A passionate Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) supporter from Belagavi, Karnataka, has made an unusual yet heartfelt appeal to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah—declare a state-wide public holiday if RCB wins their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title this season. The request, penned in a handwritten letter by fan Shivanand Mallannavar, has gone viral on social media following RCB’s dominant eight-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1, which secured them a direct spot in the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad.
Mallannavar’s letter not only called for a public holiday but also proposed that the government officially recognise the day as “RCB Fans’ Festival.”
Drawing inspiration from Karnataka Rajyotsava, he envisioned it as an annual celebration honouring the undying loyalty of RCB fans, who’ve stood by the franchise through years of heartbreak and near misses. The passionate fan even suggested commemorating the day every year, should RCB finally break their title drought.
WATCH – Shubman Gill Appears to Ignore Hardik Pandya at Toss Amidst IPL 2025 Eliminator Drama?
On the field, RCB were ruthless against PBKS in the knockout clash. Opting to bowl first, their bowlers steamrolled the Punjab batting lineup for a paltry 101 in just 14.1 overs.
RCB ಫೈನಲ್ ಗೆ ಹೋಗಿ, ಕಪ್ ಗೆದ್ದರೆ ರಜೆ ಘೋಷಣೆ ಮಾಡಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಆ ದಿನವನ್ನು “ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯ RCB Fans ಹಬ್ಬ” ಅಂತಾ ಆಚರಿಸಿ ಎಂದು ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಪತ್ರ ಬರೆದ ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಯ ಗೋಕಾಕಿನ RCB ಅಭಿಮಾನಿ. #belagavika #belagavi pic.twitter.com/KHEhqXvV6g
— Belagavi – ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ (@BelagaviKA) May 29, 2025
Josh Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma starred with three wickets apiece, while Yash Dayal and Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided vital breakthroughs. The collapse began early, with Dayal and Bhuvneshwar removing the openers before Hazlewood and Suyash snuffed out the middle order.
WATCH – Jasprit Bumrah Castles Washington Sundar with Lethal Yorker, Delivers Fiery Send-Off
In reply, RCB made light work of the chase. Despite losing Virat Kohli early, Phil Salt produced a stunning unbeaten knock of 56 off just 27 balls, including six boundaries and three sixes. Rajat Patidar provided the finishing touches with a six off Musheer Khan as RCB sealed the win in just 10 overs. This marks RCB’s first IPL final appearance since 2016, reigniting hopes of a long-awaited maiden title.
