Cup Namde!: RCB fans ecstatic as Bengaluru team wins maiden IPL trophy
Seventeen years, one prayer — and it was finally answered on Tuesday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won its maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title to send the club faithful into rapturous delight.
On a frenzied evening in the Garden City where fans packed every available space — from pubs to restobars to open grounds to shopping malls to even narrow alleys in apartment complexes — Rajat Patidar's band of merry men ensured that one of cricket's most loyal fanbases would finally experience the taste of salvation.
As the nail-biting match drew to a close and RCB victory was imminent, Bengaluru sky lit up with crackers and the air filled with screams of joy. 'It's finally ours!' an ecstatic Kishore, a fan at a public screening, screamed. 'This victory feels very special, especially after losing thrice in the final before. We are also very happy for Virat Kohli. He has given his all for this club from the beginning.'
'A successfully achieved feat through hard work and determination!' said another supporter, Veena V. Ram, as firecrackers lit up the night sky.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, an ardent cricket fan, took to social media platform X, congratulating the team for 'a historic IPL triumph'. 'From electrifying performances to unshakable spirit, this triumph has ignited the pride of Karnataka and thrilled fans across the world.'
A day of anxiety and hope
Excitement of fans began early in the day as the city wore a festive look. At street corners, pubs, apartments and playgrounds, screens were installed and hundreds gathered to watch the nail-biting final with anxiety and hope. Nearly 10,000 people saw the match live on massive screens at BGS Grounds at Vijayanagar.
Many had been out on the road since afternoon, buying merchandise, arranging screenings, and some even taking out bike rallies with RCB flags. With most restobars in the city arranging screenings, crowds had started to gather on Church Street, Brigade Road and M.G. Road by 3 p.m.
Hundreds gathered near the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is also the home ground of RCB to buy jerseys, caps, flags, and other merchandise of the team. 'Whether RCB wins or not, today is a celebration,' said Vikram Jain, earlier in the day. Aslam Sheikh, a jersey vendor operating near Cubbon Park said, all smiles, 'Everyone is wearing red, cheering, and celebrating. It's good for business and for the spirit of the city!'
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