The Indian Premier League stands tall as the world’s fifth most-watched sporting spectacle, commanding an audience of 600 million viewers globally – a number that dwarfs twice the United States population.
Beyond the cricket field’s intense rivalries, teams wage another fierce battle in the digital arena. Social media platforms have become virtual stadiums where franchises compete for fan loyalty, and 2025 marks unprecedented heights in this race for digital dominance.
Chennai Super Kings reigns supreme with 42 million followers across platforms, cementing their position as IPL’s most followed franchise. Mumbai Indians holds strong in second place, boasting 38.1 million loyal supporters. Royal Challengers Bangalore rounds out the top three with their passionate army of 34.1 million fans. Ready to discover which teams truly capture cricket fans’ hearts in 2025? Let’s explore the numbers behind IPL’s most beloved franchises. IPL Team Fan Rankings 2025: Which Team Has Most Fans in IPL?
Table of Contents
IPL Team Fan Rankings 2025: Which Team Has Most Fans in IPL?
Chennai Super Kings: The Undisputed Fan Favorite of IPL 2025
Chennai Super Kings stands tall as IPL’s crown jewel of fan following. The five-time champions have crafted something bigger than cricket – a cultural movement that fills stadiums with yellow and dominates social media feeds worldwide.
CSK’s Social Media Empire: 42+ Million Strong
The numbers tell a remarkable story. CSK rules social media with 42.69 million followers across platforms, leaving other franchises in their wake. Their digital kingdom spans:
- Facebook: 14 million passionate supporters
- Instagram: 17.2 million yellow army members
- X (formerly Twitter): 10.8 million voices strong
- YouTube: 3.4 million subscribers and counting
This massive following dwarfs their nearest competitors – Mumbai Indians (40.04 million) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (34.8 million).
Thala Magic: The Dhoni Factor
MS Dhoni remains CSK’s heartbeat. A stunning 72% of fans pledge their loyalty to the man they call “Thala”. His presence transforms every stadium into a sea of yellow jerseys, creating electric atmospheres across India.
The Dhoni phenomenon breeds unique fan behavior. Former CSK star Ambati Rayudu revealed how supporters sometimes cheer their own team’s wickets, hoping to see Dhoni bat. “They’re Dhoni fans first, CSK fans second,” Rayudu noted.
Yellow Army: Loyalty Through Storm and Sunshine
The “Yellow Army” showed their true colors during CSK’s darkest hours. During the two-year ban (2016-2018), their fan club membership surprisingly grew to three lakh followers.
CSK’s 2018 comeback sparked city-wide celebrations, with devoted fans queuing overnight for match tickets. Such unwavering support helped CSK become India’s first sports unicorn.
Beyond Borders: Tamil Nadu and Beyond
CSK’s appeal knows no boundaries. Research shows 42% of their massive following comes from outside Tamil Nadu. Away games often feel like home matches – just ask Hyderabad’s cricket stadium, where yellow drowned out orange in the stands.
At Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, fans proudly kept their CSK jerseys despite offers of free home team merchandise. This nationwide devotion caught global attention when Etihad Airways unveiled a CSK-themed Airbus, cementing their status as “IPL’s biggest franchise”.
Mumbai Indians: The Close Second in IPL Fan Following
Mumbai Indians stands proud as IPL’s second most powerful fanbase. The five-time champions have built something special – a blue army that rivals CSK’s dominance. Through trophy-laden seasons, global expansion, and the Ambani family’s backing, MI’s following keeps growing stronger.
MI’s Digital Empire: 38+ Million Strong
The numbers paint an impressive picture – 38.1 million followers across social platforms. MI’s digital presence spans:
- Massive engagement across Facebook, Instagram, and X
- YouTube content that draws millions of loyal viewers
- ‘MI Buddy’ WhatsApp bot connecting with 200,000+ fans in one season
MI’s social media game speaks volumes – 317 million interactions in a single season. A Spanish study crowned them Facebook’s most popular sports team globally for October-November 2020.
