Bengaluru | Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday received the Royal Challengers Bengaluru team, who landed in the city a day after they won the maiden IPL title, ending an 18-year wait.
At the HAL airport, they were received by Shivakumar with bouquets.
Videos showed the Deputy CM receiving Virat Kohli and handing him a yellow and red Kannada flag and the RCB flag.
The team then left for a private hotel amid tight security even as fans in large numbers gathered alongside the roads to cheer them.
Shivakumar congratulated the team, saying that the royalty has paid for loyalty.
"The royalty have paid the loyalty. Mr Virat Kohli from the past 18 years has given his youth. He has given his experience. He has given love and heart and he has made our state proud. So on this occasion, it is our bound duty. I stand with the heart of all my youngsters in the state. Though we have (fan) following from all over the country, Karnataka stills stands very proud," he told PTI Videos.
On behalf of the Karnataka government, Shivakumar congratulated the team and wished them success.
"18 years' struggle is not a small thing. I also, in my younger days, as a sportsman, I know the hardwork that we have to do. I wish them all the best. Karnataka government and all the youngsters of Karnataka, we wish them a very prosperous days to come ahead," he added.
Fans in large numbers gathered outside the premises of Vidhana Soudha where the Karnataka government will host a grand felicitation ceremony for the RCB later in the day.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will honour the Rajat Patidar-led squad on the steps of the iconic Vidhana Soudha, the seat of state legislature and secretariat here.
RCB won their maiden title with a six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the final at Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
RCB finally got to lift the trophy after finishing runners-up on three occasions previously.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) will be hosting a special felicitation programme at the Chinnaswamy Stadium to honour the team's achievement and performance.
Police had to make efforts to manage the crowd thronging the stadium.
According to a traffic advisory from the Bengaluru police, entry to the event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be permitted only to those with valid tickets and passes.
"As there is limited parking facility available near the Chinnaswamy Stadium, those who are attending the event are advised to use public transport and Metro. The public is requested to cooperate," it stated
