5 days ago
Blow To RCB Fans, Open Bus Parade Likely To Be Cancelled. Here's Why
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their 18-year wait for an Indian Premier League title as they beat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs in the IPL 2025 final on Tuesday. One of the most popular teams in the league, led by the huge fan-following of Virat Kohli, RCB are widely known to have a large, passionate fanbase. The team were expected to conduct an open bus parade through the streets of Bengaluru on Wednesday. However, NDTV has learnt from its sources that the bus parade is unlikely at the moment.
The major reason behind the bus parade being denied the required permission is due to heavy traffic in Bengaluru. As a result, the intention is to avoid large gatherings. The city is considered to be the fourth-most populated city in India.
"No Victory Parade"
#RCB
— NDTV India (@ndtvindia) June 4, 2025
Instead, sources have confirmed to NDTV that there will be a felicitation ceremony for the RCB team inside their iconic home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, today. The felicitation function is likely to be held from 5 PM to 6 PM on Wednesday, with entry restricted only to ticket or pass holders.
Amidst this, the public has been advised to use Metro-rail and other forms of public transport to reach the venue, due to limited parking being available. They have also been advised to avoid using the Central Business District area in Bengaluru between 3 PM and 8 PM on Wednesday.
A crowd is expected to be present at the Chinnaswamy, and the players will also perform a victory lap, possibly similar to the one Team India did at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai after winning the T20 World Cup 2024.
RCB were led to their first-ever title - in their fourth IPL final - by Rajat Patidar. With crucial contributions from several batters and led by an excellent spell from Krunal Pandya, RCB managed to defend its first innings total of 190 against PBKS.
After Virat Kohli's measured 35-ball 43 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were restricted to 190/9 by a disciplined Punjab Kings (PBKS) attack in the IPL 2025 final, another heartbreak appeared imminent for the veteran batter and his team.
Having suffered defeat in three previous finals across his 18-season IPL career, Kohli may have feared that the elusive title would once again slip away. But this time, fate had a different plan.
RCB's bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya's sensational 2/17 from four overs, produced a spirited comeback to restrict Punjab Kings to 184/7 and seal a dramatic six-run victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium, finally ending their long-standing title drought.
While Shashank Singh nearly pulled off a miracle with a fighting 30-ball 61* — including three sixes and a four off the final over — RCB held their nerve to lift their maiden IPL trophy, adding it to their Women's Premier League (WPL) crown from 2024.
Long branded as underachievers, RCB finally buried that tag with a complete campaign in 2025, finishing second in the league stage and earning a direct ticket to the final after defeating PBKS in Qualifier 1.