Trophy Cabinet: Building Blocks of Success
Five IPL trophies (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) tell only part of the story. Add two Champions League Twenty20 titles (2011, 2013), and you see why fans flock to the blue banner.
Success breeds value – MI became the first IPL team worth INR 8438.05 million in 2017. By 2019, their brand value touched ₹809 crore.
The Ambani Touch: Family Values Meet Cricket
Under India’s richest family, MI thrives. Nita Ambani’s leadership earned her spot among 2020’s top 10 influential women in sports. The Ambanis brought more than money – they created a culture.
“One Family” isn’t just a motto. It’s how MI connects with millions worldwide.
Beyond Borders: MI’s Global March
DHL Express joining as principal sponsor shows MI’s international pull. The franchise now fields teams across global T20 leagues, spreading blue fever worldwide.
2025 sees MI partnering with 14 brands for merchandise, letting the “MI Paltan” show their colors across continents. From Mumbai’s streets to global tweets, the blue army marches on.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Loyalty Despite Trophy Drought
Royal Challengers Bengaluru writes a different kind of cricket story. No IPL trophy in 17 seasons, yet their fanbase grows stronger each year. The Chinnaswamy Stadium’s sea of red and black tells you everything – these aren’t just fans, they’re believers.
RCB’s Digital Army: 34+ Million Strong
Numbers don’t lie – 34.6 million followers across social platforms make RCB the third most followed IPL team. 2025 saw them sprint ahead as social media’s fastest-growing cricket franchise, adding 5 million new followers.
Five straight years as IPL’s social media champions, with 2 billion engagements across platforms. RCB’s global pull? They outrank football giants Manchester United and Liverpool among Instagram’s top 5 sports teams worldwide.
King Kohli: More Than Just Runs
Virat Kohli and RCB – a love story since 2008. Other teams tried to lure him away, but Kohli stayed loyal to the franchise that believed in him first.
His bat speaks volumes – 973 runs in 2016 (IPL’s highest ever) and 741 runs in 2024. Yet Kohli puts it perfectly: “The loyalty with RCB is far greater for me than for someone to say, finally you are an IPL champion”.
Red Army: Faith That Moves Mountains
“We bleed red and black” – RCB fans wear this badge proudly. Their loyalty defies cricket logic.
Sixteen-year-old Kuastab Rai speaks for thousands: “My grandfather was a diehard RCB fan, my father is, and now it’s my turn. It’s more than just a team, it’s a legacy”. Techie Krishika S adds: “After all, this is our team, it’s our city’s team, how can we give up on it?”
Ee Sala Cup Namde: Hope Springs Eternal
Born in 2011, “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This time the cup is ours) echoes through Bengaluru’s streets each season. More than words, it’s become RCB’s heartbeat.
The slogan’s power reached comedy shows and inspired RCB’s women’s team to WPL glory. Shreyanka Patil captured the moment: “They keep saying ‘Ee sala cup namde’ and we got it. That’s it guys, it is for the fans”.
RCB isn’t just cricket anymore – it’s hope wearing red and black, returning stronger each season.
Kolkata Knight Riders: Bollywood Meets Cricket
Kolkata Knight Riders paints cricket in purple and gold, crafting a spectacle that blends sport with showbiz. Shah Rukh Khan’s star power transforms every match into a celebration, turning KKR into more than just a cricket team.
Purple Warriors: 29+ Million Strong
KKR’s digital empire stands 29.1 million followers strong, claiming fourth spot in IPL’s popularity charts. The numbers keep soaring – 2024 saw a stunning 19.30% surge in followers, outpacing every other franchise.
Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo (Perform, Fight, Win) rings through social media feeds, rallying supporters worldwide. Forbes stamps KKR’s success with a valuation of INR 92.82 billion, ranking them IPL’s 3rd most valuable team.
SRK Magic: Beyond Boundaries
“Shah Rukh Khan’s real contribution? Making cricket entertaining. He brought women and children into the stadiums,” IPL founder Lalit Modi reveals. Music, cheerleaders, entertainment – SRK reimagined cricket’s possibilities.
