[WATCH] Virat Kohli’s Gesture For Rajat Patidar At RCB Trophy Celebrations Goes Viral

In a bittersweet moment at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrated their first-ever IPL title on Wednesday under a cloud of grief. While jubilant fans packed the stadium to witness the historic occasion, the mood was tempered by the tragic incident outside the venue.

At least 11 lives were lost and several others injured in a stampede-like situation during a fan engagement event the previous day. Perhaps aware of the unfortunate tragedy, Virat Kohli appeared visibly subdued, lacking his usual exuberance, yet his presence alone drew thunderous cheers from the crowd.

During the celebrations, Kohli echoed his captain’s sentiments and said, “I’m going to start off by repeating what our captain (Rajat Patidar) said (during the trophy presentation ceremony on Tuesday night). It’s no more ee sala cup namde, it’s ee sala cup namdu.” The crowd responded with a deafening roar.

Kohli then paid tribute to the long-suffering RCB fans, saying, “I’ve never seen any fanbase of any team in the world like this franchise. I’m going to give the loudest cheer for him (captain Rajat Patidar).” He then welcomed Patidar on stage to address the audience.

#WATCH | Virat Kohli praises #RoyalChallengersBengaluru captain Rajat Patidar as RCB ended their 18-year-long wait and won their maiden IPL trophy yesterday after defeating Punjab Kings

"He will lead us for a long time," says Virat Kohli

(Visuals from M Chinnaswamy Stadium in… pic.twitter.com/V1W8GrR5Qg

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025

Rajat Patidar Credits Team Unity and Fans

The RCB skipper, Rajat Patidar, expressed his gratitude and pride while speaking to the crowd. Starting with his customary greeting, he said, “Whenever I come here, I always like to start with Namaskara Bengaluru. It was a great moment for us.”

Reflecting on their journey to the title, Patidar added, “From the start of the season, everyone was clear about what we had to do. You all deserve the trophy. We all love you.”

His words were met with thunderous applause from the fans who had supported the team through years of heartbreak.

Celebrations in the City, But Parade Called Off

Earlier in the day, the victorious RCB squad arrived in Bengaluru from Ahmedabad on a chartered flight. Their first official stop was at the Vidhana Soudha, where they met with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Players were honoured with the traditional Mysore Petta and garlands.

However, plans for a grand open-top bus parade were cancelled due to heavy rains and safety concerns following the chaotic scenes. Instead, players were driven into the stadium on the team bus, trailed by flag-waving fans chanting passionately, maintaining the spirit of the long-awaited celebration.

Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.