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Indian Express
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Indian Express
The curious case of IPL sporting loyalties
Written by Vishal R Choradiya At the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which ended on June 3, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally laid their ghosts to rest. After nearly two decades of unfulfilled promise and perennial heartbreak, the team secured its maiden title, sending its long-suffering fan base into a frenzy. The celebrations spilled out into the streets of Bengaluru, culminating in a grand victory parade the next day, cheered on by hordes of ecstatic supporters. For those who have stood by the team through crushing defeats and elusive dreams, the triumph no doubt felt personal, almost like vindication. But this very intensity of emotion, this deeply felt bond between the team and its fans, begs a more probing question: What explains such unwavering loyalty, especially in a league as commercially constructed and geographically arbitrary as the IPL? To explore this, one must first acknowledge the peculiar structure of the IPL itself. Unlike traditional club sports rooted in local histories and communal memories, IPL teams are corporate franchises named after Indian cities or states, but rarely composed of individuals who hail from them. Players and coaching staff are shuffled around at auctions like assets, their affiliation to a team based more on monetary bids than regional connection. In the case of RCB, the incongruity is stark: Apart from symbolic gestures, like sporting the Kannada slogan 'Ee Sala Cup Namdu', there is precious little that ties the team to Bengaluru. Most players, past and present, have no connection to the city by birth, language, or residence. The team has never been a reflection of the city's cultural or sporting ecosystem — it is, rather, a brand operating under the city's name. This phenomenon is not unique to RCB. Every IPL franchise operates under a similar logic. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) — all trade on the symbolic capital of the cities they are named after, while fielding teams that, for the most part, have little organic relation to those places. The few exceptions — like M S Dhoni's association with CSK — are themselves the product of sustained marketing and narrative-building rather than any real civic affiliation. Dhoni is from Ranchi, after all, and Virat Kohli, the face of RCB for all 18 seasons, was born and raised in Delhi. That he has never played domestic cricket for Karnataka and does not reside in Bengaluru seems to matter little to fans for whom he has become synonymous with the city's cricketing hopes. One could argue that Kohli and others like him have 'adopted' their IPL cities in a broader, metaphorical sense — much like professionals who relocate to new cities and build new identities. But such reasoning only underscores the performative and constructed nature of these affiliations. The truth is that sporting loyalties in the IPL are shaped not by local rootedness but by a carefully curated spectacle, engineered to evoke belonging, pride, and passion. Franchise owners, marketing teams, and broadcasters collaborate to sell a version of regional identity that is palatable, entertaining, and above all, profitable. From this perspective, what fans are loyal to is not so much a 'team' in the traditional sense, but a franchise — a commercial enterprise that exists to generate returns for its investors. The only constants are the owners; players, support staff, and even team philosophies are ephemeral. Yet, fans invest emotionally as if these franchises represent enduring traditions or civic values. This dissonance, between the reality of corporate sport and the illusion of local identity, is both striking and troubling. It becomes more so when we consider the commodification of fan emotion. Through relentless advertising, cinematic teasers, anthems, merchandise, and high-voltage pre- and post-match programming, the IPL transforms cricket into a grand, immersive spectacle. Fans are not merely spectators but consumers, their attention monetised through ad revenues, brand endorsements, and fan engagement platforms. There is little room for critical thought or dispassionate appraisal. To question the basis of one's loyalty is to risk exclusion from the communal euphoria that the league thrives on. This is not just about entertainment; it is about power and profit. The league's structure leverages people's yearning for identity, community, and a sense of belonging, only to repackage and sell it back to them. The IPL trades on regional pride while remaining indifferent to the actual lived realities of the regions it invokes. The fan, in this economy, is both the product and the consumer — an avatar of what French philosopher Guy DeBord called the 'Society of the Spectacle', where images and appearances displace authentic relationships and experience. DeBord argued that in such a society, the spectacle is not merely a collection of images, but a social relation mediated by images. This describes the IPL perfectly: City names, team chants, and celebrity endorsements create a symbolic universe that feels intimate but is, in truth, transactional. The experience is real, but its foundations are manufactured. The joy of victory and the agony of defeat are deeply felt, but they are orchestrated within a system designed primarily for profit. To be clear, none of this is to begrudge fans their celebrations, nor to question the sincerity of their emotions. Joy, after all, is joy, however mediated. But in the heady afterglow of RCB's long-awaited triumph, it is worth asking what exactly we are celebrating. Is it a city's sporting victory, a vindication of fan faith, or simply the success of a well-executed brand strategy? Perhaps it is all of these at once. But if the IPL is to be more than a polished performance, if its fans are to be more than brand ambassadors, then a little critical reflection might be in order. Loyalty is a beautiful thing — but it need not be blind. The writer is an assistant professor with the Department of Professional Studies, Christ University, Bengaluru
