Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s successful IPL title defence on Sunday sparked a political debate in Karnataka, with Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar claiming that Bengaluru was deprived of hosting the final.
RCB clinched their second consecutive IPL title after chasing down a target of 156 and defeating Gujarat Titans by five wickets at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli led the charge with the fastest half-century of his IPL career.
As celebrations swept across Karnataka following the victory, Shivakumar expressed disappointment that supporters in Bengaluru could not witness the championship win at home.
“The RCB match was supposed to be held in Bengaluru. We have been wronged. Due to politics, they held it at a different
venue. I won’t speak much on it,” Shivakumar said while speaking to reporters in Bengaluru.
He further added, “RCB match should have been held in Bengaluru; injustice has been done to us.”
Since RCB’s five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans, celebrations have erupted across Bengaluru, with hundreds of fans gathering in different parts of the city to mark the team’s latest IPL triumph.
Shivakumar later took to social media to congratulate the franchise, lauding both the achievement and the bond the team shares with Bengaluru.
“RCB has created history by clinching a second consecutive IPL title. With grit, composure, and the heart of true champions, the team has once again made Bengaluru proud. Congratulations to the players, coaches, support staff, and millions of fans who stood by the team every step of the way,” he said.
Outgoing Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah also extended his congratulations to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for securing back-to-back IPL titles.
“Throughout the tournament, the fearless brand of cricket displayed by the RCB boys seemed to leave opposing teams with no answers,” he said.
Describing the title-winning run as the result of a united team effort, Siddaramaiah said the victory had triggered celebrations among fans across the country. “This victory, earned through a united team effort, has created a festive atmosphere in the homes of RCB fans everywhere,” he said.
RCB ended their title drought by winning their maiden IPL trophy in Ahmedabad in 2025. With Sunday’s triumph, they became only the third team after the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings to successfully defend an IPL title, while also extending the streak of Qualifier 1 winners going on to lift the trophy to nine consecutive seasons.
