There is no denying the fact that the Indian Premier League has become one of the most popular cricket tournaments in the world.
The tournament, which is now in its eleventh edition, has seen a tremendous growth in its popularity over the years.
How did IPL become the biggest cricket league in the world?
There are several reasons behind this growth. First and foremost, the Indian Premier League has been able to capture the imagination of the cricket-loving public in India like no other tournament. The tournament has been able to provide a platform for some of the best cricketing talents in the country to showcase their skills.
Secondly, the Indian Premier League has been able to provide a great deal of entertainment value for the spectators.
The matches in the tournament are generally high-scoring and are played at a fast pace. This has made the tournament extremely popular among the fans.
Thirdly, the Indian Premier League has been able to generate a great deal of revenue for the cricket boards in the country.
The tournament has helped in the growth of the game in the country and has also generated a lot of employment opportunities. Fourthly, the Indian Premier League has been able to create a great brand identity for the country. The tournament has helped promote the country as a cricketing nation and has also helped in making those participating teams as top 10 fan-following IPL teams.
The IPL has become the best cricket league in the world since its inception in 2008.
What started as a way to promote T20 cricket in India has grown into a global phenomenon attracting hundreds of millions of viewers.
In this article, we will analyze fan-following data from various social media platforms and surveys to determine which team has most fans in IPL 2023.
10. Lucknow Super Giants
In their debut season in 2022, the Lucknow Super Giants finished third in the league table, qualifying for the playoffs in their first attempt.
Under the leadership of dashing KL Rahul, the Super Giants played an aggressive brand of cricket that excited fans.
On social media, Lucknow Super Giants have over 2.1 million followers on Facebook.
Their Instagram account has grown to 1.8 million followers after just one season.
Deepak Hooda and player of the tournament KL Rahul were instrumental in driving fan engagement through their performances.
According to a survey by YouGov, 15% of IPL fans named the Lucknow Super Giants as their favorite team, an impressive number in their inaugural year.
With their newness factor and on-field success, the Lucknow Super Giants look set to continue expanding their fan base rapidly.
9. Gujarat Titans
Another first-year franchise, the Gujarat Titans dominated the 2022 season by winning 9 out of their 14 league matches to finish atop the points table.
In the playoffs, they defeated the Rajasthan Royals in the final to become the champions in their debut season.
Led by the inspirational Hardik Pandya, the Titans played fearless cricket which was a joy to watch. On Facebook, the Titans have amassed over 1.9 million followers despite being a new franchise.
Their Instagram following has grown to 1.6 million after just one season of play. Star players Hardik Pandya and GT’s leading run scorer Shubman Gill have driven heavy fan engagement.
According to the YouGov survey, 12% of IPL fans named Gujarat Titans their favorite team, reflecting their on-field success in capturing a sizeable fanbase quickly.
The Titans have established themselves as the most fan base team in IPL over the years with a huge loyal fan following across India and internationally as well.
8. Rajasthan Royals
One of the most popular franchises, the Rajasthan Royals has a dedicated fan following across India and globally.
In the 2022 season, they finished second, narrowly losing to the Gujarat Titans in the semi final.
The Royals have a rich social media presence with over 4.2 million followers on Facebook and 3.1 million followers on Instagram.
Their social media numbers remain strong despite not winning a title since 2008, a testament to the loyalty of their fans.
Royals’ captain Sanju Samson and English star 2022 orange cap Jos Buttler and Yuzvendra Chahal are fan favorites who keep engagement levels high.
According to the YouGov survey, 10% of IPL fans named the Royals their favorite team.
With a passionate fanbase since winning 2008 IPL and a popular brand of cricket, the Royals are surely amongst the most followed IPL teams.
7. Sunrisers Hyderabad
One of the most consistent IPL sides, the Sunrisers Hyderabad have reached the playoffs in 8 of their 11 seasons so far.
In 2022, they finished 8th on the points table after a disappointing season under new captain Kane Williamson.
On Facebook, the Sunrisers have amassed over 3.8 million followers over the years.
Their Instagram account has grown to 2.9 million followers. Former captain David Warner was hugely popular with fans before parting ways after IPL 2022.
The presence of star India batter Rahul Tripathi and international stars like Williamson and Nicholas Pooran keeps fans engaged.
According to the YouGov survey, 7% of IPL fans named Sunrisers Hyderabad their favorite franchise, a strong number for a team that had an off-season.
With a dedicated Telugu fanbase and a history of success, the Sunrisers have a loyal following.
6. Punjab Kings
One of the most followed teams on social media, the Punjab Kings has an engaged fanbase despite not winning an IPL title.
