"Ee Saala Cup Namde: AB de Villiers Breaks Promise to Kohli as RCB Storm into IPL 2025 Final"
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have marched into the IPL 2025 final, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) convincingly in Qualifier 1 at Mullanpur. The win marked a significant moment for RCB, who are now just one step away from ending their long-standing title drought. Amid the celebrations, former RCB legend AB de Villiers made headlines by confessing that he had unintentionally said the infamous catchphrase "Ee Saala Cup Namde" (This year, the cup will be ours), despite promising Virat Kohli that he wouldn’t say it during the season.
The phrase, deeply embedded in RCB folklore, has often been dubbed a jinx due to the franchise's repeated failures in past IPL seasons, including two final losses, notably the one in 2016 to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Speaking on Star Sports, De Villiers humorously claimed, “It wasn't my fault. The guys are setting traps for me.” He had previously revealed in April that Kohli warned him against uttering those four words again, hoping not to tempt fate.
However, De Villiers didn’t hold back his admiration for the current RCB squad. He praised their resilience, form, and leadership under the new skipper Rajat Patidar and head coach Andy Flower. Under Flower's guidance and with key inputs from Director of Cricket Mo Bobat, the team has executed a well-thought-out strategy shaped during the previous year's auction planning. Bobat highlighted how the team’s current form is a reflection of the management’s long-term vision and decision-making culture.
RCB’s journey to the final was built on a clinical bowling display in Qualifier 1. Winning the toss and opting to bowl on a green pitch, they dismantled PBKS for just 101 runs in 14.1 overs. Star performances came from Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, and Suyash Sharma. While Kohli had a rare off day with the bat, scoring just 14, Phil Salt ensured a smooth chase with an unbeaten 56 off 27 balls.
Despite the dominant win, the team kept celebrations subdued. Kohli was seen gesturing to Anushka Sharma in the stands, signaling that the final hurdle remains. As RCB prepare for their first final in nine years, fans—and even De Villiers—can’t help but feel that perhaps, this time, “Ee Saala Cup Namde” might finally come true.
