It has been 17 seasons, numerous heartbreaks, and nonetheless no Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy. Yet, yearly, because the summer time warmth rises, so does the roar of the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) trustworthy fans. Clad in crimson and gold, with voices hoarse from chanting “RCB, RCB” and hearts filled with hope with slogans like “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This time, the cup is ours), RCB fans return match after match, season after season, undaunted by the scoreboard. In a world the place loyalty usually hinges on success, the RCB fan base stands out to be resilient, passionate, and endlessly optimistic.
RCB, presently taking part in its 18th season, is likely one of the hottest and passionately supported franchises within the IPL. Based in Bengaluru, the staff was based in 2008 and is owned by United Spirits, a subsidiary of British beverage firm Diageo. Despite boasting among the largest names in cricket over the years, together with Anil Kumble, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Faf du Plessis, RCB has by no means received an IPL title, which has usually made them the topic of memes and heartbreak in equal measure.
The staff had reached the finals 3 times in 2009, 2011, and 2016, however narrowly missed the crown every time. Their tagline, “Ee Sala Cup Namde, “ has turn out to be a rallying cry and meme rolled into one, capturing each the hope and humour of the RCB journey. And for his or her fans, the journey has at all times mattered greater than the vacation spot.
RCB fans wait as rain delays the beginning of the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on April 18, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
Ok. MURALI KUMAR
(*18*)
Passion and staff spirit
We spoke to the “12th man army”, as RCB fondly calls its fans from throughout the State, questioning why they proceed to assist the franchise regardless of not bringing house a cup.
Speaking to The Hindu, Rakhi Chadaga, a 29-year-old HR skilled, mentioned, “For us RCB fans, it is not about winning the cup. Of course, that would be icing on the cake. But it is more about how RCB plays each game, the thrill of it. From the good old days of Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Chris Gayle, ABd to the forever favourite Virat, we support RCB for the B (Bangalore) not the C (cup).”
Tejas Narayanappa, an information engineer, mentioned, “I am an RCB fan because, let’s face it, if you are born in India, you are pretty much destined to support cricket, and if you’re from Bengaluru, RCB is the team you are drawn to! It’s almost like a rite of passage. Growing up in the city, watching matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, and cheering for the team, it’s part of Bengaluru and our identity.”
Fans through the match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bangalore on April 20, 2013.
| Photo Credit:
Ok. BHAGYA PRAKASH
Inspiration to many
Veeresh Badiger, a 27-year-old video editor, has been a fan of RCB since 2013. “For me, it all started with fantastic players like AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle. As I grew up, I realised RCB is not just about star players, but it is about passion, team spirit, and giving your all every season. Watching them over the years taught me a lot – staying loyal, never giving up, living in the moment, working hard, and believing in yourself.” Veeresh added that these classes helped him turn out to be mentally stronger and apply the identical in my life. “RCB has become more than a team for me; it has played a big role in my personal growth,” he added.
“From watching Karnataka’s legends like Dravid and Kumble to witnessing Virat Kohli grow from a young under-19 player into a symbol of loyalty and passion, RCB has always felt personal. With ABd and Chris Gayle redefining T20 entertainment, this team did not just play, they inspired. More than anything, RCB stands for the spirit of never giving up. No matter the season, no matter the odds, they fight till the end. And every time I see that red and gold jersey, I believe in them all over again,” mentioned Anurag Sharma a theatre artist.
Srinivasachari G., from Nangali Village, Kolar, mentioned it at all times appears like he’s a part of the RCB household. “I’m emotionally attached to the team, and going to Chinnaswamy feels like home. Every year, we carry a lot of emotions, every win, every loss, every game we feel and enjoy wholeheartedly. Yes, we don’t have a trophy, but the team with zero trophies has the highest number of fan following across the country, RCB is the Heart of IPL,” he mentioned.
RCB fans through the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on May 4, 2014.
| Photo Credit:
Ok. MURALI KUMAR
Fans of all ages
While RCB is understood for having fans who’ve been following the franchise since 2008, older and youthful fans have additionally been rising for the staff. Ravi Subramaniam, at 72, is a die-hard RCB fan.
“I have seen cricket from the days of B.S. Chandrasekhar and E.A.S. Prasanna. But there is something about RCB that keeps me young at heart. I have not followed RCB from the beginning, I started watching the matches a couple of years ago with my children and grandchildren just to spend some time with family. But they had me hooked. We may not have a trophy, but we have heart. And as long as there is a match at Chinnaswamy, I will be there, with my flag, my whistle, and my hope,” he mentioned cheerfully.
RCB fans through the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on May 29, 2016.
| Photo Credit:
Ok. MURALI KUMAR
Huda Syed, at 15, is as passionate a fan as Subramaniam. The tenth grade scholar mentioned, “I have been an RCB fan literally since I was born, not because of the trophies, but because of the passion and energy this team brings to the field. Supporting RCB is more than just backing a team, it is about believing in potential, loving the game, and standing by your favourites through every high and low. Watching legends like Virat Kohli give their all every single match, win or lose, has been nothing short of inspiring. Yes, we have not lifted the IPL trophy yet, but the loyalty, the Chinnaswamy roar, and the unwavering belief of the fans make us champions in spirit. RCB is a feeling, not just a franchise. And we will always say it loud ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde.”
Published – April 24, 2025 06:32 am IST
