AB de Villiers’ revelation about his conversation with Virat Kohli regarding the famous RCB fan chant "Ee sala cup namde" (This year the cup will be ours) has brought both humor and nostalgia to the fore for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans. De Villiers, who spent 11 seasons with the franchise between 2011 and 2021, revealed that he received a text from Kohli urging him not to use the chant anymore. This chant has been a staple for RCB supporters over the years, symbolizing their unwavering belief that the team will finally secure its maiden IPL title. However, the team’s 17-year-long title drought has made the chant somewhat of a double-edged sword, a reminder of the disappointments despite the team’s undoubted potential.
De Villiers, always a fan favorite for his entertaining style and leadership on the field, revealed that Kohli’s message was lighthearted but still emphasized the weight of expectations surrounding RCB's pursuit of the title. Despite this, De Villiers also made it clear that if RCB finally manages to clinch the IPL trophy in the upcoming season, he would be more than happy to join the celebrations, adding his voice to the chant. “If RCB do manage to end their trophy drought this season, I will also come to celebrate with them,” said De Villiers, sparking joy among RCB fans who have been waiting for that elusive victory.
The franchise's history has been one filled with both promise and heartbreak. RCB has reached the IPL finals three times, in 2009, 2011, and most notably in 2016. Each time, they fell short of the final hurdle, and the pain of those losses lingers. The 2016 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad was perhaps the most painful. Led by Virat Kohli, who had set the tournament alight with a record-breaking 973 runs, RCB seemed destined to win. They were chasing a target of 209 and looked well on course, thanks to a stunning partnership between Kohli (54 off 35) and Chris Gayle (76 off 38), which saw them rack up 114 runs from just 63 balls. However, RCB’s momentum crumbled as they lost crucial wickets in quick succession, and despite their early dominance, they fell agonizingly short, finishing at 200/7, losing by just 8 runs.
That painful defeat in 2016 only deepened RCB’s sense of longing for the elusive title. The years since have seen many changes, with new faces coming and going, but the one constant has been the loyal and passionate fanbase, who have continued to rally behind the team with the hope that "this year" would finally be the one. Now, with the team entering the IPL 2025 season with a fresh outlook and leadership under the young and talented Rajat Patidar, the excitement among fans is palpable. The squad, built with a mix of youthful energy and seasoned experience, is being heralded as one that could finally break the curse and bring home the much-anticipated trophy.
This season marks the dawn of a new era for RCB, and the fanbase has already begun imagining the moment when the "Ee sala cup namde" chant finally evolves into "Ee sala cup namdu" (This year, the cup is ours). The anticipation is higher than ever, especially as RCB has spent the off-season working on fine-tuning their squad, bringing in players who can complement the already stellar lineup. The prospect of seeing De Villiers return to the team’s celebrations if they win this season only adds to the excitement. His presence would bring the team full circle, as he played such a pivotal role in shaping RCB’s legacy over the years.
As RCB embarks on this fresh campaign, with eyes set on the ultimate prize, the echoes of "Ee sala cup namde" are now more than just a chant. They represent the hopes, dreams, and unwavering support of millions of fans who have been waiting for their team to finally claim its place at the pinnacle of Indian cricket. With De Villiers and other legends rooting for them, the fans are hopeful that this will be the year that RCB’s 17-year wait finally comes to an end, and the team lifts the coveted IPL trophy. The stage is set for a thrilling season ahead, with the promise of unforgettable moments and a dream of celebrating together.
