Finally RCB IPL win after 18 years
years of heartbreak, memes, and constant trolling, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) finally won the IPL in 2025 by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS). It was more than just a trophy. For marketers and business owners, it was a living, breathing case study in brand loyalty, emotional connection, and long term positioning.
In this article, we will explore how RCB managed to build one of the most loyal fan bases in cricket even without a single trophy and how you can apply the same ways to your personal brand or business.
1. RCB Journey A Quick Recap
2. What Makes RCB Special?
3. The Role of Emotional Branding
4. Virat Kohli The Face of a Brand
5. Why Other Teams Failed to Build the Same Loyalty
6. Marketing Lessons from RCB Journey
7. Building Your Brand the RCB Way
8. Actionable Tips to do This to Your Business
9. How AdsVyapar Can Help You
10.Conclusion
1. RCB Journey A Quick Recap
Founded in 2008, RCB was one of the original franchises of the Indian Premier League. Despite having a strong team on paper and some of the world’s best players, the trophy remained elusive until 2025, when they finally defeated Punjab Kings in a thrilling final.
RCB became a meme, a joke, and a symbol of unfulfilled potential. But even through all the lows, their fan base didn’t just remain it grew. From viral memes to packed stadiums, RCB fans stood by their team like loyal customers stand by a beloved brand.
2. What Makes RCB Special?
While other teams like Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings also hadn’t won an IPL title until recently, they never experienced the same level of fan loyalty. Why?
- Identity- RCB built a strong and consistent brand identity.
- Consistency- They stuck with core players like Virat Kohli.
- Storytelling- The narrative of underdogs kept fans emotionally invested.
- Community- The RCB community became a part of the fan’s identity.
3. The Role of Emotional Branding
RCB didn’t just sell matches they sold emotions. The pain of losing, the hope of winning, the pride of loyalty these were not just feelings, they were brand assets.
When a brand makes people feel, it starts to matter more. RCB became an emotion because-
- They allowed vulnerability (losses, memes)
- They celebrated passion (aggressive gameplay, fan moments)
- They built continuity (with players and messaging)
Emotional branding is about turning your business into something people care about. It’s more powerful than discounts or features.
4. Virat Kohli The Face of a Brand
If RCB is a brand, then Virat Kohli is its logo.
He wasn’t just a player. He was a storyteller, a warrior, and a consistent face through 18 years of ups and downs. Fans saw him grow, struggle, and persist mirroring their own journey.
This consistency built trust.
Marketing Lesson Your business needs a face. A consistent figure people can relate to, trust, and cheer for.
5. Why Other Teams Failed to Build the Same Loyalty
- Lack of consistency Frequent changes in team lineup and captaincy
- No emotional anchor: No one player symbolizing the team for over a decade
- Weak storytelling: No narrative that emotionally binds fans
Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings might have good players, but they never had a Kohli-like figure or a brand personality fans could attach themselves to.
6. Marketing Lessons from RCB Journey
Let’s break this down into practical branding strategies you can use:
a) Brand Identity Matters
Your logo, tone, values, and mission should reflect consistently across platforms.
b) Emotional Connection > Product Features
Don’t just sell a service—sell a story.
c) Be Authentic
Let your customers see your journey, struggles, and vision.
d) Choose a Face
Let there be a recognizable face for your brand—whether it’s you or someone else.
e) Build Community
Give your audience a reason to feel part of something bigger.
7. Building Your Brand the RCB Way
Want to build a fan base like RCB? Here’s how:
- Define your core values
- Choose your face (personal branding)
- Be active on platforms where your audience lives
- Share behind-the-scenes and real struggles
- Deliver consistent messaging
Remember, building a brand is not a sprint. It’s an 18-year-long journey of persistence and connection.
8. Actionable Tips to Apply This to Your Business
- Create a Brand Book List your brand colors, tone, vision, mission, and storytelling theme.
- Use Social Proof Just like RCB shared fan moments, share client testimonials.
- Email Marketing with Emotion Share your business journey in your newsletter.
- Run Founder Story Campaigns Let people know who you are.
- Offer Loyalty Rewards Build long-term customer relationships, not just one-time sales.
9. How AdsVyapar Can Help You
At AdsVyapar, we help entrepreneurs and creators build brands that people love. We don’t just run ads—we create brand stories that connect.
Download our Free PDF Guide on Branding where you’ll learn:
How to identify your brand personality
How to use emotional storytelling in marketing
Step-by-step personal branding strategy
To get the PDF:
Visit to adsvyapar and contact us
10. Conclusion
Finally RCB win IPL after 18 years and RCB journey wasn’t just about cricket—it was about branding, loyalty, and emotional connection. In an age where businesses are obsessed with quick wins, RCB showed that long-term investment in values, people, and consistency pays off
