Bengaluru came alive on Wednesday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) returned home with their first IPL trophy. Thousands of fans filled the streets, stood on rooftops, and gathered around Vidhana Soudha and Chinnaswamy Stadium just to see their favourite players — especially Virat Kohli, who has been part of the team for 18 years. The RCB squad, led by Rajat Patidar, landed in the city around noon. They were welcomed at the airport by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. The team then went to meet Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha, where a short ceremony was held to honour their achievement.
“Virat Kohli has given his youth and heart to RCB. Today, he has made Karnataka proud,” Shivakumar said. After meeting the CM, the players got on an open-top bus for a victory parade to Chinnaswamy Stadium. Fans lined up along the route, many waving flags, holding posters, and cheering loudly. Some climbed trees, buses and walls for a better view. It was a special moment for everyone who had supported the team for years.Quiz: Who’s that IPL player? RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the final, finally ending their 18-year wait for the title. The celebrations started early in the day and continued into the evening at the stadium, where fans were allowed in to be part of the moment. For RCB and their fans, it was more than just a win as it was the end of a long wait.