The Indian Premier League (IPL) is undeniably one of the most popular cricket tournaments globally, boasting a massive and passionate fanbase. Among the prestigious franchises participating in the IPL, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) stands out for its exceptionally large and dedicated following. However, a recent revelation by Dinesh Karthik, a key member of the RCB squad, sheds light on a complex dynamic within the fanbase.
Karthik boasts an impressive IPL career, having played for six different franchises. Starting with the Delhi Daredevils, he has donned the jerseys of Kings XI Punjab, Gujarat Lions, and Kolkata Knight Riders, where he captained the team for nearly three years.
Currently, he plies his trade for the Challengers as a finisher. Notably, DK joined the RCB in the 2022 mega auction, although he also previously played for them in the 2015 season. Karthik holds a remarkable record of missing only two matches in the entire 17-season history of the IPL.
Dinesh Karthik’s praise for RCB’s fanbase
In his recent interaction, Karthik acknowledged the unwavering loyalty of the RCB fanbase. He emphasized the electrifying feeling of being cheered by the crowd in Bengaluru, a sentiment that motivates players and makes them feel valued. Karthik even recognized the unwavering support the fans provide, going beyond mere appreciation to become vocal advocates for the team.
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“RCB fans are loyalists. They are actually family, and I say that in good and bad ways. The good way is that when you go, no matter what happens, if I walk in, they will cheer my name and make me feel like I’m the greatest player on Earth. What I mean by that is that to the outside world, they will never give up on you. If there is a fight between say you know some team and they say, “Oh, X is not a good player,” they will pounce on that person,” Karthik said on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel.
The shocking revelation by Karthik
Karthik further acknowledged a contrasting aspect of this loyalty. He explained that while fans outwardly defend the team, on a personal level, some may resort to online abuse through direct messages (DMs) if a player underperforms. This negativity can extend beyond the player to their family. However, Karthik emphasizes that despite this online negativity, the public persona of RCB fans remains one of unwavering support.
“On a personal level, that same fan will abuse me silently in DMs every day, rather than on a one-on-one note. He will go hard at me if I don’t do well for RCB; he will smash me, not just me, my family, and whoever is possible in my life. But to the outside world, They will not give up an RCB player,” added Karthik.