Players feel the superstar’s touch too. “SRK shows up for every Kolkata match. Bad games? He spends an hour with each player in the dressing room,” shares KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy.
Purple Army: A Global Family
KKR’s appeal crosses borders:
- Bengali hearts worldwide beat purple
- Kerala to Kashmir, fans unite
- SRK’s Delhi-Mumbai admirers join in
- Global cricket lovers embrace KKR’s style
“Bengalis lead the charge, followed by Delhi’s faithful and Mumbai’s SRK fans” – one supporter maps KKR’s diverse fanbase.
Champions’ March: Trophies to Hearts
Three IPL crowns (2012, 2014, 2024) sparkle in KKR’s cabinet. Their 2024 victory parade through Kolkata’s City Center turned streets purple as “fans of all ages grabbed their slice of history”.
“Celebrity owners amplify brand reach through massive followings and marketing magic”. KKR proves it – mixing cricket glory with stardom to build an empire that stretches far beyond Bengal’s borders.
Delhi Capitals: The Capital’s Growing Fanbase
Delhi Capitals writes cricket’s perfect underdog story. The capital’s team keeps climbing higher, building passionate support despite chasing their first IPL trophy.
From Daredevils to Capitals: A Fresh Chapter
December 2018 marked DC’s rebirth. Shedding the Daredevils tag brought fresh energy. The 2020 season saw them storm into their first IPL final. Success breeds success – DC’s women’s team reached back-to-back WPL finals in 2023.
Digital Dynasty: 15.8 Million Strong
The numbers tell DC’s growth story – 15.8 million followers across platforms, breaking down to:
- Facebook: 9.1 million passionate supporters
- Instagram: 4.1 million blue army members
- Twitter: 2.6 million voices strong
DC’s social media game hits sixes. Top spot for video views among IPL teams in 2021. The 2020 season? 370 million video views and Facebook’s highest growth rate at 32%.
Youth Power: New Heroes Rise
Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw lead DC’s youth revolution, drawing cricket’s next generation. March 2025 saw 20-year-old Vipraj Nigam steal hearts with match-winning heroics against LSG.
Capital Connection: Winning North India
DC brings cricket home. “DC Toli” unites fans through player meet-ups across North India. The “DC Fan Sabha” app launched in 2024, declaring “Fans ki Sarkar Hai” with five tiers of exclusive rewards.
Delhi’s streets speak DC’s language – bus shelters transformed into blue bastions of support. Even entertainment catches DC fever with “DC PG by Gulati” – where only true DC fans find shelter.
Punjab Kings: Loyal Fans Despite Inconsistent Performance
Punjab Kings tells cricket’s story of pure heart. Seventeen seasons without silverware, yet their fans stand tall. Through endless rebuilds and leadership changes, PBKS proves loyalty runs deeper than victory.
Red Army: 15.6 Million Strong
PBKS commands 15.6 million followers across social platforms, sitting proud at sixth in IPL’s popularity charts. Match results swing like Punjab’s weather, but fan faith never wavers.
Smart social media plays keep spirits high through tough seasons. Despite playoff dreams staying distant since 2014, PBKS’s digital game keeps fans coming back for more.
Star Power in the Boardroom
PBKS’s ownership reads like India’s who’s who:
- Mohit Burman (Dabur Group) leads with 46%
- Preity Zinta brings Bollywood glamour: 23%
- Ness Wadia adds business might: 23%
- Karan Paul completes the quartet: 8%
Preity Zinta’s star power pulls crowds like magnets. Past tensions between owners fade at auction tables, where professional focus rules.
Building Tomorrow’s Champions
No IPL team switches captains and coaches faster. Yet 2025 brings fresh hope – Ricky Ponting arrives with bold dreams.
“Most dynamic and entertaining franchise” – Ponting’s promise echoes through Punjab. Two young guns stay – Shashank Singh and Prabhsimran Singh. A war chest of Rs 110.5 crore stands ready for auction battles.
