There are few things more emotional for cricket lovers than seeing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) go down fighting. The 2026 IPL season was expected to be their moment to shine again after finally breaking the trophy curse in 2025. But cricket, like life, can be unpredictable—and this time, fate had other plans.
RCB: From Glory in 2025 to Heartbreak in 2026
When RCB lifted the IPL trophy in 2025, fans cried tears of joy. Bengaluru turned red that night—streets were full of celebrations, chants of “Ee Sala Cup Namde” echoing everywhere.
But just one year later, the journey turned painful. RCB’s campaign in IPL 2026 came to an unexpected end. Injuries, internal changes, and lack of rhythm hit them hard. Losing close games hurt even more because every fan knew the team still had the talent and fire.
Behind the scenes, the franchise is undergoing seismic change. The team’s owner, United Spirits Limited (USL), a subsidiary of Diageo PLC, has initiated a strategic review of the investment in RCB, describing it as “non-core” to its beverage business. Consequently, the sale process is expected to be concluded by March 31, 2026—just ahead of IPL 2026.
What Went Wrong This Season?
- Captain Rajat Patidar’s injury:
The leader who guided RCB to their maiden title in 2025 was ruled out for months due to injury. His absence created a big leadership gap in the dressing room. - Team transition phase:
RCB was dealing with ownership changes as United Spirits Limited (USL) decided to sell the franchise before the next season. The uncertainty off the field affected the mood on it. - Lack of consistency:
Some matches were lost by just a few runs, some by poor fielding or bowling at the death. It felt like luck had turned its back on them this season.
The Pain of Fans – But Love Remains
If you are an RCB fan, you know this feeling too well. The hope, the heartbreak, and yet the unshakable belief. Social media is full of emotional posts from fans—some angry, some sad, but all deeply connected.
One fan wrote, “We don’t support RCB for trophies, we support them for the love they bring to the game.”
And that’s true. RCB fans have shown what loyalty means. Win or lose, they paint the stands red and gold.
A New Chapter Ahead
While this exit hurts, there’s also hope. A new owner may bring fresh energy and new strategies. Young players like Mahipal Lomror, Anuj Rawat, and Reece Topley have shown sparks of brilliance. And once Patidar is fit again, he’ll return hungrier than ever.
RCB isn’t just a team—it’s an emotion. It’s the fire of Virat Kohli, the passion of the fans, and the dream of millions who never stop believing.
Message to RCB Fans
Don’t lose heart. The 2026 season might be ended in disappointment, but every fall makes the next rise stronger. The team has changed, yes—but the soul of RCB remains the same.
When IPL 2027 comes, the chants might rise again:
“RCB! RCB! RCB!”
Because true fans never stop believing.