Loyalty triumphs

All in the game

It is said that the fans make the person a star. In that case, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is still a brightly shining constellation in the galaxy of sports persons in India. Despite a thoroughly unimpressive performance this season, the team commands a loyal fan following in the home ground of Bengaluru and fans and supporters are staunch about the fact that when it comes to RCB, they will continue to wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Says Kapil Joshi, a marketing professional “Just because they don’t perform well during one season doesn’t mean you can write the team off. I have been following RCB since the start of the first season of IPL. People like me will always remain big fans of theirs.”

Such is his allegiance that he doesn’t follow matches where RCB is not playing. “Whether in the stadium or in front of the television, only Virat and his men can pique my interest,” he says with a smile.

Jijil Raj, an MNC professional, feels that the mood inside the stadium is a good indicator of the fan base that RCB continues to command. “Most of the crowd continued cheering and supporting even though we were on the losing side. At the end of the day, it is all about cricket and everyone still looks forward to the experience of a live match in the stadium. And the stands will always be full because people love seeing the players up close, no matter whether they are winning or losing.”

The word ‘experience’ is oft repeated when it comes to stating reasons as to why people still flock to the stadium despite the home team having something of a disastrous run. “The entire feel of being in the stadium amidst a cheering crowd, the fun, the food, the madness...all this is what makes people come to the matches again and again. I am not much of a cricket fan but I couldn’t pass up an opportunity like this,” says Tushaarinder Singh, a student.

Mohsin Shaikh puts it in perspective when he says, “It is a game. One of them has to lose and there is always a next time. This is what every fan feels when they purchase tickets for the next match, in the hope that the team will deliver at least then. But it is okay even if they don’t and there are no permanent hard feelings. Even when RCB was losing, it was only less than 10 percent of the crowd that was not cheering. Every time RCB would bowl or bat, a huge cheer would go up from the stands.”

He goes on to add, “This game is more about entertainment than passion. You are not playing against another country so it is not taken that seriously. Like if it was an India-Pakistan match, it is a do-or-die situation; India has to win. But here, it is okay. Next time!”