Seventeen years of hunger drives owners deep into team matters. The challenge? Balancing passion with patience as Punjab chases that elusive crown.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: The Orange Army’s Rise
Sunrisers Hyderabad paints IPL orange since 2013. Their story? Pure cricket passion wrapped in orange banners, building brick by brick both on pitch and social media.
Orange Warriors: 14.7 Million Strong
SRH claims seventh spot with 14.7 million followers across platforms. The orange flag flies high:
- Facebook: 4.7 million supporters
- Twitter: 3.3 million voices
- Instagram: 6.7 million strong
From modest beginnings after Deccan Chargers’ exit, SRH’s cricket culture keeps drawing crowds.
Global Stars, Local Hearts
Warner, Williamson, Rashid Khan – SRH picks winners who pull global eyeballs. Fresh faces join the orange brigade – Pat Cummins at ₹20.50 crores, Travis Head for ₹6.8 crores. Bold moves paying rich dividends.
2016: When Orange Turned Gold
May 29, 2016 – cricket history painted orange. Warner’s blazing 69 off 38 balls crowned SRH champions. Hotel parties rolled with “plenty of food, drinks and cake”.
Victory changed everything. No longer Chennai’s ‘B’ team – SRH carved its own space in cricket hearts. Pat Cummins led them to 2024’s final, firing up fans for 2025’s orange surge.
Rajasthan Royals: The Original Underdogs
Rajasthan Royals wrote IPL’s first fairy tale. Shane Warne’s band of unknowns shocked cricket’s elite in 2008, lifting the trophy against all odds. That underdog spirit lives on, defining every pink jersey that takes the field.
Pink Army: 12.9 Million Strong
RR stands eighth in IPL’s digital rankings with 12.9 million loyal followers. Their social kingdom spans:
- Facebook: 4.6 million believers
- Twitter: 2.9 million voices
- Instagram: 5.4 million strong
Match results swing, but the “Royals army” marches on, unwavering in support.
Young Guns: Tomorrow’s Stars Today
RR’s blueprint? Back young talent, watch them soar. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel – raw diamonds polished into match-winners for both pink and blue.
Sanju Samson leads this youth revolution, rekindling dreams of 2008’s glory. Fans don’t just watch cricket here – they witness tomorrow’s stars taking flight.
Warne Magic: More Than Memories
Shane Warne’s 2008 masterpiece stands alone. Cricket’s lone foreign captain in IPL’s debut season turned rookies into champions. Under his wing, Ravindra Jadeja and Yusuf Pathan transformed from prospects to superstars.
“Young kids, 17-18 years old, no First-Class cricket. Nobody believed,” Warne recalled. His mantra still echoes: “IPL success means winning hearts first”.
Beyond boundaries, Warne’s charity work touched thousands of young lives. His legacy? A team that proves cricket dreams come in all sizes, shapes – and shades of pink.
Gujarat Titans: Rapid Fanbase Growth for the Newcomers
Gujarat Titans rewrites IPL’s growth playbook. Three years, countless memories – Ahmedabad’s pride turns the Adani Group’s cricket dream into reality faster than anyone imagined.
Speed Kings: 6.8 Million Strong
Numbers tell GT’s sprint story – 6.8 million followers across platforms. Fresh faces of 2022 now command:
- Facebook: 4.4 million believers
- Twitter: 614.9K voices strong
- Plus growing numbers across platforms
While others took decades, GT built their digital empire from ground zero.
Champions at Hello
Trophy in year one? GT said why wait. Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium turned electric as 104,859 fans watched Miller and Gill seal destiny.
Success breeds success. Two seasons, two table-topping finishes, premium sponsors lining up. Every victory adds another chapter to GT’s fairy tale.
Hardik’s “One for All” Magic
“No hierarchy” – Hardik Pandya’s leadership mantra struck gold. “Everyone walks the same path—one for all and all for one”. Simple words, powerful results.
GT keeps fans close. 360-Degree Video Booths catch memories, Uttarayan celebrations share culture. “Titans Fam” opens doors to player meet-and-greets.
