If you’ve been a loyal RCB buff for the past 10 years, we totally understand your pain. Considering our home team has reached the finals of the Indian Premier League thrice, but not managed to clinch the title even once, it’s heartbreaking for fans who’ve been rooting for them devotedly through the years. While some seasons RCB has performed dismally, during other year’s, they’ve blown their supporters away with their brilliant performances. With four losses in IPL 10 so far, numerous fans have reached frustration point, but a lot of followers continue to throng the stadiums and show their undying love for the team.
Shreekaar Kuruvadi, an 18-year-old student has been going to Chinnaswamy Stadium to watch the Challengers for the last five years. Having gone for two home games this season, he says, “The ‘Aaar Ceee Beee’ chant still gives me goosebumps. RCB has been the most entertaining team in the IPL, thanks to Virat, ABD and Gayle. Also, our stadium has the best crowd - they not only cheered for our team, but also cheered for Dhoni when he came out to bat!” Despite being saddened by the lack of an IPL title, he says, “Sometimes, we do lose hope, but at the end of the day, we’ll still support our team. For instance, when the crowd knew that it was not possible to win against RPS, they didn’t stop supporting RCB. That is our fan base for you. Hope we win the title this year.”
For student Harshita Shetty, it’s always been RCB above all. Despite hailing from Mumbai, her loyalties lie with the Men in Red. “My love for them started off nine years ago, thanks to Rahul Dravid and it has continued since then. My current favourites are Captain Aggressive – Mr. Kohli and AB 360 de Viliers! I’m sure they will win the remaining matches. Last year too, we lost around seven matches, but still managed to make it to the finals. So, I’m putting my trust in them this time too,” says the cricket enthusiast, who reveals that she’ll lend her support to the squad even if they’re at the bottom of the points table.
Sugumar D who works at KerryIndev Logistics is one of those ‘fan’atical RCB admirers who has not missed a single home game at Chinnaswamy stadium till date! Talking to us on his way to Gujarat for the next RCB match, he says. “This is the first time I’m travelling out of our city to watch our team’s games in other cities. I’m going to Kolkata, Pune and Mumbai too. Of course, I do feel bad when our team doesn’t win, but we have the most entertaining team!” There’s no denying that RCB-ians are the most spirited and fervent fans. We just hope that Kohli’s men play well and give their aficionados the joy they deserve.
