At the end of the night, when RCB completed the chase to retain the title, the celebration was only caught up with what City had started to believe long before they scored the winning runs.While police orders prevented large public screenings and roadside celebrations on city streets, RCBians moved the party indoors, turning theaters, pubs and homes into their own mini-stadiums. Every wicket was roaring. Every dot ball was appreciated. And as the title chase officially came to a close, celebrations intensified throughout the neighborhood.At the PVR screening at Forum South Bengaluru on Kankapura Road, hundreds of supporters watched the final as if they were inside the stadium. Abhishek R, 27, who attended with friends, said it was the collective experience that got him out. “Watching an RCB match with friends is a completely different experience. We wanted the crowd atmosphere and shared excitement,” he said.For many supporters, the occasion was more than just another cricket trophy. “RCB is not just a cricket team for me, it’s pure emotion,” said Kiran Ramesh, a long-time Kankapura Road fan. “Winning back-to-back titles shows the attitude and consistency of this team. It feels like a win for everyone who has been with the franchise every season.”Pubs across the city reported full houses. With restrictions on large public screenings, licensed venues became focal points for fans seeking a community experience. Sid Patil, owner of Tukka Pub, said all the reservations for his three outlets were already booked. “Whenever RCB plays, there is interest. But this year has been different. People wanted to watch together and be a part of the atmosphere,” he said.Home is where the fun is.Many others preferred to celebrate from home. In Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Vasupartha KR hosted friends for a watch party. As the match tilted decisively in RCB’s favour, cheers erupted and talk shifted from prospects to plans to celebrate. “We were enjoying every moment and hoping that the team would bring the cup home. Once the wickets kept falling, everyone knew something special was happening,” he said.The online mode mirrored the scenes on the ground. Even before the final result was confirmed, social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory posts. Fans revived old chants, chanted new ones, and shared pictures in RCB jerseys. One user suggested that the popular slogan has now evolved from “E Sala Cup Namde“from”Patti Sala Cup Namde [the cup is ours every time]Reflects the confidence of fans who have witnessed continued success.Anticipating large gatherings after the match, the Bengaluru Traffic Police had imposed restrictions on several major flyovers and increased deployment at key locations across the city. But even the traffic advisory struggled to compete with the night’s dominant conversation.For years, Bengaluru watched the IPL with anticipation. On Sunday, he was seen anxiously. And long before the final run was made, City knew where the match — and the trophy — was headed.Chief Minister-elect DK Shivakumar on Sunday night said shifting the IPL title clash from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad was “an injustice to thousands of RCB fans” who were deprived of watching the match live at the home ground.
