Royal Challengers Bengaluru batting coach and mentor Dinesh Karthik has placed the franchise’s maiden IPL title in 2025 above the trophy he won with the Mumbai Indians in 2013, saying the emotional weight of ending RCB’s long wait made it uniquely special. He also grouped the victory with India’s iconic 2007 ICC World Twenty20 triumph, a tournament in which he was part of the squad.

RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, finally lifted their first IPL trophy after defeating Punjab Kings in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. For Karthik, the achievement went far beyond silverware. It was about the end of an 18-year wait, the pressure of expectation, and the deep bond between the franchise and its fans.

“A few days ago, somebody asked me what my highlight in a cricketing career was,” Dinesh Karthik said on the RCB Podcast. “Obviously, the World Cup I was part of is right up there, but the RCB win was also right up there. An MI win as a player was a great one too, but the RCB win just pips it because of the fact that we waited 18 years for it. It’s a long wait. We all know how passionate the fans are. You almost feel a sense of yearning and giving back when you finally win.”

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Dinesh Karthik said the title was dedicated to the supporters who stood by the team through every high and low. He explained that the message inside the dressing room was simple: if RCB crossed the line, it would be for the fans. “The first one was for the fans. They’ve been with us through thick and thin, constantly supporting us. It was said in the dressing room as well — if we cross the line, it’s for the fans. That was a very special feeling.”

He also reflected on the challenges of the latter stages of IPL 2025, when the tournament was briefly interrupted by Operation Sindoor. According to Karthik, the team had to reset, regroup and rebuild momentum after the break, which made the title run even more satisfying.

“We went through a lot last year,” he said. “The country itself went through a bit towards the back end of the tournament, and we had to reassess, regroup and start again in many ways. It’s one thing having momentum on your side, and then there’s a sudden break, and you come back. The way we managed to get past a couple of games and play solid cricket was impressive.”

One of the enduring images from RCB’s title win was Virat Kohli’s emotional reaction, followed by celebrations with AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. Karthik said that moment captured the spirit of the triumph.

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“To win a tournament like that is never easy,” he said. “It felt ecstatic, ethereal. I’m very proud to have been part of that moment. It was great to see Virat Kohli in tears, the greatness of AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle being there with us, and the likes of Andy Flower and Mo Bobat putting a team together and doing something very special.”