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Chinnaswamy stadium can hold 35,000 people, 2-3 lakh turned up: How Siddaramaiah explained RCB Victory Parade stampede
A day after Royal Challengers Bengaluru emerged victorious for the first time in the Men's IPL tournament, tragic scenes unfolded in Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium as 11 people died in a stampede on Wednesday, with scores more getting injured. Looking back, the signs were always there, including the all-day-long confusion on whether the victory parade would take place and whether the RCB faithful would be allowed a glimpse of their hallowed stars. In the end, the happiness and contentment of conquering the most elusive of victories was somewhat eclipsed by the feeling of a loss. What led to the stampede-like situation and what next? Here's what we know so far: 📌 The celebration: The RCB Men's team wanted to win the trophy in what many are calling the swansong tournament for team veteran Virat Kohli. They managed to clinch the title by defeating Punjab Kings in the IPL final in Ahmedabad on Tuesday. The team was scheduled to celebrate their victory in Bengaluru on Wednesday, arriving at the HAL Airport on a special flight in the afternoon. According to the plan, a felicitation programme took place at Vidhana Soudha, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in attendance. Later, the team was set to participate in an open-bus victory parade that would ferry the players to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, about a kilometre away. Many people hoped to catch a glimpse of the players during this ceremony. But the team was sent in a closed bus. The celebrations started early, with the crowd scattered in and around MG Road, Church Street and other places of Central Business District. The chants of 'Ee Sala Cup Namdu' (This time (IPL) cup is ours) and 'RCB-RCB' rang in the open skies of the central business district of the IT capital. 📌 The confusion: In the morning, the RCB handle had posted about a victory parade to be held in the evening. By the afternoon, the traffic police and the state Home Minister said that the victory parade was cancelled. G Parameshwara Rao pointed to 'security reasons'. Trying to assuage any concerns, he said that all security measures and traffic measures are in place 'to ensure there is no inconvenience to the public'. But soon, the RCB handle posted another message, saying that the victory parade would be held at 5 PM. The traffic police conceded that there was confusion about the parade, but said it had made 'preparations in case it happens'. 📌 The stampede: The crowds around the stadium had started to swell much before 5 PM. Thousands of fans gathered in front of Vidhana Soudha as well as outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. And the numbers were only rising. These eager fans had failed to catch a glimpse of their favourite stars as they were travelling in a closed bus. A stampede broke out around 4 pm when more than 15 people, including a woman, fell on the ground as the crowd rushed towards Gate 3 of the stadium. Passes were also made mandatory to enter the Chinnaswamy Stadium to attend the celebrations and eyewitnesses said many without passes also tried to enter. 📌 'Unexpected' turnout: After the tragedy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a press conference to condole the loss of lives. He announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to the kin of the deceased, and ordered a magisterial inquiry into the tragedy. Then, he explained what could have led to the chaos. Siddaramaiah said that the stadium has a capacity to hold about 35,000 people. But about 2-3 lakh people had gathered at the stadium and about a lakh outside Vidhan Soudha. 'We, or the Karnataka State Cricket Association, did not expect such a huge crowd,' he said. The CM paid a visit to the injured, who have been admitted to the Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospitals, and Vydehi Super Speciality Hospital, and later announced the state will provide them free treatment. 📌 PM's message: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over the loss of lives and took to social media platform X to post: 'The mishap in Bengaluru is absolutely heartrending. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. I pray that those who are injured have a speedy recovery'. Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy and former CM also said the stampede has 'left me deeply shocked' and called the loss of innocent lives 'extremely painful'. 'The primary reason for this massive tragedy is the lack of proper planning and complete failure to take precautionary measures.' Others in the opposition also trained their guns at the ruling Congress government, questioning it for what they called a lack of proper planning. 📌 Kohli at loss of words: Just 24 hours ago, he was on the ground, overcome by emotions after having achieved what had eluded him for so long — an IPL title win. But after Wednesday's mishap, the senior cricketer took to Instagram to share the official statement of the RCB, captioning the post: 'At a loss for words. Absolutely gutted.' The team statement also mentioned how they were 'deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents,' referring to the stampede and the resultant deaths.
