Excited RCB supporters in Dubai erupt in joy following their long-awaited IPL triumph
In the last seven years, the rallying cry for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans across the globe has been 'Ee Sala Cup Namde,' which means 'This year, the cup is ours' in Kannada. Coined in 2018, this phrase embodied their unwavering faith, even in the face of heartbreaking losses. But on a memorable Tuesday night in 2025, that hopeful chant transformed into "Ee Sala Cup Namdu," or "This year, the cup is truly ours," as RCB clinched their long-awaited, maiden IPL trophy.
This victory was more than just a win for RCB; it was a historical moment for their worldwide supporters. Euphoria swept across their gathering places in Dubai, from Karama, Al Qusais, and Tecom, as the team finally lifted the IPL trophy after an 18-year wait.
For many Karnataka natives, such as businessman Shahbaz Ali and teacher Sunitha Prakash, the triumph was deeply personal. "I was in college when the IPL started," Shahbaz stated. "Now I am 34, with two daughters who are also RCB fans." As soon as it became clear they were about to win on the second ball of the final over, tears flowed. For Shahbaz, the historic victory was a family affair, marking an occasion to spread joy with ice cream.
Rajeev Rao, another ardent fan from Mangalore, echoed Shahbaz's sentiments. "We have been mocked for years, and many said that we would never win," he said. "But we always had faith." That faith paid off on the night they claimed victory over Punjab Kings in the finals.
The journey of RCB in the IPL has been a rollercoaster for their fans. They've reached the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but each time, the trophy eluded them. Prakash admits, "Despite our team having some of the best players, including legends like AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli, the trophy slipped away from us a couple of tournaments. We have reached the playoffs (top 4) in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021, and 2025, but could never cross the final hurdle."
The excitement among Indian fans was not limited to Karnataka. Nirmal Shah, a Gujarati resident of Al Nahda, originally cheered for RCB solely because of Kohli. "I have always admired Kohli," Shah stated. "His aggression, his passion, and his loyalty to the team. Although I am from Gujarat, I have never been able to cheer for any other team." For Nirmal, the moment Kohli lifted the trophy brought goosebumps.
Anurag Kumar, a Rajasthani engineer working in Dubai, shared similar sentiments. "I have always been on team Kohli," he said. "His dedication, his leadership, and how he carried the team year after year, that's what won my loyalty."
Throughout Dubai, cafes, homes, and lounges became impromptu celebration zones as countless fans watched the historic final showdown. As the long Eid weekend approaches, many fans are planning to make the most of their triple victory, honoring both their team's triumph and the upcoming religious holiday.
For RCB fans in Dubai, this victory is more than just a cricket triumph. It's a dream realized, a promise kept, and a long-awaited reward for their unwavering loyalty.
FOR MORE INFO:
- 'We waited 18 years!' Kohli emotional as RCB end IPL drought
- Emotional Kohli hugs tearful Anushka after RCB's first IPL win in 18 years
- Kohli dedicates IPL title to former RCB teammates De Villiers, Gayle
- After a long wait of 18 years, the victory of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL was more than just a win for their worldwide supporters, especially for Karnataka natives like businessman Shahbaz Ali and teacher Sunitha Prakash, who see it as a personal triumph.
- Rajeev Rao, another ardent fan from Mangalore, shares Shahbaz's sentiments, echoing that their faith in the team despite years of mockery and disappointment finally paid off with the trophy win over Punjab Kings.
- However, the journey for RCB fans has been a rollercoaster, with heartbreaking losses in multiple finals, but their unwavering loyalty remains undeterred, making the historical victory in 2025 a dream realized and long-awaited reward.
