In an unexpected twist that’s got the cricket world buzzing, Canadian rap superstar Drake has put his money where his mouth is—betting a whopping $750,000 on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to win their maiden IPL title in 2025. His stake, placed on the popular betting platform Stake, would yield an eye-popping $1.312 million if RCB emerges victorious against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the high-octane final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night.
For RCB fans, who have long chanted the rallying cry “Ee Saala Cup Namde” (This year, the cup is ours), Drake’s unexpected support has given their hopes a major boost. The rapper shared a screenshot of his bet on Instagram, proudly displaying the odds of 1.75—and captioned his post with the same fan-favorite phrase, instantly igniting social media.
RCB’s Road to Glory: A Season of Redemption
RCB’s journey to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. Led by Rajat Patidar and guided by coach Andy Flower, they’ve blended consistency and resilience to reach the summit clash. This season, RCB finished second in the league stage and remarkably became the only team to win all their away matches—a testament to their newfound grit.
Their Qualifier 1 performance was particularly dominant: they bowled out PBKS for a mere 101 runs and chased down the target in just 10 overs, sending a clear message that they are serious contenders for the trophy.
Virat Kohli’s Batting Brilliance
Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of RCB, has once again showcased his brilliance with the bat, amassing over 600 runs this season. His consistency and hunger to improve have been lauded by experts, with RCB’s batting coach Dinesh Karthik noting how Kohli’s dedication to refining his game inspires the entire squad. This season, Kohli’s ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed has been a key factor in RCB’s success.
The Epic Showdown: RCB vs PBKS
The final is set to be a blockbuster, with both RCB and PBKS chasing their first-ever IPL crown. Neither team has won the tournament since its inception in 2008, adding an extra layer of drama to the contest.
RCB holds a psychological edge, having won two of the three encounters against PBKS this season. However, PBKS, led by the dynamic Shreyas Iyer, have proven themselves to be formidable opponents with their powerful batting line-up and an ever-improving bowling unit.
The Narendra Modi Stadium’s pitch is expected to favor the batsmen, raising expectations of a high-scoring thriller. However, with weather forecasts indicating a 50-61% chance of rain, fans are holding their breath for an uninterrupted contest. The organizers have wisely kept June 4 as the reserve day in case the final faces delays.
Star-Studded Spectacle: Celebrities in Attendance
No IPL final is complete without a touch of Bollywood glamour. PBKS co-owner Preity Zinta is expected to be at the stadium, cheering her team on. Anushka Sharma, Virat Kohli’s wife, will also likely be in the stands, lending her support to RCB. Adding to the excitement, rumors suggest that RJ Mahvash, linked to PBKS spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, will be present, ensuring that the final is as much a star-studded affair as it is a sporting spectacle.
Drake’s Bet: A Global Buzz
Drake’s unexpected bet on RCB has taken cricket fans by surprise, particularly in North America, where cricket is still a niche sport. His North American followers expressed both confusion and amusement at his sudden interest in IPL, with comments like, “Oh so we betting on cricket now?” and “What the hell is this? Cricket? 750k? Let me tail this.”
His involvement has undoubtedly brought fresh attention to the IPL, highlighting its growing global appeal and the massive betting market it commands—reportedly generating hundreds of millions of dollars in betting revenue globally this season alone.
Can RCB Finally Lift the Trophy?
As the final approaches, the question on everyone’s lips is whether RCB can finally break their title drought. Fans have been chanting “Ee Saala Cup Namde” for years, but tonight’s match could finally make it a reality. With Drake’s bet adding even more drama to the contest, all eyes will be on Rajat Patidar’s men as they step onto the field.
Will RCB reward their loyal fans—and Drake’s faith—with a maiden IPL crown? Cricket fans, gamblers, and celebrity watchers alike will be watching closely. Let the showdown begin!