“It felt like RCB’s vanvaas (isolation period) was over.” Outside the Chinnaswamy stadium, this line was repeated by quite a few fans of RCB before attending the Unbox event.
The connecting point for the above-mentioned line was Smriti Mandhana-led RCB side winning the Women’s Premier League. It had led to wild celebrations in certain pockets of the city as the franchise had filled their cabinet with a trophy for the first time in over 16 years.
At the event, all eyes were trained on Virat Kohli’s entry into the stadium. Mandhana was given a guard of honour by the men’s team. She also led her side on a victory lap amid a frenzied atmosphere. AB de Villiers, one of the stalwarts of the RCB set-up for many years, was also at the stadium. He was seen talking to the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Faf du Plessis, the franchise’s skipper.
Kohli, or famously called ‘King Kohli’ had this to say about the women’s team’s incredible triumph. “Amazing. When they won, we were all watching it and at that point you realise the fan base in its absolutely purest form. It felt like the city won. The turnout during the games had no comparison. These are special things and it is something you create over a long period of time.
“Hopefully we can double it up with the trophies. That’ll be something truly special. I am always going to be here, try to be part of the group that wins it for the first time. I will try my best with my ability and experience to do it for the fans and the franchise. It is a dream of mine as well to know what it feels like to win the IPL,” he added.
There was a big announcement, too. Royal Challengers Bangalore was renamed as Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Incidentally, Karnataka’s capital city had embraced the name on November 1, 2014. The new jerseys of the men’s team were unveiled as well.
Meanwhile, there was still action happening outside the ground. After waiting for an hour, some of the fans were able to punch their tickets for the event. A few others perhaps had to return home disappointed but no one seemed to be in a mood to give up, until and unless they were categorically told – No more tickets available.
In fact, from Gate 12 to Gate 20, fans were ready to stand in long queues. It almost felt as if it wasn’t just an event but RCB were all set to play their first match of the tournament. That summarises the pure emotions of RCB’s faithful. And those loyal fans would be wishing for RCB to do a double by hoisting the IPL trophy in a couple of months time.
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— RevSportz (@RevSportz) March 21, 2024