Shashi Tharoor leads the cheers from Washington as RCB’s historic IPL 2025 victory ignites celebrations around the world.
When Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) won their first Indian Premier League (IPL) championship in 2025, supporters all across the world cheered. RCB had failed miserably every year since the league’s founding in 2008, but this year they put an end to their 18-year wait in spectacular way. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was one of the well-wishers from around the world, and he shared his pleasure on social media from Washington, D.C.
“The first thing I did upon landing in Washington was to check the #IPLFinal score,” wrote Tharoor, who is renowned for his eloquence and passion for cricket. I’m really thrilled for @imVkohli that, after 18 years of service, he finally held the trophy! Bravo, #RCB! Fans who saw the victory as a long-overdue atonement as well as a sporting accomplishment responded favourably to his post.
The final match between RCB and the Punjab Kings was played at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium. Bengaluru scored 190/9 when they batted first. Thanks to a disciplined and team-based bowling effort, Punjab Kings only lost by six runs in response. Years of heartache and lost chances came to an end when RCB maintained their composure and won the match with wickets falling at regular intervals.
For RCB legend Virat Kohli, who has been with the team since the beginning of the IPL, the event was even more memorable. Even though he had previously resigned as captain, his unwavering devotion and talent earned him the championship trophy, which was a fitting homage to one of the most recognisable players in the competition.
Leaders from Karnataka also participated in the cheers. The team’s accomplishment was praised by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who described it as a “historic IPL triumph” and said, “The dream has finally come true — Ee Sala Cup Namde!” Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar mirrored his feelings in a post that read, “It’s been worth the 18 years of waiting.” I am grateful to @RCBTweets #RCBForever.
Tejasvi Surya, a BJP MP, and former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai also sent their greetings. Surya, who accompanied Tharoor to Washington, said, “RCB gave a city its dream tonight — they didn’t just win a trophy.” The party is only getting started, from Chinnaswamy to every street in the city. And appropriately, No. 18—@-imVkohli—finally brings home the trophy in Season 18.
In his homage to Kohli, Anand Mahindra praised his steadfastness and devotion during almost 20 years of IPL competitions.
Despite having star-studded lineups in the past, including players like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, RCB has never been able to win the championship. This time, the squad used a combination of tactical accuracy, faith, and teamwork to win the title under coach Andy Flower’s direction and captaincy of Rajat Patidar.
Known for his literary commentary on cricket, Tharoor called RCB’s victory a “redemption story.” This season, he said, “it wasn’t just about talent — it was about belief and execution under pressure.” He attributed the team’s transformation to mental toughness and excellent leadership.
As fans celebrated not only RCB’s victory but also the team’s and its most devoted supporters’ emotional journey, social media platforms were ablaze with congratulations. The triumph was hailed as a world event from Bengaluru to Washington and beyond.
In addition to the trophy, RCB’s 2025 victory is today seen as a watershed in IPL history since it put an end to the team’s series of close calls. It was more than simply a cricket win for their loyal supporters; it was a much-needed emotional catharsis.
In addition to becoming champions, RCB is a representation of tenacity and faith as the season draws to a close. RCB’s 2025 IPL victory will go down as one of the most memorable and emotionally fulfilling events in the league’s illustrious history, with praise resounding from the cricket community, politicians, and millions of fans.