They have over 5.1 million followers on Facebook and 3.2 million followers on Instagram.
This is partly owing to their connections with the populous states of Punjab and Haryana which have a craze for cricket.
In IPL 2022, the Kings finished 6th in the league stage. Captain Shikhar Dhawan and star batter Jonny Bairstow kept fans entertained with match-winning performances.
According to the YouGov survey, 8% of IPL fans named Punjab Kings their favorite franchise.
With a massive potential fanbase and a brand of aggressive batting, the Kings have scope to grow their following further.
The Punjab Kings are considered one of the most fan-following teams in IPL since the team’s formation due to their consistent performances and massive fanbase over the years.
5. Delhi Capitals
Emerging as one of the most consistent sides, the Delhi Capitals have reached the playoffs in 6 of the last 8 seasons.
Under the leadership of young Indian captain Rishabh Pant, the Capitals finished 5th in 2022.
Representing India’s capital city, the Capitals have a large potential fanbase and it is reflected in their social numbers.
They have over 3.9 million followers on Facebook and 2.7 million followers on Instagram.
Star all-rounder Axar Patel and India opener Prithvi Shaw keep fans engaged through their exploits.
According to the YouGov survey, 6% of IPL fans named Delhi Capitals their favorite team, reflecting their growing popularity.
With a young core and success in the last few years, the Capitals fan following is rising steadily.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders
One of the most iconic IPL franchises, the Kolkata Knight Riders won the title twice in 2012 and 2014 under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir.
Representing the passionate cricket city of Kolkata, the Knight Riders have a huge fan following not just in West Bengal but globally as well.
They are one of the most fans in the IPL team, with over 9 million followers across Facebook and Instagram.
On Facebook, they have over 5.6 million followers while their Instagram account has 3.5 million followers.
Despite inconsistent on-field performances in recent years, the social numbers remain strong due to the brand value created by founders Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla.
Star all-rounder Andre Russell and veteran spinner Sunil Narine keep fans engaged.
According to the YouGov survey, 7% of IPL fans named KKR their favorite team, underlining their massive fanbase built over the years.
3. Royal Challengers Bangalore
One of the most followed teams on social media, Royal Challengers Bangalore has a mammoth fan following across India, especially in their home state of Karnataka.
Representing the city of Bengaluru, RCB has over 7 million followers on Facebook and 6.1 million followers on Instagram.
This is largely attributable to their biggest brand ambassador Virat Kohli, who was the team’s iconic captain for many years and perhaps second God of cricket after Sachin.
Despite not winning a title, RCB consistently features near the top in IPL TV viewership and online engagement.
According to the YouGov survey, 11% of IPL fans named RCB their favorite team, a testament to the devotion of their fans.
With their connections to Karnataka and King Kohli’s star power, RCB has the most loyal fan base in IPL, as they never lose hope in their team’s potential.
2. Mumbai Indians
Currently the most successful IPL franchise with a record 5 titles, the Mumbai Indians are also one of the most followed teams on social media. Representing India’s financial capital Mumbai, the MI has massive support locally and nationally.
On Facebook, they have over 8.6 million followers while their Instagram account has 6.5 million followers, a reflection of their brand value.
Iconic T20 players like captain Rohit Sharma, star all-rounder Kieron Pollard, and Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah keep fans highly engaged.
According to the YouGov survey, 9% of IPL fans named Mumbai Indians their favorite team.
With on-field success, local connections, and a star-studded squad, we can safely conclude that MI most popular team in IPL, after their rivals CSK.
1. Chennai Super Kings
No other IPL franchise evokes the kind of passion in its local fanbase like Chennai Super Kings.
Representing India’s southern powerhouse Tamil Nadu, the Super Kings have a mammoth fan following not just in the state but globally among the Indian diaspora.
No matter which IPL team you support, you probably know which IPL team has the most fans.
On Facebook, they have over 7.2 million followers while their Instagram account has 5.8 million followers.
More than any other factor, the presence of beloved former India captain MS Dhoni is the main driver for CSK.
Their social numbers remain high despite having an off-IPL 2022 season.
According to the YouGov survey, 12% of IPL fans named CSK their favorite team, underlining the unparalleled devotion of their fans, especially in the southern states.
With local icons in Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, CSK continues to reign over fans’ hearts.
Based on social media numbers, popularity studies and fan surveys, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore have the biggest fanbases in India and the world, i.e. highest fans in IPL teams.
The presence of local heroes MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli has helped both franchises connect deeply with their fans over the years.
However, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rajasthan Royals have amassed passionate fanbases and social media traction that cannot be overlooked.
With the IPL growing exponentially with each passing year, all franchises have scope to expand their fanbases further.