RCB’s Trophy Hopes Soar as Kohli Urges De Villiers to Drop Iconic Slogan
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have secured their spot in the IPL 2025 final, and former player AB de Villiers revealed that Virat Kohli has asked him to refrain from using the team’s popular Kannada chant, “Ee Sala Cup Namde,” which translates to “This year the cup is ours.” De Villiers shared this during an interview with ESPNCricinfo, following RCB’s commanding victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) that propelled them into the title clash set for June 3 in Ahmedabad. Despite Kohli’s request, De Villiers expressed confidence in RCB’s prospects, stating, “The time has come. RCB is going all the way.” He urged fans to “stay tuned, buckle up and enjoy the ride” as the team aims to end their long-standing IPL title drought.
RCB’s journey to the final was marked by a dominant performance against PBKS, where their bowlers dismantled the opposition for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Fast bowlers Yash Dayal (2/26), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/17), and Josh Hazlewood (3/21) struck early, removing four PBKS batsmen in the powerplay, while leg-spinner Suyash Sharma (3/17) cleaned up the middle order. RCB chased the modest target in just 10 overs, led by an explosive unbeaten 56 off 27 balls from opener Phil Salt. This victory marks RCB’s fourth IPL final appearance, having previously reached the championship match in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but they are yet to claim the title since the league’s inception in 2008.
De Villiers highlighted the team’s collective strength, noting that RCB’s success this season stems from contributions across the squad rather than reliance on individual stars like Kohli or, in earlier years, Chris Gayle. “It’s not just the usual Virat Kohli or, back in the day, a Chris Gayle. Now, we see the whole squad responding under pressure. PBKS, who reached the playoffs for the first time since 2014, will have another opportunity to advance to the final in Qualifier 2, also scheduled in Ahmedabad on June 1.
