The decision from Bengaluru-based Indian Premier League franchise, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to open a Hindi account on X has provoked a contentious discussion among supporters and pro-Kannada campaigners. There are just five tweets from the October 2024-launched social media account. Nearly 2,500 people follow the @RCBinHindi account as of November 28.
The move has drawn criticism from a number of pro-Kannada organizations and supporters who claim that the RCB management is forcing Hindi on their Kannada-speaking supporters. Many people have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media, and some have even started an online petition to ask management to change their minds.
AI videos of the new players that RCB purchased at the IPL Auction are now posted on the social media account. One of the videos shows Liam Livingstone, an England batter, introducing himself to the supporters in Hindi.
In Bengaluru, the city where RCB is based on, many Hindi speakers have recently experienced linguistic discrimination. Videos of cab and car drivers requesting that passengers either leave their state or speak Kannada have gone viral.
But not every fan supported the idea of shutting down the Hindi social media account. Some supporters have justified the decision, pointing out that RCB has a global following that is not limited by language. They contend that creating a Hindi account serves the team's varied fan base and should not be interpreted as a contentious move.
RCB in IPL 2025 mega auction
RCB was criticized for losing out on top players on Day 1 of the just finished IPL mega auction. They appeared to have a plan going into the auction, though, and they followed it. On paper, RCB seems dangerous because they have a strong combination of young and experienced players.
RCB's IPL 2025 Full Squad
Retained Players: Virat Kohli (Rs 21 crore), Rajat Patidar (Rs 11 crore), Yash Dayal (Rs 5 crore)
Buys in IPL 2025 mega auction: Liam Livingstone (8.75 crore), Phil Salt (11.50 crore) Jitesh Sharma (INR 11 crore), Josh Hazlewood (12.50 crore), Rasikh Dar (6 crores), Suyash Sharma (2.60 crore), Krunal Pandya (5.75 crore), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (10.75 crore), Tim David (3 crores), Swapnil Singh (50 Lakh), Romario Shepherd (1.50 crore), Nuwan Thushara (1.60 crore), Manoj Bhandage (30 Lakh), Jacob Bethell (2.60 crore), Devdutt Padikkal (2 crore), Swastik Chikara (30 Lakh), Lungi Ngidi (1 crore), Abhinandan Singh (30 Lakh), Mohit Rathee (30 Lakh)