Shubman Gill now carries the torch, chasing GT’s dream – “IPL’s most entertaining and engaging franchise”. Three years down, countless more to go.
Lucknow Super Giants: Building a Fanbase from Scratch
Lucknow Super Giants steps into IPL’s grand stage with perfect timing. Cricket’s newest challenger taps into Uttar Pradesh’s massive cricket passion, turning India’s most populous state into their strength.
Digital Sprint: 5.3 Million and Counting
LSG’s social media story speaks volumes – 5.31 million followers in just three years. Their digital kingdom spans:
- Instagram: 3.4 million supporters
- Facebook: 1.1 million strong
- Twitter: 810.9K voices
Social media magic? LSG tops engagement charts on Twitter and Facebook. Their video content pulls massive numbers – 500 million views in one season.
Smart Moves: Winning Hearts Street by Street
LSG plays the fan game differently. Their 360-degree campaign hits home:
- 100+ billboards light up Uttar Pradesh
- “Jashn-e-LSG” parade rolls from Rumi Darwaza to Ambedkar Park
- Cricket’s first drone show lights Lucknow’s skies
- Local radio and newspapers spread LSG fever
UP’s own Shubham Gaur helps LSG reach new heights – 3 million fresh followers and 2 billion global views.
Heart of UP: Cricket Meets Culture
BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium tells LSG’s real story – 300,000 fans pack stands in their debut season. Bhojpuri beats mix with cricket cheers, while Lucknow Metro runs special trains for night matches.
Rishabh Pant and Justin Langer lead LSG’s charge while the “LSG Brigade” grows stronger – 6,000 members and rising. UP’s cricket revolution? Just getting started.
Beyond Social Media: True Measures of IPL Fan Loyalty
Social media followers paint just half the picture. Real fan loyalty? That story lives in packed stadiums, sold-out merchandise stores, and passionate online communities.
Stadium Stories: Where Numbers Meet Noise
IPL stands tall – world’s 8th most-watched sports league, pulling 26,000 fans per match. Just 60 games versus football’s 380, yet cricket stadiums roar:
- Eden Gardens lights up for KKR: 66,000 seats
- DY Patil Stadium backs MI: 60,000 strong
- Arun Jaitley Stadium hosts DC: 55,000 voices
Gujarat Titans shattered records – 104,859 fans watched history unfold in Ahmedabad. Stadium math suggests room to grow – full houses could push average attendance to 44,500.
Jersey Power: Brand Values Soar
2024 saw 140,000 official jerseys find homes. CSK rules this game too – Dhoni magic claims 50% of all merchandise sales.
Brand value scoreboard tells tales:
- CSK leads: INR 10,294.41 million (up 52%)
- MI follows: INR 10,041.27 million (up 36%)
- RCB charges: INR 9,872.51 million (up 67%)
SRH surprises everyone – 76% brand value jump tops the charts. Yet fake merchandise keeps team profits thin.
Digital Devotion: Beyond Just Likes
RCB owns influencer chatter with 14.6K mentions. MI videos catch 1.2 billion eyes, engaging fans at 1.59%.
Reddit cricket fever spreads wild – r/ipl explodes 864% in one year. r/MumbaiIndians? A stunning 4440% surge. These aren’t just numbers – they’re proof that IPL passion runs deeper than clicks and follows.
