IPL 2025: 'Ee Sala Cup Namde' - AB de Villiers Reveals Virat Kohli Warning For Use of Popular RCB Slogan

Exhauster saying 'Ee Sala Cup Namde', South African batting great AB de Villiers has revealed that he received a warning from his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate Virat Kohli to not utter the famous slogan anywhere in public.

RCB fans coined the popular slogan, which became iconic in 2011. The phrase "Ee sala cup namde" translates to "this year the cup is ours". While the slogan remained constant, RCB is yet to win the IPL in 17 attempts so far.

The women's team ended the franchise's wait for a trophy in 2024 by winning the Women's Premier League (WPL), adding even more pressure on the men's team which has reached as far as the final thrice, failing to go all the way all three times.

Even this year, some sections of the RCB fans have continued to use the slogan, but De Villiers has said he has become tired of saying it after making the revelation of Kohli's warning message.

"I honestly, said those words the other day and I got a direct message from Virat, and he said, please just stop doing that now. So I got into a bit of trouble. But to be fair, I am exhausted saying it all the time, that the trophy is coming this season," De Villiers said on Star Sports Press Room show.

The former RCB star, who represented the franchise for a decade from 2011 to 2021, also added that IPL is a difficult tournament to win with ten world class teams competing for the title, but he hopes number 18 brings some luck to the franchise.

"Guys, it is the IPL, 10 world-class teams could possibly even win a World Cup, never mind the IPL. It is an incredibly difficult tournament to win. There are so many factors that play a role from travelling, different teams, different strategies, and injuries," De Villiers added.

"So many things change throughout the season, but it is the team that manages to find a way to keep that fuel in the tank for the back end of the tournament that generally comes out on top.

"The teams that make their home advantage count, we see them come out on top. So I hope that this is the year, the 18th season, number 18 on the back. I will be there to lift that trophy with Virat if it happens."

The ex South African star also believes RCB has a balanced squad which can take them all the way this season after the franchise looked to add more firepower to the batting and address the worrying bowling department at the auction.

"I really think they made some incredibly good moves in the (player) auction. It's an incredibly good, balanced team. Look at the batting lineup - it's pure power, then a mix of power and control. I do feel this squad has got what it takes to go all the way," De Villiers said.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's quest for their maiden IPL title begins on Saturday (March 22) when they face defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where Rajat Patidar will begin his tenure as captain.