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Royal Challengers Bengaluru grabbed their second IPL title in two years on Sunday, beating Gujarat Titans by five wickets. That first title win in 2025? Pure relief for fans who waited 18 long years. But celebration quickly turned heartbreaking. After RCB\u2019s historic win, a stampede broke out during the victory parade\u201411 fans died. People started wondering if RCB would play in Bengaluru again any time soon. Now, it looks like this year\u2019s victory parade won\u2019t happen.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat a night. What a feeling. To every member of the RCB nation, congratulations. This is YOUR win. As the celebrations begin, let\u2019s be responsible. The best way to celebrate is with your loved ones. Relive the memories, and enjoy this special moment from the comfort of home. We\u2019ll see you in the stadium next year, 12th Man Army. Until then, spread the joy and keep supporting us. #PlayBold #????RCB #IPL2026,\u201d RCB wrote on X.<\/p>\n
So, the message is pretty clear\u2014they aren\u2019t coming back to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium this year after all.<\/p>\n
Krunal Pandya, the all-rounder who\u2019s been a big part of RCB\u2019s journey these past two seasons, called the title defense a reward for the franchise\u2019s patience and planning over the years. He also savored a personal milestone\u2014five IPL trophies in his career.<\/p>\n
Every IPL trophy means something different, he says. Comparing them just doesn\u2019t make sense. \u201cEvery IPL trophy is special. There\u2019s no doubt about it. It\u2019s like having kids, right? You can\u2019t pick. Same with IPL trophies because they\u2019re all so hard-earned,\u201d Krunal said after lifting the trophy.<\/p>\n
Winning five IPLs in 11 seasons? That\u2019s rare, and Krunal knows it. \u201cI\u2019m so glad and grateful that in 11 years, to have five trophies, it\u2019s pretty special for me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Even with the spotlight on him and his teammates, Krunal didn\u2019t forget everyone working behind the scenes. He gave credit to the management and coaches for building a team that could win back-to-back seasons. \u201cA lot of credit goes to the support staff\u2014Mo Bobat, Andy Flower, Dinesh Karthik, Malolan, Omi (Omkar Salvi). The way they prepared before last year\u2019s auction and set up the squad, the balance they brought in\u2014that made all the difference,\u201d Krunal said.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n