This moment was steeped in symbolism and nostalgia for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fans. Vijay Mallya, the original owner of the RCB franchise, was instrumental in shaping the team’s identity during the early years of the Indian Premier League. His decision to draft a young Virat Kohli in 2008, straight out of India’s U-19 World Cup-winning squad, proved to be a defining moment not just for the franchise, but for Indian cricket. Mallya's role went beyond just picking Kohli — he also helped assemble a star-studded lineup over the years, bringing global icons like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers into the fold. These three — Kohli, Gayle, and de Villiers — became the core of RCB’s golden generation, forming one of the most exciting and beloved batting lineups in IPL history. So when RCB finally lifted their first-ever IPL trophy, seeing Kohli at the helm with Gayle and de Villiers by his side was a full-circle moment. It was more than a victory; it was a celebration of years of loyalty, near-misses, heartbreaks, and unwavering fan support. While Mallya was not publicly present due to his legal issues and exile, his legacy as the founder of RCB lingered in the background, symbolically tied to the franchise’s long-awaited triumph.
When I Founded RCB...": Vijay Mallya's Unmissable Post On Team Winning IPL 2025 TitleVijay Mallya recalled signing Virat Kohli for RCB as the franchise lifted the IPL 2025 title.Vijay Mallya is the man behind RCB, the franchise, having first become its owner in the inaugural edition of the T20 league, in 2008. It was Mallya who had the honour of picking Virat Kohli for the team. Over the years, Mallya also played a role in signing the likes of AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle for the franchise. As Kohli lifted the IPL trophy, the likes of Gayle and De Villiers were also🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑 present at the venue to experience the moment with him.