Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) concluded their 18-year title drought by winning their first IPL trophy in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final. RCB showed tremendous resilience, incidentally, overcoming a shaky start to the season, but they also found the right balance for their team, anchored with impactful senior players and budding stars when it counted most. However, even title-winning teams must evolve, especially with the mega auction not too far away. RCB may remain on top by being even more inclusive in depth and tactical flexibility through trades next year. Specifically, RCB should add more left-handers, spin options, and young Indian talent. Below are three players RCB should target in trades for IPL 2026.

3. Mahipal Lomror

Lomror was a member of the RCB franchise from 2022 to 2024 and contributed well with the bat. During IPL 2025, he was signed by Gujarat Titans for ₹1.7 crore but didn't play a single match. Lomror is a left-handed batter capable of bowling left-arm spin, which allows the team greater balance and flexibility. Lomror had impressive strike rates as a finisher, where he had a strike rate of 183.82 in the first half of 2024. RCB particularly suffers from a lack of left-handed batting talent since their playing XI only has Krunal Pandya and Devdutt Padikkal as left-handed batters. Lomror's comeback would provide them with improved balance and a trusty domestic asset. With his familiarity with the team, this would be a shrewd and unproblematic exchange.

2. Smaran Ravichandran

Smaran Ravichandran, a left-handed 22-year-old batter from Karnataka, is a domestic upstart. Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him as a replacement in IPL 2025 but did not play him because of injury. But look at his domestic T20 stats—170 runs in 6 games at a strike rate of 170 with a half-century. His attacking style and local attachment may make him an ideal fit for RCB. SRH possesses an established top order, which might make Ravichandran available for trade. His inclusion would bring vigor and variety to RCB's batting. Being a left-hander, he also adds strength to the lineup strategically.

Also Read: Mumbai T20 2025: Points Table, leading run scorers and wicket takers after SBMF vs ETS Match 16

1. Washington Sundar

Washington Sundar provides significant value as an all-round spinner, able to bowl tight off-spin and score brisk runs. In IPL 2025, he was impressive with a strike rate of 166.25 and kept his career economy below 8. Having been with RCB previously from 2018 to 2021, he knows the team ethos. Sundar might provide a good complement to Krunal Pandya's left-arm spin, providing RCB's spin control. He also provides depth in batting, providing a floating role if required. If Gujarat Titans are willing to trade him, Sundar would be a high-impact signing. His all-around quality is tailor-made for the changing needs of RCB.

Following the tragic stampede near Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, in which 11 people died and several others were injured, comes a significant development. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), in a June 3 letter to the state government, has established that the RCB match-winning celebrations had been approved beforehand. The communication to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) points out the role of KSCA in granting permission for the felicitation function organized at the Vidhana Soudha after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic IPL 2025 title victory.

Though the formal function at the Vidhana Soudha was conducted without hitches, a free-for-all erupted outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium following an open invitation on social media that triggered a public congregation. The massive crowd, a lack of crowd control, and an awful stampede resulted. The public was outraged, and an FIR was filed against all the senior KSCA officials, including President Raghuram Bhat, Secretary A. Shankar, and Treasurer E.S. Jairam.

KSCA filed a Petition with the Karnataka High Court, basically saying that they were not responsible except for arranging for permissions and putting up the infrastructure. The crowd management and event planning, they claimed, were carried out by RCB and its events partner, DNA Entertainment Networks. The letter presented also emphasized that gate management and delivery were under RCB and DNA, in cooperation with local officials.

High Court Intervention and KSCA Resignations

The Karnataka High Court, on suo motu notice of the incident, has stopped the police from acting against KSCA officials until the next hearing on June 16. It also asked the state government to file a status report by June 10.

Also Read: MPL 2025, Match 4: Satara Warriors vs Eagle Nashik Titans Full Match Highlights

In the face of growing questions and public outrage, KSCA Secretary A. Shankar and Treasurer E.S. Jairam resigned. While KSCA still maintains that it played no part in crowd management outside the stadium, the resignations have been interpreted as an attempt to help take the heat out of the situation while investigations continue.

