Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have done the impossible. After 18 long years of heartbreak, the franchise won their first IPL title in 2025 and followed it up with a stunning back-to-back championship in 2026, defeating Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets in the final.
Virat Kohli smashed an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls in the final, hitting the winning six off the last ball of the 18th over to seal RCB’s second consecutive title at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
18 Years of “Ee Sala Cup Namde”
From 2008 to 2024, RCB was the IPL’s most heartbreaking franchise. They reached four finals but won zero trophies. In 2009, they lost to Deccan Chargers. In 2011, Chennai Super Kings beat them. In 2016, Virat Kohli scored a record 973 runs but RCB still fell short to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Fans chanted “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (Kannada for “This year, the cup is ours”) every season, only to be let down again and again.
2025: The Breakthrough
After 18 seasons, the curse finally broke. In 2025, RCB defeated Punjab Kings by 6 runs in a thrilling final to win their maiden IPL title.
Rajat Patidar led from the front as captain. Josh Hazlewood took 22 wickets and bowled the final ball that sealed the title. Virat Kohli scored 657 runs throughout the season. Bengaluru erupted in red-and-gold celebrations across the city as fans flooded the streets, lit fireworks, and chanted their war cry.
The chant changed forever. “Ee Sala Cup Namde” became “Ee Sala Cup Namdu” — “This year, the cup is ours.”
2026: Back-to-Back History
RCB became only the third franchise in IPL history to retain the trophy, joining Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in this elite club.
Playoff Journey to Glory
In Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans, RCB posted a mind-blowing 254/5 — the highest playoff score in IPL history. Rajat Patidar smashed 93 not out off just 33 balls with 9 sixes and 5 fours to power RCB to a 92-run victory.
In the final against Gujarat Titans, GT scored 155/8 in 20 overs. RCB chased it down at 161/5 in 18 overs, winning by 5 wickets with 12 balls remaining. Virat Kohli was named Man of the Match for his unbeaten 75 off 42 balls. Jitesh Sharma’s crucial 11 not out off 14 balls formed a match-winning 29-run partnership with Kohli in the final.
Why This Season Was Different
RCB’s 2026 campaign showed remarkable team depth. They had 8 different Player of the Match winners throughout the season, showing no over-reliance on one star. They finished top of the league table, securing top-two despite a heavy 55-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad when RCB scored 200/4 chasing SRH’s 255/4.
RCB became the first team to simultaneously hold consecutive IPL crowns and a WPL title. They won ₹20 crore in prize money, nearly double the runners-up Gujarat Titans’ ₹12 crore.
RCB’s IPL Legacy (2008–2026)
RCB finished as runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016. They reached the playoffs in 2024 but fell short. Then came 2025 — their maiden championship. And 2026 — back-to-back glory.
What This Means for RCB
The curse is broken. Eighteen years of “Ee Sala Cup Namde” are finally fulfilled. RCB joined an elite legacy as only the third team to retain the IPL trophy. Virat Kohli’s 18-year loyalty to one franchise was rewarded with two titles. The team depth was proven with 8 different match-winners in 2026.
Final Word
From the deepest heartbreak to the highest glory, RCB’s journey from 2008 to 2026 is the greatest turnaround in IPL history. The fans’ war cry is no longer a hope — it’s a reality. Ee Sala Cup Namdu. The cup is theirs. Twice.
RCB are now two-time IPL champions, and Bengaluru will never forget this red-and-gold summer.
