Virat Kohli and others reacted after the RCB win:
Virat Kohli’s Emotional Reactions
Virat Kohli, known for giving so many adorable and aggressive moments at the same time on the ground, went all emotional after that last bowl, which declared their victory. He immediately kneeled on the ground, touched it and cried his heart out, as he had waited for almost 17 years to live that winning moment in the IPL. Virat Kohli ran and hugged his beloved wife Anushka Sharma (a Bollywood Actress), and they looked super adorable. There are so many edits of reels and pictures that show their reaction all over the internet.
Virat Kohli captioned his Instagram post, “This team made the dream possible, a season I’ll never ever forget. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed the ride over the last 2.5 months. This one is for all the years of heartbreaks and disappointment. This is for every inch of effort left on the field playing for this team. As far as the IPL trophy is concerned- you’ve made me wait 18 years to be able to lift you and celebrate my friend, but it’s been absolutely worth the wait.”
Reactions From Former Players: AB De Villiers and Chris Gayle
AB De Villiers and Chris Gayle are former players of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Both of the players were overjoyed by the victory of their historic victory. Chris Gayle, who was a prominent player of RCB, shared a video of himself dancing with a glass of champagne, saying, “Finally, RCB boys! We did it!” On the other hand, AB de Villiers felt that he was part of the RCB squad once again and that it was a dream-come-true situation. They congratulated Virat Kohli and expressed their happiness and pride. Their reactions were loved by every RCB fan, and it clearly shows that this win was actually necessary for everyone to feel this joy and pride.
Celebrations Like Never Before
18th IPL season, 18th season of Virat Kohli, him playing with the 18 number jersey, this season was very special. The celebration was very lively. Streets were filled with cheering fans waving RCB’s flag, and singing “Ee Sala Cup Namde”. The team was welcomed with firecrackers, music, and chants.
A tragedy hindered the Celebration
The original idea for the team’s victory parade was to march through Bengaluru in a large open-top bus procession. But there was a terrible stampede close to the stadium as a result of the large crowd. The squad was brought to Vidhana Soudha for a felicitation ceremony after authorities had to call off the parade because of safety concerns. Deeply saddened by the incident, Kohli said he was “absolutely gutted” by the deaths that occurred on what should have been a festive occasion. The victory parade was not canceled but proceeded as planned. However, a tragic stampede occurred during the celebrations outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, resulting in 11 deaths and over 50 injuries due to overcrowding.
A New Chapter for RCB
RCB’s first IPL win in 2025 marks a new chapter in their journey. After many years of waiting, hard work, and hope, they finally lifted the trophy. This victory brings new confidence, pride, and a fresh beginning for the team and its fans, showing that dreams do come true.