In the wake of the devastating stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL 2025 win celebrations, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued a big move. The tragic incident, which left 11 dead and some others injured, occurred as thousands of people had come to celebrate RCB's first IPL title. Following public outcry and grief, the issue was addressed by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, who promised preventive measures against such incidents in the future.

Talking to News18, Saikia explained, "Whatever has happened is very unfortunate. But we don't want to play the guilty game now." He explained that the official jurisdiction of the BCCI over the IPL is till the award presentation ceremony, and after that, franchises usually arrange their own celebrations. But due to the scale of the tragedy, Saikia announced that the board will now be implementing advisories to prevent such incidents in the future.

He went on to say, "From now on we will attempt to impose at least some advisory so that such incidents do not occur." This is a significant change in BCCI's policy on post-tournament activities, reflecting the board's readiness to intervene with instructions, even when not otherwise responsible, to guarantee the safety of participants and spectators during celebration of wins. 

BCCI Acts with Safety Regulations After Stampede Disaster

The stampede, which happened in the backdrop of congestion and lack of management during RCB's jubilant event, has initiated a national debate on the necessity for enhanced safety measures at large-scale cricket tournaments. With urban areas increasingly seeing huge turnouts at such events, experts have identified the need for better coordination between franchises, local administrations, and governing boards as a pressing priority.

Also Read: Preity Zinta pens down heartfelt message for PBKS team after their lost again RCB in IPL 2025 Final

BCCI's forthcoming advisories are expected to outline crowd control measures, security protocols, and logistical planning recommendations. Although the board has kept away from making a direct accusation, its move is an attempt to be proactive about not repeating such a tragic event in the future. The decision has been received by many as a good step in the direction of fan safety and the uprightness of the sport.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has experienced 18 seasons, where eight different teams have won the trophy, including multiple trophy successes for Mumbai Indians (5 times), Chennai Super Kings (5 times), and Kolkata Knight Riders (3 times). There are some players who have celebrated the trophy several times. 

Here, we have brought the names of the players with four or more IPL trophies. 

See Also: Top 5 players to receive the most POTM awards in the IPL

Lasith Malinga - 4 IPL trophies

Former Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga recorded four IPL trophy successes. Serving for Mumbai Indians, Malinga won IPL trophies in the 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019 seasons. 

Ravindra Jadeja - 4 IPL trophies

Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja has celebrated four IPL trophy successes for two different teams. After becoming a crucial member of the inaugural IPL champions Rajasthan Royals (2008), Jadeja won his last three IPL trophies for Chennai Super Kings (2018, 2021, and 2023). 

Krunal Pandya - 4 IPL trophies

Indian cricketer Krunal Pandya has also won four IPL trophies. After celebrating his first three IPL trophies for Mumbai Indians (2017, 2019, and 2020), he recently won his fourth IPL trophy (IPL 2025) for his new IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru. 

Kieron Pollard - 5 IPL trophies

Former Caribbean cricketer Kieron Pollard holds the record for most IPL trophies by an overseas cricketer with five IPL trophies. Pollard lifted all his IPL trophies for Mumbai Indians, and those years were 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020.

MS Dhoni - 5 IPL trophies

Chennai Super Kings legend MS Dhoni was the second captain to win five IPL trophies. MS Dhoni-led CSK won the IPL title in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023. He was the first captain to defend the IPL title (2010 and 2011). 

Hardik Pandya - 5 IPL trophies

Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya, the younger brother of Krunal Pandya, has already celebrated with five IPL trophies, including once as a captain. Serving for Mumbai Indians, the all-rounder lifted four IPL trophies in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Later, leading the Gujarat Titans, Pandya lifted his fifth IPL trophy, which was also the team's debut season. 

