RCB Becomes First IPL Team with 20 Million Instagram Followers
The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a memorable one for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), both on and off the field. While the Rajat Patidar-led side is battling hard for a top-two finish in the playoffs, they have already made history off the field by becoming the first-ever IPL franchise to reach 20 million followers on Instagram. This article explores their journey, achievements, form, and the road ahead.
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1. Social Media Dominance: RCB Hits 20 Million on Instagram
In a major off-field milestone, RCB etched their name in the record books by becoming the first IPL franchise to cross 20 million followers on Instagram. This achievement not only reflects the popularity of the franchise but also underlines the deep emotional connect RCB enjoys with its global fan base.
Previously trailing Chennai Super Kings in the popularity charts, RCB overtook CSK earlier this season. The latest Instagram record reaffirms their position as the most followed and celebrated IPL team on social media. The franchise’s engaging content, fan interactions, and stylish brand image have played a major role in building their online empire.
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2. On-Field Performance: RCB Clinch Playoff Berth
It hasn’t just been about off-field success for RCB this season. The franchise, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, has showcased consistent performances, earning a place in the IPL 2025 Playoffs with one group match still to play.
This marks a significant turnaround for a team that has often been criticized for inconsistency. Their balanced squad, combined with strategic team rotations, has made them a formidable force this season.
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3. Top Two Finish Within Reach
As the league phase nears its end, RCB are on the cusp of achieving something they haven’t managed since 2016 — a top-two finish. Currently sitting third with 17 points, they are in a neck-and-neck battle with Mumbai Indians (16 points) and Punjab Kings (17 points) for the second spot behind table-toppers Gujarat Titans (18 points).
A win in their final match against Lucknow Super Giants could potentially catapult them to second place, especially after Gujarat Titans’ back-to-back defeats. A top-two finish is highly valuable in the IPL format, offering two chances to make it to the final.
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4. Momentum Disrupted by Mid-Season Break
RCB were one of the form teams of the tournament before the unexpected 10-day break caused by the India-Pakistan military conflict. Before the break, Bengaluru were riding high on confidence, winning four consecutive matches.
However, the pause seems to have broken their rhythm. Since the resumption, RCB have struggled to find their groove — their first game back was washed out by rain, and the next resulted in a disappointing 42-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad.
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5. Jitesh Sharma’s Honest Assessment Post Defeat
Following the loss to SRH, stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma admitted that the team looked “rusty” and lacked the intensity needed at this crucial stage.
“We were rusty. The intensity wasn’t there initially… In the death overs, we were bowling more accurately,”
– Jitesh Sharma after the loss to SRH
This frank assessment highlights that while RCB has the firepower, their execution needs to improve in pressure situations, especially with playoffs approaching.
6. Josh Hazlewood’s Return a Big Boost
One of the bright spots in RCB’s campaign has been the return of Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood. The right-arm quick has been a revelation this season, leading the bowling attack with 18 wickets in 10 matches. He currently sits fourth in the list of top wicket-takers in IPL 2025.
Hazlewood’s ability to strike early in the powerplay and contain runs at the death has provided RCB the much-needed bowling edge. His presence will be crucial in their final group match and beyond.
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7. Familiarity with Ekana Stadium a Plus
RCB’s final league match will be played at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow — a venue where they recently played. This familiarity with the pitch and conditions could give them an edge, especially in a high-stakes encounter.
With spin likely to play a big role, expect RCB to deploy a tactical combination that exploits the slow nature of the surface.
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8. Fan Power: The 12th Man Advantage
RCB’s ever-growing fan base — now officially the biggest in IPL history — continues to be their 12th man. From packed stadiums to trending hashtags, the support for the franchise has never been stronger. The franchise’s ability to maintain a solid digital engagement strategy has made them a marketing powerhouse.
This fan momentum adds to the team’s morale and helps build a brand that transcends cricket.
9. Road Ahead: Do-or-Die for Top 2
With 17 points in their bag, RCB must win their final group stage match to keep their top-two hopes alive. A loss could see them pushed to the Eliminator, depending on the result of the MI vs PBKS game.
The margin for error is minimal. Victory not only guarantees momentum heading into the playoffs but also provides a much smoother path to the final via Qualifier 1.
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10. Conclusion: A Historic Season in the Making
RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign is shaping up to be one of their most iconic seasons ever. With a playoff spot confirmed and a shot at a top-two finish, the team is in prime position to end their title drought.
Add to that the incredible off-field milestone of becoming the first IPL team to cross 20 million Instagram followers, and you have a season that RCB fans will remember for years. Whether or not they lift the trophy, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already made history — and they’re not done yet.
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