Every cricket fan in India is well-acquainted with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, one of the most popular IPL teams in the country. After 17 long years of heartbreak, near-misses and unchanged fan support, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted the IPL trophy in 2025. It became an emotional moment for many who have ardently followed this franchise known for its passion and talent. Fans know that this IPL team, which has become a significant part of their lives, was bought by Vijay Mallya, but many don’t know the reason for it. In a recent conversation, the businessman opened up about its reason and shared why he picked a then 19-year-old Virat Kohli, who has stayed loyal to the franchise like no one else.
Vijay Mallya reveals he didn’t buy RCB for his allegedly flamboyant lifestyle
Vijay Mallya, after a silence of 9 years, sat down for a conversation on Raj Shamani’s podcast. Among other questions related to his controversial career, he was asked why he decided to buy an IPL team, which was an expensive and risky decision in 2008. In turn, Vijay revealed that he was a member of the BCCI at that point from Karnataka Cricket Association Association. Consequently, he was present when the Founder Of IPL, Lalit Modi, pitched the idea to BCCI. Recalling the time, he said:
“I was very impressed with the pitch that Lalit Modi made to the BCCI committee about this league. He called me one day and said ok, teams are going to be auctioned. Are you going to buy it? So, I bid from three franchises, and I lost Mumbai by a very small amount of money.”
Vijay Mallya added that despite losing Mumbai, he ended up becoming the highest bidder for three. Since he got to choose one, then Bangalore was his obvious option. The businessman claimed that, unlike the media perception that he bought the team due to his passion for cricket or to flaunt his flamboyant nature, none of it was true. Rather, he wanted to buy an IPL franchise to promote his brands, Royal Challenge W**key and Kingfisher. He initially intended to buy two teams for each brand but was asked to only pick one. Discussing about his bid, Vijay said:
“I think 112 USD is what I did (nearly 600-700 crore in 200). In hindsight, if you look at it, then do the math, it was a top-class investment.”
Vijay Mallya shares why he picked a young Virat Kohli for RCB In 2008
Royal Challengers Bengaluru has become synonymous with Virat Kohli. He is the only player in the history of IPL who stays with the same franchise to date. Virat had been the captain for RCB for nine years and is the highest run-scorer in the whole league with more than 8,000 runs, 8 centuries and 63 half centuries. However, when the cricketer was picked in the IPL, he had none of these achievements by his side. Sharing the reason why he picked a young Virat in 2008, Vijay said:
“Shortly before the actual selection process, they were playing the U-19 World Cup, and I was very impressed with him. So, I picked him, and it’s wonderful, 18 years later he is still there. He was a young kid at that time when I got him, but you know, full of energy, great talent, and you know, one of the greatest Indian cricketers ever.”
What is Vijay Mallya not the owner of RCB anymore?
Vijay Mallya bought RCB in 2008 for Rs. 476 when he was the owner of United Spirits, making it the second most expensive team. He named it after his w***key brand and sponsored it heavily by his other brands like Kingfisher. However, after he stepped down from USL in 2016 due to legal issues, the control of the franchise went into the hands of USL, which is now operated under the global brand Diageo.
What do you think about Vijay Mallya’s revelations?
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