It was a night of roaring triumph in Ahmedabad, but one of the most emotional reactions came not from the Chinnaswamy Stadium, but from thousands of miles away. As Virat Kohli stood unbeaten on 75, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second consecutive IPL title, a familiar voice from the franchise's past broke its silence — and it struck a chord with every loyal RCB fan.
Former RCB owner Vijay Mallya, who has been living in the UK since 2016, took to social media to share a heartfelt message that instantly went viral. For a fanbase that had waited 17 years for a first title, and now tasted back-to-back glory, Mallya's words felt like a nostalgic bridge between the franchise's painful past and its glorious present.
Vijay Mallya's Emotional Message After RCB's Historic Title Defense
"RCB RCB….Congratulations Double back to back IPL Champions. Namma dodda Simhagulu (Our big lions) roared loudly and made us all very proud. Very well done you beauties," Mallya wrote in a post that quickly spread across social media platforms.
The message was more than just a congratulatory note. For long-time RCB supporters, it was a reminder of the journey — from the early years of heartbreak to the current era of dominance. Mallya, who founded the franchise in 2008 and owned it until 2016, has always maintained a special connection with the team and its fans, despite his legal troubles in India.
Why This Matters Right Now
This moment matters because it represents the emotional closure of a long, painful chapter for RCB. For 17 seasons, the franchise was known as the "perennial underachievers" — a star-studded team that somehow always fell short. Under Virat Kohli's leadership and now with the team's back-to-back titles, that narrative has been completely rewritten.
Mallya's reaction also highlights the deep emotional bond between the franchise's founding figures and its current success. For fans who grew up watching Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle in RCB colors under Mallya's ownership, this moment feels like a full-circle celebration.
How the Final Unfolded: Kohli's Masterclass Under Pressure
The IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad was a tense affair. Chasing a competitive total, RCB found themselves in trouble early, losing quick wickets. But as he has done countless times before, Virat Kohli stood firm.
His unbeaten 75 was a masterclass in pacing an innings — anchoring the chase when needed, accelerating at the right moments, and guiding his team home with five wickets in hand. It was a performance that reminded everyone why Kohli is considered one of the greatest chasers in the history of limited-overs cricket.
The victory marked RCB's second title in as many seasons, a feat that seemed unimaginable just a few years ago when the franchise was still searching for its first trophy.
Who Is Affected and What Officials Are Saying
The reaction from the cricketing world was immediate. Fans erupted in celebration across Bengaluru and beyond. Teammates lifted Kohli on their shoulders. Social media was flooded with tributes.
But Mallya's post stood out because of its personal tone. Calling the team "Namma dodda Simhagulu" — a Kannada phrase meaning "Our big lions" — showed his continued connection to the franchise's Karnataka roots and its passionate local fanbase.
According to reports, Mallya also recalled picking a young Virat Kohli in the players' auction 18 seasons ago, a decision that would shape the franchise's destiny for nearly two decades.
What We Know So Far — and What Remains Unclear
What we know:
- RCB defeated Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets in the IPL 2026 final
- Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 75 to guide the chase
- This is RCB's second consecutive IPL title
- Vijay Mallya posted an emotional congratulatory message on social media
- Mallya called the team "Namma dodda Simhagulu" (Our big lions)
What remains unclear:
- Whether Mallya has any plans to return to India for any future RCB events
- The full extent of his ongoing legal situation and its impact on his ability to engage with the franchise
- Whether the current RCB management has any official communication with Mallya
Risks, Concerns, and the Balanced View
While Mallya's message was warmly received by fans, it also brings up the complicated legacy of his ownership. Mallya left India in 2016 and has been fighting extradition cases related to financial irregularities. His involvement with RCB, even from a distance, remains a sensitive topic for some.
However, many fans choose to separate the man from the cricketing legacy. Under Mallya's ownership, RCB built one of the most iconic fanbases in the IPL, and his eye for talent — particularly in picking a young Virat Kohli — is widely acknowledged.
The balanced view is this: Mallya's emotional connection to the franchise is genuine, but his legal troubles mean his role remains that of a distant observer. For now, fans are happy to celebrate the moment without the baggage.
Why Similar Reactions Are Growing: The Nostalgia Factor in IPL Fandom
Mallya's post is part of a larger trend in IPL fandom — the growing power of nostalgia. As the league enters its third decade, former owners, players, and coaches are increasingly sharing their memories and reactions to current successes.
This emotional connection between past and present is what makes the IPL more than just a cricket tournament. It's a shared cultural experience that spans generations. For RCB fans, Mallya's message is a reminder of where the journey began — and how far it has come.
"RCB RCB….Congratulations Double back to back IPL Champions. Namma dodda Simhagulu roared loudly and made us all very proud. Very well done you beauties." — Vijay Mallya, former RCB owner
What Fans and Followers Should Know Now
For RCB fans, this moment is about celebrating the present while acknowledging the past. Mallya's message, while coming from a controversial figure, reflects the joy of a fanbase that has waited decades for this kind of success.
If you're an RCB supporter, this is a time to soak in the glory. The team has built a winning culture under Virat Kohli's leadership, and back-to-back titles suggest this could be the start of a dynasty.
What Could Happen Next
With two titles in two seasons, RCB's future looks bright. The core of the team, led by Kohli, remains strong. The franchise's management will likely look to retain key players and build on this momentum.
As for Mallya, his social media presence suggests he will continue to follow the team from afar. Whether he ever gets to celebrate an RCB title in person remains uncertain, but for now, his words have given fans one more reason to smile.
Our Take: Why This Story Matters Beyond One Incident
This isn't just about a former owner posting a congratulatory message. It's about the emotional journey of a franchise that went from heartbreak to glory, and the people who were part of that journey — even from a distance.
Vijay Mallya's reaction is a reminder that sports fandom transcends personal circumstances. For all the controversies surrounding him, his love for RCB and its players remains genuine. And for fans, that connection — however complicated — is part of what makes the IPL so special.
FAQs
What did Vijay Mallya say after RCB won back-to-back IPL titles?
Vijay Mallya posted on social media: "RCB RCB….Congratulations Double back to back IPL Champions. Namma dodda Simhagulu (Our big lions) roared loudly and made us all very proud. Very well done you beauties."
How did Virat Kohli perform in the IPL 2026 final?
Virat Kohli remained unbeaten on 75 runs, guiding RCB to a five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the final. His innings was a masterclass in chase management under pressure.
Is Vijay Mallya still connected to RCB?
Vijay Mallya is no longer the owner of RCB, having left India in 2016. However, he continues to follow the team closely and occasionally shares his reactions on social media, maintaining an emotional connection with the franchise he founded.
Why is Vijay Mallya's reaction significant for RCB fans?
Mallya founded RCB in 2008 and was instrumental in building the franchise's identity. His reaction, especially his use of the Kannada phrase "Namma dodda Simhagulu," resonates deeply with long-time fans who remember the early years and the journey to this historic success.
