Despite playing 16 IPL seasons, Royal Challengers Bangalore have yet to get their hands on the trophy. In terms of fan-following, the Bangalore-based franchise surpasses former champions KKR and Rajasthan Royals, yet RCB remains the most frequently criticized IPL team. Every season, they enter as one of the favorites with a strong team on paper, but things have not worked out for them over the years.
They had a few brilliant seasons in 2009, 2011, and 2016 when they made it to the final. However, luck didn’t favor them in the title game. They have made 8 playoff appearances in 16 seasons, which is impressive when compared to teams like Delhi Capitals (5 times) and Punjab Kings (2 times). Still, the absence of a trophy continues to haunt RCB.
RCB to Adopt ‘Bengaluru’ in Its Name
Over the IPL seasons, Virat Kohli’s team has also shown a superstitious side, making changes to logos and jerseys. However, in the 2024 season, they are making an even bigger change by changing their name. RCB’s Instagram account recently posted a promo video featuring Kannada actor Rishabh Shetty, hinting at rebranding. The video suggests that RCB will no longer feature ‘Bangalore’ in their name, instead, it will be changed to ‘Bengaluru’.
The city is known by both names, Bangalore and Bengaluru, but in 2006, Bengaluru was officially adopted to match its original Kannada pronunciation. However, since IPL’s inception in 2008, the franchise has used ‘Bangalore’ in its name. Now, after 16 years, the Begaluru-based team has decided to change its name, and the new name of RCB will be ‘Royal Challengers Bengaluru’. The franchise will make the official announcement during the RCB Unbox event on March 19.
Fans in the comment section seemed pleased with the franchise’s decision. One Instagram user wrote, “Finally, it’s happening. Waited 16 years for this.” Fans are looking forward to catching the RCB Unbox event, which is set to be attended by team captain Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli.
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The Faf du Plessis-led team will kick off the 2024 campaign with the season opener against the Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on March 22. Meanwhile, RCB will play their first home game on March 25 against the Punjab Kings.