Rohit Sharma - 6 IPL trophies

Rohit Sharma was the first cricketer to win six IPL trophies, as well as the first captain to win five IPL trophies. After winning his first IPL trophy for Deccan Chargers in 2009, Rohit led Mumbai Indians to win the IPL trophies in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. 

Ambani Rayudu - 6 IPL trophies

Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu also won six IPL trophies, three for Mumbai Indians and three for Chennai Super Kings. He is the only player to win at least two IPL trophies for two different teams. Rayudu won his first three IPL trophies for Mumbai Indians in the 2013, 2015, and 2017 seasons. Later, serving for Chennai Super Kings, he celebrated IPL trophies in the 2018, 2021, and 2023 seasons. 

List of players with most IPL trophies

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) owner Vijay Mallya has revealed that he was the man behind bringing Virat Kohli into the franchise during the first Indian Premier League (IPL) draft. Remembering the league's early days, Mallya said that he personally signed Kohli from the Under-19 players' draft in 2008, after his illustrious show in the ICC U-19 World Cup. RCB's recent win in IPL 2025, ending a wait of 17 years, has reminded the world of Kohli's long association with the side.

Mallya reminisced about his experience of being at the inaugural IPL auction and specifically opting for Kohli. "I was the one who selected Virat Kohli. I was waiting there for the pick, and the moment it was my turn, I immediately selected Virat," Mallya remembered. He added that Kohli’s consistent performances and leadership qualities made it a natural decision to eventually appoint him as the RCB captain. Over the years, Kohli became the face of the franchise and its most loyal figure.

Kohli has been an RCB stalwart since 2008, and he has amassed more than 8600 runs in his IPL career, making him the all-time leading run-scorer in the IPL. Despite several close calls and three finals, the IPL trophy had eluded him during his stint as captain. Finally, however, in 2025, the trophy was secured, bringing immense joy to fans and long-time supporters.

Kohli’s Impact in RCB’s Historic Win

Rajat Patidar was the captain of RCB in 2025, but Kohli was the full-time opening batter of the team. Kohli scored 657 runs in 15 matches as he was a huge asset for them throughout. His key innings was the valuable 43 runs that helped RCB secure a narrow win by six runs in the final against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

Also Read: Goodbye Pataudi Trophy? India vs England Test series gets shocking new name!

With no other batter putting up significant runs in the final, Kohli's composed innings was the only standout. The title win was the perfect bank for Kohli for all of the years of loyalty that were fulfilled in a dream RCB had with his supporters.

Following the disastrous stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced very robust support for the impacted families/individuals. In an official announcement, the franchise has confirmed a premium support of ₹10 lakh each for all eleven families that lost their loved ones in the incident.

The stampede took place during a large public reception event to welcome the RCB team back to Bengaluru after their remarkable inaugural IPL title. The overwhelming turnout unfortunately led to crowd control issues, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities. RCB expressed deep regret and assured fans that the RCB franchise prioritizes fan safety first.

Besides the compensation for the deceased, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have launched a relief program called ‘RCB Cares’ to also help those affected to recover if injured, so they too receive support. The fund will be used for medical costs and provide ongoing support to aid recovery of victims.

RCB Stands by Its Fans

"RCB Cares" is launched in conjunction with hospitals, local authorities, and NGOs to provide injured fans the critical medical care or emotional support inherent in RCB Cares. One way for any franchise to express that they are not only committed to cricket but also to that larger community that invests every bit of passion into supporting it.

Also Read: Mumbai T20 2025, Match 5: ARCS Andheri vs Aakash Tigers MWS Full Match Highlights

As RCB continues to celebrate its first IPL title, they are choosing to lead with compassion and accountability. Their quick and thoughtful response to this tragedy is recognized and demonstrated by fans and the cricket community, reinforcing the critical human values of empathy and accountability for any human-to-human interaction.

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) came back home to a hero's welcome after their first-ever IPL championship triumph, a sad incident occurred in different parts of the city. Demands for huge gatherings broke out in different places in Bengaluru, predominantly in the vicinity of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in a jostle-like situation that allegedly claimed casualties.

