What A Surprise: Hyderabad Celebrates RCB Win Big Time!

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have finally created history by winning the IPL for the first time in their 18 years of existence. As expected, the streets were loaded with hands, who have been patiently waiting for Bengaluru to lift the trophy.

Incidentally, a very interesting trend was observed in Hyderabad as the celebrations hit the roof.

Hyderabad joined the celebrations on Sunday night as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) lifted their maiden IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final. The city’s streets, and apartment complexes came alive with cheers, in support of RCB particularly fueled by the immense popularity of Virat Kohli.

From firecrackers lighting up the night sky to chants of “RCB! RCB!” echoed through residential areas. In many neighbourhoods across the city, including in my own community, residents—young and old—poured out in support of the team, waving RCB flags and sporting jerseys.

While RCB is a Bengaluru-based team, Hyderabadis found a strong emotional connect—largely rooted in the South Indian identity and Virat Kohli’s pan-Indian appeal.

Kohli is already one of the most popular players in Hyderabad, and he has a humongous fan following here, and this was unclear display while his fans took to the streets.

This is going to be one of the crucial developments in the legacy building exercise of RCB and Hyderabad got a first hand experience of the same last night.