The victorious Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team received a grand welcome upon their arrival at HAL Airport on Wednesday, following their historic maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title win. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar personally greeted the team, presenting bouquets to each player in a warm gesture of appreciation.
Cricket icon Virat Kohli was specially honoured with both the RCB team flag and the Kannada flag by the Deputy CM. Kohli, visibly elated, accepted the flags and posed for photographs alongside Shivakumar, symbolizing the pride of both the team and the state. On his way to the airport, Shivakumar was also seen enthusiastically waving the RCB flag from his vehicle, celebrating the team’s triumph.
RCB, under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar, clinched their first-ever IPL title by defeating Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. Virat Kohli led from the front with a top score of 43 off 35 balls, while Krunal Pandya’s disciplined spell of 2 for 17 in four overs earned him the Player of the Match. RCB’s total of 190/9 proved just enough, as they held Punjab to 184/7.
Despite plans for an open-top bus victory parade from Vidhana Soudha to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Bengaluru Traffic Police confirmed on Wednesday that the parade has been cancelled due to security and logistical challenges. Instead, celebrations will now be limited to a felicitation ceremony at the stadium. Home Minister G. Parameshwara addressed the media, stating that “players will not travel in an open vehicle due to security reasons.” He added that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) will organize a formal felicitation event at Chinnaswamy Stadium with appropriate police and traffic arrangements in place.
Before the stadium event, the team will be honoured by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar at the steps of Vidhana Soudha. “All players will arrive by bus, and two team members will speak during the felicitation,” said Parameshwara. He also clarified that no additional public events are planned. The celebration, while scaled down in format, reflects the state’s immense pride in RCB’s long-awaited triumph and the significant role cricket continues to play in Karnataka’s cultural and sporting identity.
