The atmosphere at Bengaluru’s HAL Airport was electric as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) returned home after clinching their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 18 years. In a grand gesture, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar personally received the team, including star cricketer Virat Kohli, amid thunderous cheers from gathered fans.
The Deputy CM was seen warmly greeting the players and presenting Virat Kohli with two symbolic flags — the RCB team flag and the Kannada flag — honoring the city’s pride and regional identity. Photographs and videos of the emotional moment have since gone viral on social media, adding to the euphoria surrounding RCB’s historic victory.
Shivakumar later waved the RCB flag from his car, leading the convoy from the airport to the city, accompanied by slogans of “Ee Sala Cup Namde!” Fans lined the roads and gathered in huge numbers at vantage points, hoping to catch a glimpse of their cricketing heroes.
RCB defeated Punjab Kings in a nail-biting final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, securing a thrilling 6-run win to claim their long-awaited title. The city erupted in celebration the moment the final wicket fell, with fireworks, car rallies, and chants echoing across Bengaluru through the night.
Following the airport reception, the RCB squad proceeded to Vidhana Soudha for a formal meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, before heading to a felicitation event at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, scheduled for 5:00 PM.
The planned open-bus parade was cancelled due to traffic and security concerns, but the heartfelt welcome at the airport and the upcoming ceremony are expected to give fans ample reason to rejoice.
