Just hours before Royal Challengers Bengaluru stepped onto the pitch for their crucial Qualifier-1 clash against Gujarat Titans, a familiar yet controversial name dominated the headlines. Vijay Mallya, the franchise's founder and former owner currently labeled as an "absconding businessman" by Indian authorities, sent a special message of support to the team.
The timing couldn't have been more precise. With the defending champions having secured their playoff spot with nine wins from 13 matches, the spotlight was already on Bengaluru. But Mallya’s intervention added a layer of complexity to what is usually just pure cricket. Here’s the thing: despite being in legal limbo in the UK, his connection to the franchise remains emotionally potent for fans.
A Lion's Roar and a Distant Cheer
Reports from Hindi news portals like ABP Live and Navbharat Times highlight that Mallya’s message was specifically aimed at boosting morale before the high-stakes encounter. While the exact verbatim text of his social media post hasn't been widely circulated in English media, Indian outlets described it as a gesture of pride and encouragement.
Navbharat Times notably used the phrase "Roar like lions" (Sheron ki tarah dahade) in its headline, linking Mallya’s reaction to RCB’s dominant performance. It’s a fitting metaphor, considering the team has reached the playoffs for three consecutive seasons—a stark contrast to their struggles in earlier years. The former owner, who founded the team under his Royal Challenge whisky brand banner, clearly still feels a sense of ownership, even if he lost it legally over a decade ago.
RCB’s Resurgence in IPL 2026
To understand why this moment matters, you have to look at the numbers. RCB isn’t just participating; they are thriving. After defeating Punjab Kings in their 13th league match, they sat atop the points table with 18 points and the best net run rate in the tournament.
Here’s how the current form stacks up against history:
- Current Season: 9 Wins, 4 Losses (as of playoffs entry).
- Playoff Streak: Qualified for playoffs in 2024, 2025, and 2026.
- Historical Context: Only missed the playoffs once since 2020 (in 2023).
- Previous Low: Finished last in the 2019 season.
This consistency is rare in the volatile world of T20 cricket. The team has transformed from perennial finalists to genuine contenders, making Mallya’s distant cheer feel less like nostalgia and more like acknowledgment of a successful rebuild.
The Shadow of the Past
But wait—why does Mallya’s involvement still stir controversy? Born on December 18, 1955, Mallya was once India’s 42nd richest man, with a net worth estimated at ₹72 billion in 2008. He wasn’t just a beer baron; he was a sports enthusiast who bought Air Deccan for ₹1,200 crore in 2007 and later merged it into Kingfisher Airlines.
The twist is the downfall. When Kingfisher Airlines collapsed in 2012, leaving behind debts owed to 17 banks totaling approximately ₹9,000 crore, Mallya fled to the United Kingdom. Indian agencies declared him an absconding defaulter. Today, he resides in London, facing extradition battles while maintaining interests in horse racing through United Racing and Bloodstock Breeders (URBB), which owns the Kunigal stud farm in Karnataka.
So, when he congratulates RCB, it’s not just a fan cheering. It’s a reminder of the franchise’s origins and the complex financial web that once surrounded it. For many Indians, his name evokes frustration rather than celebration. Yet, for the players on the field, the game remains separate from the boardroom dramas of the past.
What’s Next for RCB?
The immediate focus shifts back to the cricket. RCB has one final league match remaining against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 22, 2026. However, with their strong net run rate, their position in the top two is virtually secure.
The playoffs begin on May 26, culminating in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31. If RCB maintains their momentum, they could be looking at another title defense. Whether Mallya watches from afar or not, the team’s identity has evolved beyond its founder’s shadow. They are now defined by their own resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vijay Mallya and why is he called 'absconding'?
Vijay Mallya is the former chairman of United Breweries Group and Kingfisher Airlines. He is labeled an 'absconding businessman' by Indian authorities because he left India in 2016 amid allegations of defaulting on loans worth ₹9,000 crore to 17 public sector banks. He currently resides in the UK and faces extradition proceedings.
What was the content of Vijay Mallya's message to RCB?
While the exact verbatim quote hasn't been fully detailed in international reports, Indian media outlets like Navbharat Times described it as a message of congratulations and encouragement, urging the team to "roar like lions." It was posted shortly before their Qualifier-1 match against Gujarat Titans.
How did RCB perform in the IPL 2026 league stage?
RCB had a strong season, winning 9 out of 13 matches to accumulate 18 points. They finished with the best net run rate in the tournament, securing a direct entry into the playoffs for the third consecutive year after beating Punjab Kings in their penultimate league game.
When and where will the IPL 2026 Final be held?
The IPL 2026 playoffs begin on May 26, 2026. The final match is scheduled to take place on May 31, 2026, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. This venue is known for hosting major cricket events due to its large capacity.
Does Vijay Mallya still own Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
No, Vijay Mallya no longer owns the franchise. He sold his stake in RCB several years ago as part of asset liquidation processes related to his financial disputes. The team is now owned by other investors, though Mallya remains its founder and a symbolic figure in its history.