In response, the management of the RCB has issued an official statement conveying sorrow and solidarity with the families. "We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this afternoon," the franchise noted. "The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us."

The statement further states that as soon as the RCB squad became aware of the situation, they also quickly changed their plans to return home. The franchise worked together with local authorities to ensure that the balance of the events were then conducted with maximum safety.

"Heartfelt Condolences" and Appeal for Safety

In a statement that was both sorrowful and responsible, RCB conveyed their deepest condolences to the grieving families who lost dear lives. "RCB mourns the tragic loss of lives and extends our heartfelt condolences to the affected families," the statement added.

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Massive crowd gather at Vidhana Soudha for RCB

The team also appealed to fans to stay safe and vigilant at this time of jubilation. As the city was still under the emotional wave of RCB's IPL 2025 win, the words were a reminder of the need to keep the public above fanfare. The team is likely to conduct a more organized and secure celebratory function in cooperation with the Bengaluru administration in the coming days.

In the aftermath of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic first Indian Premier League (IPL) championship win in 2025, tearful Virat Kohli spoke before a full M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in the team's homecoming ceremony. The crowd was charged up with thousands of people shouting "Kohli, Kohli" in unity, which led to the RCB legend asking for a short break. "I don't have much time. We need to wrap this up." We have to display our trophy," he smiled, calling upon the crowd to allow him to speak.

Kohli started his address with a statement that marked the end of an 18-year waiting game: "It's no more Ee Saala Cup Namde. It's Ee Saala Cup Namdu. We have done it." His words renewed cheerfulness all over the stadium. He had the victory dedicated to RCB's faithful supporters and the city of Bengaluru in appreciation of their unstinting support during almost two decades of ups and downs. "This victory is not merely for the players but also for the supporters, the people of this great city," he further said.

Emotionally touched, Kohli praised the RCB supporters as unrivaled in international sport. "I have never seen any fanbase of any team in the world like you guys. Congratulations to all of you," he asserted. His humility and sense of appreciation touched the hearts of the wave of fans who had supported Kohli since the beginning of the franchise.

A Special Tribute to RCB's New Captain

Kohli then addressed the team's new captain, Rajat Patidar, who led RCB to their first title. Going back to the pre-season 'Unbox' function, Kohli reminded supporters how he stood up for Patidar being a future leader. "I said one thing very clearly: 'This guy is going to lead us for a long time to come,'" Kohli said, calling on supporters to hail their new captain loudly.

Watch the video here

#WATCH | Virat Kohli praises #RoyalChallengersBengaluru captain Rajat Patidar as RCB ended their 18-year-long wait and won their maiden IPL trophy yesterday after defeating Punjab Kings

"He will lead us for a long time," says Virat Kohli

(Visuals from M Chinnaswamy Stadium in… pic.twitter.com/V1W8GrR5Qg

— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2025

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: Massive crowd gather at Vidhana Soudha for RCB

With such words from the heart, Kohli welcomed the man of the hour: "He has won the trophy for us in the first season. Welcome our captain, Rajat Patidar." The crowd went wild once again, signing off on a historic moment not only for RCB but for its history and future.

On June 4, 2025, Bengaluru was buzzing with excitement as thousands of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans gathered at Vidhana Soudha to celebrate the team's first Indian Premier League (IPL) Championship. After 18 years of waiting, RCB finally won their first IPL trophy after winning against Punjab Kings by six runs in the nail-biting final in Ahmedabad. The streets were full of excited fans waving red and black flags and chanting the ever popular "Ee Sala Cup Namde."

The festivities were officially launched with a grand felicitation ceremony at Vidhana Soudha, with Karnataka's political leaders stepping forward to felicitate the champions. The team bus, headed by skipper Rajat Patidar and star batsman Virat Kohli, was met with an avalanche of people. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar personally felicitated the players, presenting them with garlands, Mysuru turbans, and plaques in appreciation of their great achievement.

