Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) co-owner Vijay Mallya has put his weight behind premier player Virat Kohli and the franchise to clinch the Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy in the ongoing season.

Mallya recalled the first time he bid for the RCB franchise and brought Kohli for USD 30,000 ahead of the IPL 2008 following his title-winning run during the U-19 World Cup in Malaysia. The former RCB co-owner said that his choice of bidding for the then U-19 star was instinctive and his inner instincts suggest that the franchise has the best chance of winning the IPL trophy this year.

“When I bid for the RCB franchise and I bid for Virat, my inner instinct told me that I could not have made better choices. My inner instinct tells me that RCB have the best chance to go for the IPL Trophy. Onward and Upward. Best of luck,” Mallya said on X.

When I bid for the RCB franchise and I bid for Virat, my inner instinct told me that I could not have made better choices. My inner instinct tells me that RCB have the best chance to go for the IPL Trophy. Onward and Upward. Best of luck.

— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) May 21, 2024

Even though Mallya is not a part of the RCB franchise, he follows their matches enthusiastically and has never shied away from showing his support for the side. He had congratulated the franchise for booking their IPL 2024 playoffs berth after defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 27 runs in their final league encounter.

RCB are set to take on RR in the Eliminator on Wednesday.