In 2025, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted their first-ever IPL trophy, fans across the country erupted with joy. It was an emotional moment, 17 years of waiting, heartbreaks, close calls, and undying loyalty finally paid off.
RCB beat PBKS in the final to win the trophy for the first time. RCB’s passionate fanbase, which stuck by the team through thick and thin, deserved every bit of that celebration.
But how did it all begin? Long before RCB became a household name or before Virat Kohli turned into the face of the franchise, it was businessman Vijay Mallya who laid the foundation. He was the one who bought the team in the very first IPL auction in 2008.
Why Did Vijay Mallya Buy RCB?
In a recent podcast with Raj Shamani, Mallya, who has largely stayed away from the public eye in recent years, finally opened up about why he bought an IPL team — and it wasn’t for the reasons most people assumed.
He clarified that buying RCB wasn’t about showing off a flashy lifestyle. Instead, it was a calculated business decision. Mallya revealed that he was already a part of the BCCI setup through the Karnataka Cricket Association, and was present when Lalit Modi pitched the idea of the IPL. The concept impressed him so much that he decided to go all in.
He said,
“I didn’t buy RCB for fun. I saw it as a perfect platform to promote my brands — Royal Challenge and Kingfisher.”
Interestingly, he initially wanted to buy two teams — one for each brand — but BCCI allowed only one. Since he was from Bangalore and had strong roots there, picking Bengaluru was the natural choice.
A Risky Move Turned Genius Investment
Vijay Mallya bid $112 million (around ₹600–700 crore back then) to buy the franchise — a massive sum in 2008. At that time, critics thought it was a reckless gamble. But Mallya stands by his decision even today, saying,
“In hindsight, it was a top-class investment.”
Given the global reach of IPL now and the eventual title win in 2025, it’s hard to argue with that.
Why He Picked a Young Virat Kohli
Perhaps the most iconic decision Mallya made was picking a young, fiery Virat Kohli in the 2008 squad. Kohli had just led India to victory in the U-19 World Cup and wasn’t a big name yet. But Mallya saw something special in him.
“He was full of energy and talent… I was impressed. I picked him, and it’s incredible that 18 years later, he’s still with the team.”
And he was right. Kohli didn’t just become the backbone of RCB — he became a legend of Indian cricket, holding the record for the most runs in IPL history.
Where Things Stand Now?
Vijay Mallya no longer owns the team. After stepping down from his position at United Spirits in 2016 due to legal troubles, the ownership transferred fully to USL, which is now operated by Diageo.
Say what you will about Vijay Mallya’s controversies, but it’s hard to ignore the legacy he helped create with RCB. His decision to back the team and invest in Virat Kohli changed the face of the franchise forever. And now that RCB has finally won the IPL, it feels like a full circle moment — a story that started with a bold move in 2008, and ended with a trophy in 2025.