After 18 hard-fought seasons and even greater heartbreaks, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted the prestigious IPL title in 2025.
The triumph was a deeply emotional moment for their loyal fan base and their talisman, Virat Kohli, who has been a part of the franchise since its inception.
A star from New Zealand, and also a former RCB batter, Ross Taylor, has now reflected on his feelings related to the significance of the victory.
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RCB's IPL title win would be a moment of joy for the most neutral fans, says Taylor
RCB lifted their first-ever IPL title after 18-long years. Despite their multiple playoff appearances and a couple a finals, the side never managed to cross the line.
In a recent interview with Sports Yaari, Ross Taylor said, "Yeah, I was really, really happy. I think we got close when I was playing in 2009 and made a few finals, but for them to finally get across the line, they've got some very passionate fans, but also for Virat as well."
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RCB's fan base is one of the most talked about and famously known to be the most loyal fan base across sports. They have backed their side for 18 long years and finally reaped rewards in 2025.
ROSS TAYLOR ON VIRAT & RCB:
— Sports Yaari (@YaariSports) August 27, 2025
Yeah, I was really really happy. I think we got close when I was playing in 2009 and made a few finals, but for them to finally get across the line, they've got some very passionate fans, but also for Virat as well.
I think for him to be loyal to RCB,… pic.twitter.com/uQ7dWezprv
Taylor also hailed the Indian and RCB legend Virat Kohli for his relentless efforts and never-die attitude towards the franchise. A player of Virat's stature could well part ways with the franchise after their repeated failures; however, he chose to stay and gave his youth, prime, and experience to the side.
"I think for him (Kohli) to be loyal to RCB, to play there his whole career, and to be there when they won, I think most neutral fans would have been very happy with that. But yeah, I guess winning one's a hard thing-now going back and hopefully winning back-to-back will be great for RCB and their fans."
After having the monkey off their back, RCB's focus would now be on winning multiple titles and going level with some of the great sides in the league. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are currently leading the chart with 5 titles each, while KKR follows with three.
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Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have a title each, while a former IPL franchise, Deccan Chargers, also lifted the cup once, way back in 2009.