Nikhil Kamath declares Virat Kohli the ‘Bangalore Boy’ after RCB clinch Maiden IPL title after 18 years

For RCB fans across the country and especially in Bengaluru, celebrations erupted late into the night.

Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath paid tribute to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stalwart Virat Kohli after the team clinched its maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title, ending an 18-year-long wait. In a celebratory Instagram story, Kamath praised Kohli’s unwavering dedication and called him the “Bangalore Boy” following RCB’s emotional victory.

“Virat Kohli you are the #BangaloreBoy today. Congrats RCB,” Kamath wrote, accompanying the message with a red heart emoji.

His post came just hours after RCB defeated Punjab Kings in a nail-biting final.The match saw Virat Kohli, long seen as the face of the franchise, visibly emotional as the win drew closer. With only a few deliveries remaining, cameras captured Kohli blinking back tears—his dream of lifting the IPL trophy after nearly two decades finally within reach.

As the last ball was bowled and victory confirmed, the former RCB captain dropped to his knees in tears, overcome by emotion as teammates rushed to embrace him. Speaking moments after the win, Kohli said, “This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience. I've tried to win it every season, gave it everything I have. To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. Never thought this day would come, I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled. Gave each and every ounce of my energy and it's an amazing feeling.”

For RCB fans across the country and especially in Bengaluru, celebrations erupted late into the night. The long-standing chant “Ee sala cup naamde”—which had become both a slogan and a symbol of hope—finally turned into reality. Supporters flooded the streets in jubilation, with videos of fireworks lighting up the Bengaluru sky circulating widely on social media. Many compared the scenes to Diwali, as the city came alive with song, cheers and celebratory chaos.

In the lead-up to the final, fans had gone to great lengths to express their devotion and hope. From organising hawans (fire rituals) and offering digital snans (ritual baths) to images of the RCB team, to visiting temples with photographs of Kohli seeking divine blessings, the passion was palpable.

For many, this victory wasn’t just about cricket—it was the fulfilment of a dream nurtured over nearly two decades. And for Kohli, long mocked for the elusive title, it was the culmination of years of loyalty, heartbreak, and relentless effort.