Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year wait for an Indian Premier League (IPL) title by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final. The historic victory marked a monumental moment for one of the league’s most popular franchises, and triggered a wave of celebrations across social media. Among the many emotional responses was one from the team’s original founder, Vijay Mallya, who shared heartfelt messages reflecting on the long journey and ultimate triumph.

Mallya, who owned RCB during the inaugural IPL season in 2008, was responsible for signing a young Virat Kohli to the franchise. In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), he recalled the early days of the franchise and the vision he had for the team. "When I founded RCB it was my dream that the IPL trophy should come to Bengaluru," he wrote. Mallya described signing Kohli as a privilege and also credited himself for bringing iconic players like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers into the RCB fold. Both Gayle and De Villiers were present at the final to celebrate the long-awaited win with Kohli, who has remained loyal to RCB for all 18 seasons.

Vijay Mallya’s messages resonated with fans, many of whom have stood by the team through numerous ups and downs. "RCB are IPL Champions finally after 18 years," Mallya posted. "Superb campaign right through the 2025 tournament. A well-balanced team playing bold with outstanding coaching and support staff." He ended his message with the iconic chant, "Ee Sala Cup Namde," a phrase RCB fans have used for years in hope of a championship.

The win not only cemented Kohli’s legacy as one of the league’s greats but also fulfilled a dream that began nearly two decades ago. The team’s consistent performance throughout the tournament earned them the title and gave their loyal fanbase a long-awaited reason to rejoice. With this win, only Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings remain the original franchises from 2008 yet to win the IPL. RCB's title win is seen as a turning point in IPL history, not just for the franchise but also for fans across the globe who have rooted for their success year after year.