Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured their second IPL championship in two seasons on Sunday, defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets to seal the title. The triumph also marked RCB’s first league win of 2025 and their first title after an 18-year wait. Yet the celebrations were swiftly shadowed by tragedy: during the team’s victory parade, a stampede led to the deaths of 11 supporters. In the aftermath, uncertainty had grown around whether the franchise would even stage another parade or return to Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium this year. This time, the message from the camp suggests that a celebration in the city could indeed be on the cards.
RCB posted on X following the win, writing: “What a night. What a feeling. To every member of the RCB nation, congratulations. This is YOUR win. As the celebrations begin, let’s be responsible. The best way to celebrate is with your loved ones. Relive the memories, and enjoy this special moment from the comfort of home. We’ll see you in the stadium next year, 12th Man Army. Until then, spread the joy and keep supporting us. #PlayBold #????RCB #IPL2026.”
The wording of the post was widely read as an indication that RCB may not return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for further celebrations this season after lifting the trophy.
In the immediate aftermath of the title win, all-rounder Krunal Pandya described the successful defence as a reward for long-term perseverance and planning, while also marking a personal milestone—his fifth IPL trophy. Krunal, who played an important role in RCB’s rise over the previous two seasons, said every championship carries its own weight and that comparisons between titles are difficult because each one is earned in its own way.
“Every IPL trophy is special. There’s no doubt about it. It’s like having kids, right? You can’t pick. Similar with IPL trophies because everything is so hard-earned,” Krunal said after the match concluded.
The veteran all-rounder also spoke about the significance of claiming his fifth trophy across 11 seasons. “I’m so glad and grateful that in 11 years, to have five trophies, it’s pretty special for me,” he added.
While the spotlight naturally fell on the players during RCB’s championship run, Krunal was quick to acknowledge the behind-the-scenes effort. He credited the franchise’s management and coaching staff for building a squad capable of winning back-to-back titles.
“I mean, obviously, a lot of credit goes to the support staff, right? Mo Bobat, Andy Flower, Dinesh Karthik, Malolan, Omi (Omkar Salvi). I mean, the way they prepared before the auction last year as well and the way they set the team, right? The balance of it,” Krunal said.