IPL Fan Power Rankings 2025: Complete Team Analysis
| Franchise | Digital Army Size | Fan Culture Highlights | Success Drivers | Trophy Cabinet & Milestones | Social Media Strongholds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | 42.69M | Yellow Army rules; 42% fans beyond Tamil Nadu borders | Thala Dhoni magic | 5 IPL crowns; India’s first cricket unicorn | Facebook (14M), Instagram (17.2M), Twitter (10.8M), YouTube (3.4M) |
| Mumbai Indians | 38.1M | MI Paltan spans continents | Ambani touch; 5 IPL trophies | Brand value kings – INR 8438.05M | Major platforms (exact numbers pending) |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 34.6M | “Ee Sala Cup Namde” warriors; Most loyal despite trophy wait | King Kohli effect; 2025’s fastest growing fanbase | 2B+ fan interactions; Instagram’s top 5 globally | Multiple channels (breakdown awaited) |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 29.1M | Purple-gold pride; 19.30% surge in 2024 | SRK star power; Entertainment DNA | Triple champions (2012, 2014, 2024); 3rd most valuable | Various platforms (details pending) |
| Delhi Capitals | 15.8M | Youth movement rising; Capital’s pride | Pant’s young brigade | Video views champions 2021 | Facebook (9.1M), Instagram (4.1M), Twitter (2.6M) |
| Punjab Kings | 15.6M | Loyalty through thick and thin | Star-studded ownership | 2025’s richest auction purse (₹110.5 crore) | Multiple platforms (specifics awaited) |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 14.7M | Orange Army marches on | Global stars shine | 2016 champions; 2024 finalists | Facebook (4.7M), Twitter (3.3M), Instagram (6.7M) |
| Rajasthan Royals | 12.9M | Youth talent hunters | Warne’s lasting legacy | IPL’s first champions (2008) | Facebook (4.6M), Twitter (2.9M), Instagram (5.4M) |
| Gujarat Titans | 6.8M | New kings, fast rise | Debut season glory | 2022 champions; Record crowd (104,859) | Facebook (4.4M), Twitter (614.9K) |
| Lucknow Super Giants | 5.31M | UP’s pride growing strong | Heart of heartland cricket | Engagement rate champions | Instagram (3.4M), Facebook (1.1M), Twitter (810.9K) |
Beyond Numbers: IPL’s Heart Beats in Fan Stories
Cricket passion speaks louder than follower counts. CSK’s yellow wave crashes through social media with 42.69 million voices, yet their true strength echoes in stadium chants and street celebrations. MI’s blue army and RCB’s red brigade follow close behind, each writing their own cricket folklore through distinct team cultures.
Stadium stories tell tales numbers can’t capture. Gujarat’s Narendra Modi Stadium thunders with 104,859 voices – proof that cricket dreams need no history to find home. Meanwhile, Dhoni’s number 7 flies off shelves, claiming half of IPL’s merchandise kingdom, while team valuations touch the skies.
RCB proves trophies don’t measure love – their social media mentions soar highest while MI’s videos captivate billions. Pure passion, these numbers say, runs deeper than silverware.
Yet cricket’s real magic lives beyond metrics. Ten teams, ten tales – from Thala’s Chennai roar to Bengaluru’s eternal hope of “Ee Sala Cup Namde.” Each season adds new chapters, turning first-time watchers into lifetime believers. After all, in IPL’s grand theatre, every fan finds their own reason to believe.
Read more: Most Followed IPL Team in 2025: Chennai Super Kings Reign Supreme on Instagram
FAQs
Which IPL team has the largest fanbase in 2025?
According to recent statistics, Chennai Super Kings leads with over 42 million followers across social media platforms, making them the most popular IPL team in 2025.
How do newer IPL franchises like Gujarat Titans build their fanbases so quickly?
Newer franchises like Gujarat Titans have rapidly built fanbases through a combination of on-field success (winning the IPL in their debut season), strategic marketing campaigns, and leveraging local cultural connections in their home regions.
Does winning championships guarantee the biggest fanbase in IPL?
Not necessarily. While successful teams like Mumbai Indians have large followings, Royal Challengers Bangalore commands one of the most loyal fanbases despite never winning an IPL trophy, showing that factors beyond championships influence fan loyalty.
How do IPL teams measure fan engagement beyond social media followers?
Teams look at various metrics including stadium attendance, merchandise sales, brand value, and social media engagement rates (such as video views and influencer mentions) to gage true fan loyalty and involvement.
What role do team owners and star players play in attracting IPL fans?
Team owners and star players have a significant impact on fanbase growth. For example, Shah Rukh Khan’s ownership has boosted KKR’s popularity, while players like MS Dhoni for CSK and Virat Kohli for RCB have become synonymous with their franchises, attracting millions of loyal supporters.