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Business Standard
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Rajat will lead RCB for a long time, says Kohli during RCB's victory parade
Bengaluru witnessed a sea of red as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) marked their historic maiden IPL title win with a vibrant victory parade through the city. Thousands of jubilant fans packed the roads and stadium, turning out in full force to celebrate a triumph 18 years in the making. Amid the celebrations, RCB icon Virat Kohli passed the symbolic baton of leadership, declaring Rajat Patidar will continue to lead RCB for a long time just like he predicted before the start of the season. Kohli, emotional yet jubilant, hailed the RCB supporters as unparalleled in loyalty and passion, attributing the victory not just to the squad but to the city itself. As the trophy was unveiled before a roaring crowd, the evening turned into a heartfelt tribute to perseverance, belief, and a fanbase that never gave up. Kohli calls Bengaluru the 'heart' of RCB's success Addressing the crowd during the grand celebrations, Virat Kohli delivered a powerful message that underscored the emotional weight of the title. He acknowledged that while his journey with RCB had spanned nearly two decades, the triumph belonged as much to the fans as it did to the team. 'This is for every single one of you,' Kohli said, emphasising that Bengaluru's unwavering support had sustained the franchise through years of heartbreak. Recalling captain Rajat Patidar's words, he said it's no longer just Ee Sala Cup Namde but truly Ee Sala Cup Namdu — our cup at last. Patidar embraces the moment, eyes the future Rajat Patidar, who led from the front in the 2025 campaign, echoed the sentiment of unity and purpose. He reflected on how the team was clear from day one: the mission was to lift the trophy. 'This win is for the millions who believed in us over the years,' he said. His calm leadership and consistent performances were praised by Kohli, who predicted that Patidar would be at RCB's helm 'for a long time'. The parade wasn't just a celebration — it was a passing of the torch, a promise of continuity, and a salute to one of cricket's most devoted fanbases.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rishi Sunak and Akshata Murty celebrate RCB's historic IPL win with Virat and Anushka
Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Bengaluru-born wife, Akshata Murty, were among the jubilant fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, witnessing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinch their maiden IPL title after an 18-year wait. The couple's presence added a touch of international flair to the historic evening, as they passionately supported RCB throughout the match. Sharing a pre-match selfie with Akshata on X (formerly Twitter), Rishi captioned the post by saying, "Let's go @RCBTweets," showcasing their excitement. The final was a nail-biter, with RCB setting a target of 190 runs. Punjab Kings fought valiantly but fell short by six runs, resulting in RCB winning their first-ever IPL championship. The victory was particularly emotional for Virat Kohli , who was seen in tears, embracing his wife, Anushka Sharma , in a heartfelt moment that resonated with fans worldwide. After the match, Sunak and Akshata posed with Virat and Anushka, capturing the joy of the moment. Reflecting on the experience, Akshata took to Instagram to share her sentiments: "What a night. What a match. What a moment for Bengaluru. To have been in Ahmedabad, witnessing @ make history was something truly special! From the electric energy at the ground to the celebrations echoing across Bengaluru, this victory means so much to all of us who've waited and believed. Proud of this brilliant team and the city I grew up in." The triumph sparked massive celebrations across Bengaluru, with fans chanting "Ee Sala Cup Namdu" (This year, the cup is ours) amid fireworks, and a victory parade scheduled in the city on June 4 .