The energy was palpable as fans of the RCB from all parts of the city came to cheer for their heroes irrespective of their political allegiance. Social media was saturated with pictures and videos of the celebratory mood while chants and cheers spilled over into the surrounding areas. The victory was not only a testament to the team’s dedication but also a celebration of Bengaluru’s unwavering love for cricket.

Grand Celebrations Across Bengaluru

Beyond the Vidhana Soudha, the city was alive with festivities. Streets from HAL Airport to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium saw large crowds clad in RCB colors, creating a vibrant sea of red and black. An open-top bus parade was also planned but scrapped in light of Bengaluru's traffic and congestion. Instead, the team was able to get to Chinnaswamy Stadium for a special celebratory event.

Watch the video here

THE CROWD OUTSIDE VIDHANA SOUDHA FOR RCB 🤯 pic.twitter.com/13YK0AzpYz

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 4, 2025

Also Read: RCB create history on and off field with massive IPL viewership milestone

At the stadium, the players were joined by RCB legends like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, adding to the excitement.  Fireworks lit the sky while chants of "Ee Sala Cup Namde" reverberated throughout the city. Bengaluru will bond as a city of pride and joy with this historic victory, thanks to spectacular play and key-player performances. All RCB fans will cherish these memories forever.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their 18-year wait and won their first-ever IPL trophy, while the historic RCB victory broke viewership records in IPL history. The IPL 2025 final between RCB and the Punjab Kings (PBKS) captured the imagination of cricket fans across the country, and viewership reached all-time highs. Since 2008, Virat Kohli has represented the franchise, and he was instrumental in creating the higher emotional value and engagement of the match, which benefited audiences throughout.

The grand final began with a considerable digital viewership of 4.3 crore, but this was just the start; viewership exploded from there. The explosive start by Phil Salt and his dismissal shortly thereafter by Shreyas Iyer had viewer numbers climb. By the 11th over, more than 11 crore viewers were switched on, and with Kohli's exhilarating dismissal for a mark of 43 runs, the viewership peaked at 26.5 crore. Jitesh Sharma's counterattack during the innings saw viewer numbers climb above the 30 crore mark, and when RCB crumbled during the last few overs of PBKS', viewership escalated to 34.7 crore by the end of the innings. By the time RCB posted a total of 190 runs, digital viewership measures were already above 35 crore.

Punjab Kings began their chase with intent but were brought back to earth with Krunal Pandya's early breakthrough of Prabhsimran Singh, which had everyone on the field and , especially in front of the tele, electrified. Moments following the wicket, viewership suddenly spiked to 50 crore with RCB fans chanting slogans from the stands inside Narendra Modi Stadium. As the game progressed into its climax, the viewing audience spiked further, reaching 55 crore by the end of the 14th over. Following the win, the total viewership reached a whopping 67.8 crore.

Digital and Television Viewership Break New Ground

While IPL 2025 will forever live on in history for RCB's victory, it will also be memorable for new benchmarks in how cricket is consumed digitally. On its opening weekend, there were an incredible 4,956 crore minutes of cumulative watch time. The first three matches were able to accrue 137 crore views and increase connected TV (CTV) usage by 54% and peak concurrent viewership to 3.4 crore. Year over year, digital viewing grew by 40%, demonstrating the growth of IPL's OTT audience is sharper than any other platform.

Also Read: Virat Kohli gets heartfelt congratulations from English footballer after RCB's IPL victory

Traditional television audiences followed suit. According to the BARC, IPL matches were viewed by over 25.3 crore people in the opening weekend alone, accruing a total watch time of 2,770 crore minutes - a 22% increase from IPL 2024. On the world stage, the IPL final's digital reach exceeded that of many of cricket's biggest occasions, including the India vs. Pakistan ICC Championship match that attracted 60 crore digital views and the Champions Trophy Final, which saw 6.1 crore simultaneous viewers. The IPL 2025 finale now stands as the biggest live sports event in Indian streaming history.