RCB's Instagram account crashes as Virat and company lift IPL trophy after 18 years: 'Ee sala cup namdu'

The phrase "Ee Sala Cup Namdu," meaning "This year, the cup is ours" in Kannada, resonated across social media platforms.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. The victory ended an 18-year title drought for the franchise, igniting jubilant celebrations among fans worldwide.

The overwhelming fan response led to an unexpected consequence: RCB's official Instagram account temporarily crashed due to an unprecedented surge in activity. The account, boasting over 20 million followers, was inundated with congratulatory messages, celebratory posts, and clips of the team's triumph, overwhelming the platform's servers.

Acknowledging the situation, RCB's social media team posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "WE’VE LITERALLY CRASHED INSTAGRAM," accompanied by a screenshot of the glitched Instagram page. The post quickly went viral, adding to the celebratory atmosphere among fans.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 3, 2025

The phrase "Ee Sala Cup Namdu," meaning "This year, the cup is ours" in Kannada, resonated across social media platforms as fans celebrated the long-awaited victory. The slogan, a rallying cry for RCB supporters over the years, finally materialized into reality, further amplifying the euphoria.

At the centre of the storm of joy stood Virat Kohli, the face of RCB for more than a decade. Though he no longer captains the side, his batting form — over 600 runs this season — and undying commitment to the franchise made the win all the more special for the fanbase. Social media was flooded with emotional tributes for the former skipper, many calling it "Kohli’s redemption arc."