The cricket fans are one thing, fans of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are another. Being a supporter of RCB since 2008 has been an emotional journey, one full of hope, heartbreak, memories and commitment. Virat Kohli is the one who can define this journey. To see a cricketer progress from childhood to greatness, and do so with the aspirations of a whole franchise eagerly resting on his shoulders was a privilege for the fans.
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RCB started its journey with the beginning of the IPL in 2008, where Rahul Dravid was in charge, and there were some big names in the squad. One of them was a young Virat Kohli who had just been crowned the Under-19 World Cup champion for India. It's hard to believe that this teen will become the face of this franchise for almost 20 years. There were no weeks during his early seasons when he didn't hit a century or score a run to win the game, but each game displayed his tenacity, confidence, and drive for success. Still, there was something about him that made fans think he was destined for greatness even then.
2009-2012 were years of mixed emotions. RCB reached the final of the IPL after finishing 2009 in 2009, but just lost the finals. With legends such as AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle joining the team the expectation was raised to a new level in 2011. Once again, the team made it to the final, only to fall short. Those losses were bitter, but it's also when Virat Kohli matured from a young gun to a reliable match-winner. His growing self-esteem each season and his desire to wear the RCB jersey couldn't be hidden.
After the appointment of Virat Kohli as the captain, RCB seemed to be at the helm of a leader who knew how to embrace the fans. He was just as passionate in celebrating every wicket as he was devastated after a loss, like all the fans in the stands. He was never afraid to accept responsibility and never to take the blame for failure. Regardless of the outcome of the match, his loyalty to RCB couldn't be doubted. We not only loved his swing, we loved his attitude as a player for this team.
Then came IPL 2016, which will remain a period no RCB fan will forget. The year when Virat Kohli performed one of the best batting performances in the IPL with an unprecedented 973 runs in 74 innings and four century, was the year. Each game was magical and each chase just seemed possible and each innings gave us the hopes that this would be our year. His teaming with AB de Villiers produced moments of cricketing history for fans to remember. Despite having one of the best finishes of any season on record for a player, RCB once again failed in the final. This was truly devastating as we were so close to reaching our ultimate goal.
The years that followed (2017-2024) put to the test the patience and loyalty of all RCB fans. The poor seasons, the heartbreak from the playoffs, the negative from fans of other teams. The captain of the team was open to endless jibes, and people wondered why Virat Kohli was keeping his services with a team which has not won the IPL. Yet, he never left. But he might have been able to play for another team, enjoy lesser success, or focus on other trophies. He chose to be loyal rather than convenient, however. This was enough to make millions of fans revere him further, for his commitment to his team he helped create.
The season of 2024 was a reminder to everyone that RCB should never be out of the reckoning. The team had a rough start and have come up with one of the most amazing comebacks in IPL history to enter final groups stage. While the trophy stayed away, the determination of the players epitomised the one that Kohli had brought in the team through the years. Once again, it was a season that only made the team and its devoted fans even closer.
Then June 3, 2025 arrived when all the RCB fans had been waiting for since the league had started. Royal Challengers Bengaluru were the ones who won their maiden IPL title after 18 years of heartbreak, criticism and never giving up. It was one of the most emotional moments in IPL history when Virat Kohli broke down after achieving his IPL title. Those tears were the loss of every game, the close calls, the taunts of the other fans, the many supporters who had never given up after years of anguish. At last when Virat lifted the trophy, it appeared as if all the RCB fans were lifting the trophy along with him. His victory wasn't his alone, it was his fans' faith alive and kicking.
Even without the captain's armband, Virat Kohli is still the essence of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He is still inspiring under the new management with his performances, unmatched intensity and passion for the franchise. He has done almost everything a cricketer can do, but each time he steps onto the field, in red and black colours, it's the same hunger that he had when he was a teenager in 2008. There is no such thing as replacing that passion, and it can't be taught.
As an RCB fan, I have witnessed much more than records, centuries, and victories. I've seen a teen become a celebrity around the world. I've seen moments that would make many players turn back. I have seen loyalty in times when success is more important than commitment. Most of all I have seen someone who really brought his youth and his prime and his experience to his team.
The story of Virat Kohli and RCB is more of a story of loyalty, resilience, belief and unconditional love for a franchise. In years to come, the records may be recalled and the trophies, but what I will always remember is the man who stayed when leaving was easier. It's not that I watched Virat Kohli play for RCB, but it's that I saw history unfold over eighteen unforgettable innings.
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