It has been 17 seasons, countless heartbreaks, and still no Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy. Yet, every year, as the summer heat rises, so does the roar of the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) faithful fans. Clad in red and gold, with voices hoarse from chanting “RCB, RCB” and hearts full of 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 where loyalty often hinges on success, the RCB fan base stands out to be resilient, passionate, and endlessly optimistic.

RCB, currently playing its 18th season, is one of the most popular and passionately supported franchises in the IPL. Based in Bengaluru, the team was founded in 2008 and is owned by United Spirits, a subsidiary of British beverage company Diageo. Despite boasting some of the biggest names in cricket over the years, including Anil Kumble, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle, and Faf du Plessis, RCB has never won an IPL title, which has often made them the subject of memes and heartbreak in equal measure.

The team had reached the finals three times in 2009, 2011, and 2016, but narrowly missed the crown each time. Their tagline, “Ee Sala Cup Namde, “ has become a rallying cry and meme rolled into one, capturing both the hope and humour of the RCB journey. And for their fans, the journey has always mattered more than the destination. 

Passion and team spirit

We spoke to the “12th man army”, as RCB fondly calls its fans from across the State, questioning why they continue to support the franchise despite not bringing home a cup.

Speaking to The Hindu, Rakhi Chadaga, a 29-year-old HR professional, said, “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, a data engineer, said, “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 during the match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bangalore on April 20, 2013.
| Photo Credit:
K. 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 lessons helped him become mentally stronger and apply the same 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,” said Anurag Sharma a theatre artist.

Srinivasachari G., from Nangali Village, Kolar, said it always feels like he is part of the RCB family. “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 said.

RCB fans during the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on May 4, 2014.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR

Fans of all ages 

While RCB is known for having fans who have been following the franchise since 2008, older and younger fans have also been growing for the team. 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 said cheerfully.

RCB fans during the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, on May 29, 2016.
| Photo Credit:
K. MURALI KUMAR

Huda Syed, at 15, is as passionate a fan as Subramaniam. The 10th grade student said, “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.”

Karimnagar: The Kothapally police of Karimnagar Police Commissionerate on Wednesday arrested two members of an inter-state burglary gang from Madhya Pradesh and produced them before a local court, which remanded them to judicial custody.

According to police, the accused were involved in two major burglaries last July. In one incident, thieves broke into a locked house in Gunturpalli village under Karimnagar Rural Police Station limits and stole gold ornaments worth ₹2.25 lakh. In another case near PVR Gardens on Malkapur Road, miscreants looted the residence of K. Rajendra Prasad, making away with liquor bottles and a Hero Honda motorcycle.

Following complaints, an investigation was launched under the direction of Police Commissioner Gouse Alam and the supervision of Rural ACP Shubham Prakash. The case was led by Kothapally SHO (Trainee IPS) Vasundhara, who identified the suspects as Pradeep (29), Hatru Singh (41), Vikram, and Jitendra — all hailing from Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh.

Pradeep was caught in March. Based on a tip-off, a special police team led by SI Sambamurthy arrested Hatru Singh from Naravali village in Madhya Pradesh and brought him to Karimnagar. He was produced before the court and remanded. The remaining accused, Vikram and Jitendra, are still absconding.

ACP Shubham Prakash commended SI Sambamurthy and team members Srinath, Abdul Khadeer, Shareef, Samba Reddy, and Devender for their coordinated efforts in cracking the case.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha meet the families of Pahalgam terror attack victims, in Srinagar on April 23, 2025
| Photo Credit: ANI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (April 23, 2025) held a meeting with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar at the Delhi airport upon his arrival from Saudi Arabia to take stock of the situation following the terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 people dead.

Mr. Modi was briefed by the officials immediately upon his return on Tuesday’s terror attack that has sparked outrage across the country and condemnation from world leaders.

Pahalgam terror attack LIVE

Terrorists struck at a prime tourist location in Pahalgam in south Kashmir on Tuesday, killing at least 26 people, mostly tourists, and injuring several others.

The bodies of the 26 victims were were brought to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Srinagar early Wednesday and then taken to the Police Control Room where Home Minister Amit Shah laid wreaths on them.

Also Read | Pahalgam attack: Centre asks tour operators, hotels to forego cancellation fees for J&K bookings

Mr. Shah, who reached Srinagar on Tuesday night, assured the survivors of the attack that the perpetrators of the dastardly act would be brought to justice, officials said.

The Jammu and Kashmir government announces ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh each for the families of the deceased, ₹2 lakh for those seriously injured and ₹1 lakh for those with minor injuries.

An NIA team headed by an inspector general is on way to Pahalgam to provide assistance to the local police probing Tuesday’s dastardly terrorist attack, sources said.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has cut short her official visit to the U.S. in view of the attack.

Also Read | Government to hold all-party meet on Pahalgam attack on April 24

Ms. Sitharaman is part of the five-member Cabinet Committee on Security headed by Prime Minister Modi.

The killing sparked condemnation by leaders and locals alike in Kashmir and Jammu regions with shutdown observed in many places.

The Kashmir Valley observed a shutdown against a terror attack for the first time in 35 years, as people from all walks of life supported the bandh call to protest the killings in Pahalgam.

Peaceful protests were also held at several places, with the protesters denouncing the attack.

Also Read | Terrorists kept firing for 25-30 minutes, recalls Pahalgam eyewitness

Several political parties, socio-religious organisation, trade bodies, and civil society groups called for a shutdown in Kashmir to protest against the attack in the Baisaran meadows in Pahalgam, including the ruling National Conference (NC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), People’s Conference, and Apni Party.

Many Kashmir newspapers on Wednesday printed their front pages black to protest the Pahalgam terror attack.

The striking act of protest by the newspapers, each bearing powerful headlines in white or red, was a powerful public display of solidarity and grief, symbolising the collective sorrow felt by the residents and the media over the inhuman act.

In the wake of the attack, Civil Aviation Ministry has asked airlines to ensure there is no surge in airfares on the Srinagar route, and airlines will be operating additional flights to the city.

Also Read | We will not only reach out to those who have carried out this incident, but also to those who, sitting behind the scenes, planned it: Rajnath

With the Pahalgam terror strike evoking widespread criticism from different quarters, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi spoke to Shah, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior party leaders from the union territory, asserting that the families of the victims deserve justice.

“The perpetrators of this heinous terror attack must not go unpunished. The innocent victims must get justice,” Kharge said in a post on X.

Rahul Gandhi also said he spoke to Shah, Abdullah, and J-K Congress chief Tariq Karra about the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam to get an update on the situation.

The Congress leader, who’s currently on a visit to the U.S., asserted that the families of the victims deserve justice and “our fullest support”. “Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J-K CM Omar Abdullah, and J-K PCC President Tariq Karra about the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. Received an update on the situation,” he said in a post on X.