Will RCB Fulfill 'Ee Sala Cup Naamde!'

This means ‘This year, the cup is ours’ is the long-standing, passionate slogan of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Despite boasting legendary players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle over the years, RCB has yet to clinch the coveted IPL trophy.
They have reached the finals thrice (2009, 2011, and 2016) but have unfortunately fallen at the final hurdle each time, leading to heartbreak for their devoted fanbase.
The slogan embodies the unwavering hope and optimism of RCB supporters at the beginning of every IPL season. It's a rallying cry echoing through the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and among fans worldwide, signifying their belief that this year will finally be RCB's year to lift the trophy.
In the 2025 season, RCB, captained by Rajat Patidar and coached by Andy Flower, has once again entered the tournament with a revamped squad, including notable players like Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, and Josh Hazlewood.
While former RCB player AB de Villiers humorously mentioned that Virat Kohli advised him to stop using the slogan, the spirit of "Ee Sala Cup Namde" continues to live on among the fans, who are eagerly hoping that it will finally transform into "Ee Sala Cup Namdu" (This year, the cup is ours) at the end of the season. The women's team, Royal Challengers Bangalore Women, did achieve this dream by winning the Women's Premier League in 2024, adding even more anticipation for the men's team to follow suit.


RCB boasts a strong batting lineup at the top with Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, and captain Rajat Patidar. Kohli's experience and consistency, combined with Salt's aggressive play, provide a solid foundation. Patidar adds stability and explosiveness against spin.
The middle order features power hitters like Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, and Tim David, capable of changing the game in the later overs. The return of Devdutt Padikkal adds balance.
The addition of experienced bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood has significantly strengthened RCB's pace department, especially in the powerplay and death overs. Yash Dayal also provides a valuable option.
The presence of all-rounders such as Liam Livingstone, Krunal Pandya, and Tim David offers flexibility in both batting depth and bowling resources.

The absence of a genuine wicket-taking leg-spinner could be a concern, particularly on turning tracks. Krunal Pandya is more of a restrictive spinner, and Suyash Sharma is yet to establish himself at the IPL level.
While Rajat Patidar is a talented batsman, his captaincy is relatively untested at this high level, which could pose a challenge in crucial situations.
If the top order fails to perform consistently, the middle order might be exposed, creating an over-reliance on Kohli and Salt for strong starts.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for its batting-friendly pitches, hasn't always been a fortress for RCB. Defending totals could be difficult due to the short boundaries.
While the first XI looks strong, the depth and quality of the bench might be a concern if injuries to key players occur.


The "Ee Sala Cup Namde" slogan encapsulates the enduring hope of RCB fans for their team to finally lift the IPL trophy. Despite years of star-studded lineups and passionate support, the elusive title has remained just out of reach, leading to both fervent belief and occasional heartbreak. The 2025 season presents another opportunity with a strengthened squad. While past disappointments linger, the unwavering spirit of "Ee Sala Cup Namde" persists, fueled by the recent WPL victory of the women's team. Ultimately, the slogan represents more than just a wish; it embodies the unwavering loyalty and optimistic fervor of the RCB faithful, who continue to believe that this year could finally be the year "Ee Sala Cup Namdu" becomes reality.