‘Ee sala cup namde!!’: Vijay Mallya hails RCB’s maiden IPL title after 18-year wait ends

Vijay Mallya, the former owner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), took to social media to celebrate the team’s long-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) title win — their first since the tournament began in 2008.

Reacting on X (formerly Twitter), Mallya wrote: "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 !!"

The victory marks a historic moment for RCB, a franchise known for its loyal fanbase, star-studded line-ups, and years of heartbreak. Despite reaching the finals three times in the past (2009, 2011, and 2016), the title had remained elusive — until now.

Mallya, who owned the team from its inception until stepping away amid financial controversies, has continued to be associated with the team in the public imagination. His celebratory post struck a nostalgic chord with longtime RCB fans, especially with his use of the popular Kannada catchphrase “Ee sala cup namde” (“This year, the cup is ours”), a slogan that had become a meme over the years due to repeated near-misses.

The 2025 RCB squad, under new leadership and a revamped strategy, delivered a consistent and commanding performance throughout the season to clinch the championship.

RCB’s triumph not only ends an 18-year drought but also cements their place in IPL history as champions at last.