IPL 2025: Ruckus over RCB's Hindi X page, Kannada fans furious
IPL 2025: Ruckus over RCB's Hindi X page, Kannada fans furious
RCB embroiled in controversy for IPL 2025, fans angry over decisions to release players and launch Hindi X account. Accused of ignoring Kannada, fans demand Kannada priority and integrated social media updates.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are under fire from fans and locals as they begin preparations for IPL 2025. The team, which has enjoyed unwavering support despite not winning an IPL trophy since 2008, has been facing criticism for recent decisions. Fans are unhappy with RCB's player auction choices, with many alleging that key players have been dropped. Adding to this disappointment, Kannadigas have expressed displeasure at the perception of Hindi being imposed by the franchise.
The controversy started when RCB launched a dedicated Hindi page on X (formerly Twitter). Fans argue that as a team based in Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka, RCB should prioritise Kannada rather than Hindi. The new account, @RCBinHindi, has fuelled allegations that the move promotes Hindi at the expense of Kannada.
RCB has multiple X accounts
1. @RCBTweets – The primary account where posts are made in English.
2. @RCBinKannada – A Kannada-specific page for local fans.
3. @RCBinHindi – The recently launched Hindi page has become a topic of controversy.
पेश है धुरंधरों से सजी आईपीएल 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ की हमारी दमदार टीम! ❤️🔥#PlayBold #IPL2025 #IPLAuction #BidForBold #RCB #Hindi #Explore pic.twitter.com/R3ZbmmDRAZ
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru Hindi (@RCBinHindi) November 25, 2024
Critics have questioned the need to maintain three separate accounts. Fans argue that other IPL teams such as Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad manage to post in multiple languages on the same account without distinguishing them. They have pointed to other Bengaluru-based franchises such as Bengaluru FC (football) and Bengaluru Bulls (Pro Kabaddi), which effectively use Kannada along with other languages on their official accounts.
ಇದು ನಿಮ್ಮ ತಂಡ, ನಿಮ್ಮ ರಾಯಲ್ ಚಾಲೆಂಜರ್ಸ್ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು! ❤️🔥
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru Kannada (@RCBinKannada) November 25, 2024
ಅಭಿಮಾನಿಗಳೇ, ನಿಮ್ಮ ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದ ನಮ್ಮ ಮೇಲೆ ಸಾದ ಇರಲಿ. 🙌#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPLAuction #BidForBold #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/fBUba7ZmEc
Pro-Kannada activist Sajith expressed his disapproval on social media, terming the move as "Hindi imposition". He warned RCB to immediately shut down the Hindi page or else a campaign would be launched to block all their ex-accounts. Many Kannadigas have echoed this sentiment, urging the team management to focus on respecting Kannada and its speakers.
The discontent doesn't end here. Fans are also angry with RCB's decisions in the IPL 2025 player auction. Releasing key players like KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal and Mohammed Siraj has drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing the management of prioritising cost-cutting over team performance.
The anger among fans highlights deeper concerns about RCB's relationship with its local fan base. Critics suggest the franchise merge all language-specific posts into a single account to maintain inclusivity.
PC:Asianetnews