Former RCB owner Mallya recalls picking Kohli, says IPL title is dream-come-true moment for him
New Delhi (PTI): Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru owner Vijay Mallya recalled picking a young Virat Kohli 18 seasons ago in the players auction and said it was remarkable to witness the maestro staying loyal to the franchise, which has finally won a long-awaited IPL trophy.
RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the IPL final in Ahmedabad on Tuesday to end their long wait in the 18th edition of the tournament.
"When I founded RCB it was my dream that the IPL trophy should come to Bengaluru. I had the privilege of picking the legendary King Kohli as a youngster and it is remarkable that he has stayed with RCB for 18 years," Mallya wrote in a post on 'X'.
RCB, which was bought by Mallya for USD 111.6 million back in 2008, picked Kohli in the inaugural IPL auction in January 2008, and the batting superstar has only played for the Bengaluru-based franchise since then.
The UK-based Mallya lost ownership of the franchise in 2016 after defaulting on bank loans. The team is now completely owned by United Spirits.
Mallya is, however, credited with playing major a role in signing the cricketing giants like AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, Jacques Kallis, and Anil Kumble among others for RCB.
"I also had the honour of picking Chris Gayle the Universe Boss and Mr 360 AB DeVillers who remain an indelible part of RCB history. Finally, the IPL trophy arrives in Bengaluru.
"Congratulations and thanks again to all who made my dream come true. RCB fans are the very best and they deserve the IPL trophy. Ee Sala Cup Bengaluru baruthe ! (This year, the cup is ours)," Mallya wrote.
The liquor baron, who is accused of defaulting on loans worth several crores from Indian banks, including the State Bank of India (SBI), congratulated the entire RCB team management for the triumph.
"RCB are IPL Champions finally after 18 years. Superb campaign right through the 2025 tournament. A well balanced team Playing Bold with outstanding coaching and support staff. Many congratulations ! Ee sala cup namde !!"
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Block on Mumbai-Pune Expressway on April 23, 24
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Mumbai (PTI): The traffic on Mumbai-Pune Yashwantrao Chavan Expressway will be temporarily diverted for a few hours on April 23 and 24 on account of bridge maintenance work.
In a release issued on Tuesday, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) said the block is planned from 12 am to 3 pm on April 23 and 24, for removal of shuttering and painting work on a bridge located near Dongargaon-Kusgaon.
Traffic towards Mumbai will remain completely closed in the section on April 23 during the three hours long block. Vehicles will be diverted via the Kiwale-Dehu Road-Talegaon route onto National Highway 48 and rejoin at Kusgaon toll plaza.
Similarly, traffic towards Pune will be shut on April 24 from 12 pm to 3 pm, and vehicles will be diverted from Kusgaon toll plaza via National Highway 48 through the Dehu Road-Kiwale route.
In case of any difficulty, commuters can contact the MSRDC control room on 9822498224 or the highway police helpline at 9833498334, the release said.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway is the first access controlled Expressway of India.
