As the Indian Premier League (IPL) gears up for its much-awaited 18th edition, the excitement surrounding Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is at an all-time high. Renowned for its dedicated fanbase and star-powered roster, RCB has made substantial changes to its squad ahead of the 2025 season. With a revamped batting lineup and a reinforced bowling unit, the franchise is laser-focused on clinching its maiden IPL title.
IPL 2025: Virat Kohli’s Role in RCB’s Title Hunt
Virat Kohli, the cornerstone of RCB, remains a pivotal force in the team’s quest for glory. Despite retiring from T20 internationals, his influence as a batsman and a leader in the dressing room is undeniable. Former RCB teammate AB de Villiers has voiced his belief that Kohli still has “plenty left in the tank,” particularly with a formidable batting lineup supporting him.
Kohli’s strike rate has been a subject of debate in recent years, with critics questioning his ability to adapt to the dynamic nature of modern T20 cricket. However, De Villiers brushed off these critiques, emphasizing that while external noise can affect any player, Kohli’s focus and dedication remain steadfast.
“Virat has faced unnecessary criticism over the past few seasons. In reality, he’s been batting exceptionally well. There’s no denying that external noise might have influenced him to some extent—after all, we’re all human. During my playing days, I too was affected by outside chatter. It doesn’t necessarily impact performance, but it does linger in your mind. We’re only human,” De Villiers shared during the Star Sports Press Room.
Also READ: RCB, Punjab Kings, or Delhi Capitals? Who Will Win Their First-Ever IPL Title in 2025?
AB de Villiers Reveals Kohli’s Request: No More ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’
In a light-hearted yet revealing anecdote, De Villiers shared insights into RCB’s iconic chant—‘Ee Sala Cup Namde,’ which translates to “This year, the cup is ours.” This slogan has become a rallying cry for RCB’s passionate fans, echoing in stadiums and social media campaigns year after year. However, it has also been viewed by some as a jinx, given RCB’s repeated near-misses in securing the elusive IPL trophy.
De Villiers recalled that after casually using the phrase in a conversation, he received a direct message from Kohli, urging him to stop using it.
“I jokingly said those words the other day, and I immediately got a message from Virat asking me to stop saying it. I guess I landed myself in a bit of trouble. To be honest, I’m tired of saying it every season that the trophy is coming. Let’s face it—the IPL is an incredibly competitive tournament. With 10 world-class teams, winning it is as tough as winning a World Cup,” De Villiers explained.
Kohli, who has been with RCB since 2008, seems keen to move past any superstitions or added pressure linked to the chant. The team has reached the IPL final three times—in 2009, 2011, and 2016—but has fallen short on each occasion, leaving fans heartbroken.
