Eighteen seasons after he handpicked a young Virat Kohli during the inaugural IPL auction, former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) owner Vijay Mallya has hailed the franchise’s maiden title win as a “dream come true”, crediting the loyalty of players and the passion of fans.
RCB lifted their long-awaited Indian Premier League trophy in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a tense final, finally ending a title drought that stretched back to the inception of the tournament in 2008.
Taking to social media platform X, Mallya, who bought the franchise for USD 111.6 million, wrote: “When I founded RCB it was my dream that the IPL trophy should come to Bengaluru. I had the privilege of picking the legendary King Kohli as a youngster and it is remarkable that he has stayed with RCB for 18 years.”
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The flamboyant businessman, now based in the United Kingdom and facing charges of wilful loan default in India, no longer owns the team. United Spirits took full ownership of RCB in 2016 after Mallya’s financial troubles led to his exit.
Nonetheless, Mallya remains indelibly associated with the early years of the team, and is often credited with assembling its first roster of cricketing icons, including AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Jacques Kallis, and Anil Kumble.
“I also had the honour of picking Chris Gayle the Universe Boss and Mr 360 AB DeVillers who remain an indelible part of RCB history. Finally, the IPL trophy arrives in Bengaluru,” Mallya posted.
He went on to congratulate the franchise, the players, and its devoted fanbase for their patience and enduring faith. “Congratulations and thanks again to all who made my dream come true. RCB fans are the very best and they deserve the IPL trophy. Ee Sala Cup Bengaluru baruthe! (This year, the cup is ours),” he wrote.
Despite no longer having a stake in the team, Mallya extended praise to the current squad and coaching staff: “RCB are IPL Champions finally after 18 years. Superb campaign right through the 2025 tournament. A well-balanced team Playing Bold with outstanding coaching and support staff. Many congratulations! Ee sala cup namde!!”
Kohli, now an IPL veteran, remains the only player to have played for a single franchise across all 18 seasons, and Tuesday’s win marked the pinnacle of a long and often agonising campaign for both him and the RCB faithful.
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