The Hindu
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Get addicted to winning: RCB's director of cricket Bobat tells players after maiden title
Their long-cherished dream finally realised, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, has now set his sights on claiming a second successive IPL title next year and urged his players to 'get addicted to winning.' RCB ended 18 years of wait to win an IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a close final here on Tuesday (June 3, 2025). During a stirring speech in the dressing room, Bobat also thanked RCB talisman Virat Kohli for giving his all for the team's cause since the league's inaugural edition in 2008. 'Ee Sala Cup Namdu': Royal Challengers Bengaluru lift maiden IPL title in 18 years 'When I think about what we have gone through this season, one word that comes to my mind is special. The way we played has been special, that inspired people,' he said. 'We think about the game, we think about the aggressive nature of cricket we played, the environment that we created was really special. That's what gives you these sorts of results,' Bobat said during the speech, the video of which was posted by RCB on X. The 36-year-old Kohli, who retired from Test cricket last month, had been dreaming of winning the title in the world's biggest T20 league for the last 18 years. 'This is without question one of the most anticipated trophies in world sport and we think about what our fans have gone through, what Virat has gone through for all those years. This is a hugely anticipated trophy,' he said. 'I know you don't like to be singled out, Virat, but thank you for everything as a senior player and an icon player of this team. Everything you have put in over the last 18 years, you deserve this moment,' Bobat said. He asked his players to make winning a habit and is looking to claim back-to-back IPL titles, something that only two teams have achieved so far -- Chennai Super Kings (2010, 2011) and Mumbai Indians (2019, 2020). 'We need to enjoy tonight, we have to massively enjoy tonight but get time to look around you and like we have done through the season I am actually asking you to make sure we really get addicted to this feeling because this is the start. 'Not many teams have won back-to-back IPLs. It happened twice before, next we will have final in Bengaluru, and we go again. So, get addicted to the feeling tonight. That feeling drives the hunger for addiction to winning and winning that trophy,' he said. Bobat, who has previously served as the performance director for England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for 12 years, said it was a complete team effort from RCB that culminated in a maiden title triumph. 'Everybody in this room should be incredibly proud of your team, those who played those who haven't played, every member, staff, content team, everybody it's a good team effort. I think the magnitude of what we have achieved we will feel in the next few days when we go and see Bengaluru go crazy tomorrow,' he said. 'Everyone contributing, it was proper team effort. Everybody contributing to every department. Those away wins were the special things we ticked off, something that other teams haven't done before,' Bobat said. 'Getting in top 2 and then finish the job, so much to be proud of and also all the challenges we overcame. Think about the disruption when everybody went home, when he called back, everyone got back together. Restart, injuries all those things have challenged us to come together,' he added. Bobat thanked all the players, support staff and team management for their combined effort in this wonderful journey. 'I want to thank all the players, those who haven't played as well. As coaches we had a clear picture how we want to play our cricket, and we were committed to that fully. 'Some extraordinary commitments, Salty (Phil Salt) unbelievable you were. For you to do what you have done in the last few days after coming back in, top stuff mate we appreciate that. Hoff (Hazzlewood) as well,' he said. 'Rajat (Patidar) well done as captain. We didn't even need to win the toss today. Quick thank you for the staff, coaches, you have really worked hard especially science and medicine staff,' he added. 'Opps (Operations team) and logistics guys, well done, content team. It was a real team effort. Andy (Flower), I wanna thank you, you have proven again why the best head coach you are,' Bobat said.
