The IPL 2024 aka the 17th edition of the tournament is about to begin this year, and we will be seeing the most epic teams on the field, battling it out for that shiny IPL trophy, once again. Feeling excited? You should be, especially if you consider yourself to be a loyal fan of your favorite team in the IPL. And just like you, there are literally millions of fans waiting for their team to show their power again on the cricket pitch. But do you know which are the teams that actually have the most loyal fan base, not just in India though, but on a global level? Well, that’s what we are about to find out, so yeah, come with us on this journey to take a good look at the list of the most loyal fan base teams in IPL 2024. Alright, here we go now.
Highest Fan Following IPL Team
1. Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians stand as a testament to how success and consistency work hand in hand in the IPL. Five IPL titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) make a great read for any team’s trophy cabinet and their world class stars like Rohit Sharma (the insanely clever skipper), Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav, and don’t let them down when it comes to making the fans proud. And, make no mistake, the term fans is not used lightly here. They take it upon themselves to occupy entire stadiums, their presence is duly felt on social media and their cheers are never too far away from the players’ ears. This, one must add, is the result of efforts by the franchise off the cricket field to keep the fans engaged, and that makes Mumbai Indians nothing short of a powerhouse in the IPL.
2. Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings, led by the charismatic MS Dhoni, aren’t just a team, they’re a cricketing institution. CSK’s consistency and success with an awe-inspiring five IPL titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023), The “Whistle Podu” army, as their fans are fondly known, is loyalty personified. The dedication of this fanbase goes beyond the wins, it is always about the team’s culture and the leadership of Dhoni who is often called the “Baap of IPL.” The CSK fanbase shares a blend of respect, adoration, and family-like affection with their team, making them among the most loyal in the IPL.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore
Royal Challengers Bangalore have meandered through the 12 seasons of IPL, producing several indelible moments, many of which have gone viral, you know? Their roller-coaster journey and defeats have only made their fans more ardent, turning them into a force, the Bold Army, to reckon with. This loyal group of followers, which has grown in both numbers and fervent support over the years, has watched every game, stood by them through all their troubles, and laughed and cried with them. The first glimpse of the narrative that is a Royal Challengers game is always a sea of red at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, as fans converge for a moment, a story, and to support their team as it seeks its first title. Led by the dynamic Virat Kohli, the Royal Challengers players, of course, have made it their business to build a bond with their fans, through appearances and on social media, where fans are a click away.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders fans see their two IPL titles (2012 & 2014) not as an end but as the beginning as their loyalty grows. While Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla’s star power certainly added to the team’s popularity, KKR’s popularity has transcended boundaries all over India because of the energy and entertainment that the team has brought to its fans, you know? Their wins have been taken as if it was their own while their losses have ruined their day, their deep-rooted support and fan engagement shows the emotional bond between the team and their fans.
5. Rajasthan Royals
The Rajasthan Royals’ story has resonated with cricket fans around India. As the winners of the inaugural aka the very first IPL in 2008 under the captaincy of Shane Warne, they etched their name along with every fan in the short history of the league. Despite being seen as an underdog in many seasons following their victory, the Royals have continued to have a strong loyal fan base, whose hearts they win every game. The fighting spirit and determination of their team has not just been the only reason, and the emergence of a super star like Sanju Samson has only increased the backing of their devoted fans.
Final Thoughts
That’s all there is for now. Sure, there are other teams in IPL that have begun to rise in popularity and in terms of their loyal fan base, but because these particular IPL teams have always been there, winning the hearts of millions, we had to include them in the list.
Hina Abbasi is Editor and a passionate sports and entertainment content writer at WinnersMaze.com. Hina’s expertise spans across a wide range of sports, and interest in many TV shows allowing her to deliver insightful analysis and compelling stories that resonate with readers.