The IPL 2025 auction concluded recently, with all 10 franchises actively building their squads to assemble formidable teams for the season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) also made notable additions, bringing in a mix of seasoned stars and promising young talent. However, as they gear up for the new season, RCB have landed in controversy by unveiling a Hindi-language social media handle on X (formerly Twitter).

The account, titled “Royal Challengers Bengaluru Hindi” and operating under the username “@RCBinHindi,” was created to engage Hindi-speaking audiences. This move, however, has triggered backlash from Kannada-speaking fans, who accuse the Bengaluru franchise of favoring Hindi over Kannada.

RCB’s announcement features their iconic cricketer Virat Kohli

The franchise announced the new account with a video featuring their star player Virat Kohli speaking in Hindi, accompanied by English subtitles. The video shared Kohli’s thoughts on his bond with RCB and his retention for the upcoming IPL cycle.

“At the end of the cycle, it’s going to be 20 years that I’m going to be playing for RCB. And that in itself is very, very special. … The bond I share with RCB is so special that I don’t see myself anywhere but RCB. So, I am very happy that happened. We have a chance to create a strong team… and bring the IPL trophy at least once in the next three years,” said Kohli in the video shared by RCB Hindi.

RCB Hindi account ignites heated debate

The announcement aimed to highlight RCB’s commitment to Hindi-speaking fans but instead ignited controversy among Kannada-speaking supporters. The account, launched in October 2024, has posted five tweets so far but has already drawn sharp criticism. Pro-Kannada groups and several fans have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction.

Some activists have started an online petition urging the RCB management to rethink their decision, arguing that the move undermines the local language and culture. The backlash includes demands for the deletion of the account, with the move being labeled as “Hindi imposition.” Pro-Kannada activists and fans have expressed their displeasure over the team’s decision to prioritize Hindi content.

Here is how fans reacted: