After 18 long years, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted the IPL trophy. One person who had always dreamed of this moment is Vijay Mallya, the founder of RCB. From his home in the UK, Mallya shared his thoughts on RCB’s big win, the tragic celebrations, and the journey of the team.
Sad News After a Joyful Win
RCB’s win brought joy to fans, but some celebrations turned tragic with fans losing their lives. Mallya expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “People came to celebrate, but sadly some didn’t return home. My thoughts are with their families.”
“I Watched Every Match”
Mallya confirmed he followed the entire season closely. “I knew this team had good balance. The away wins were outstanding and showed strong teamwork,” he said. He praised the team for stepping up in every match, with nine different players winning Player of the Match awards.
The Team That Worked
He highlighted the smart decisions made by RCB in the auction. “They didn’t chase big names blindly. Instead, they picked players like Phil Salt, Krunal Pandya, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar who fit the team’s needs well,” Mallya added.
He praised both young and experienced players like Jitesh Sharma and Rajat Patidar. “Rajat showed great leadership despite big names like Kohli in the team. His calm and smart captaincy was impressive.”
Building the Team, Step-by-Step
Mallya said when RCB started, they were seen as more of a Test team. “Back in 2008, white-ball cricket was new. Now, the format has changed, and teams are more focused on high scores and fast-paced cricket. That’s what makes this win even more special.”
Virat Kohli – A Star From the Start
Talking about Kohli, Mallya proudly said, “I picked Virat in the first auction based on his Under-19 performance. Appointing him as captain was a bold move, and look how far he’s come.”
Strong Support System
Mallya also appreciated the current RCB management. “Andy Flower and Mo Bobat have done an excellent job. Their smart planning paid off this year.”
RCB Fans – Always Passionate
Mallya thanked RCB fans for their long-time support. “RCB is more than a team; it’s an emotion. We have always focused on keeping fans engaged, even in the off-season. That’s why RCB has one of the biggest followings on social media.”
Will He Return to India?
When asked about returning to India or owning the team again, Mallya didn’t give a clear answer. “Right now, I’m just happy to see my dream come true. RCB has the trophy, and that’s all that matters.”
