CSK, MI, RCB: Who Really Rules IPL 2026 Fan Following?

Fan engagement undoubtedly is one of the major factors that determine a team's popularity in the Indian Premier League. According to the most recent data from 2025, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) retains the top spot in the fan charts, while Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) share the second position.

India's cricket lovers are very much the same as the rest of the world in that they are very passionate about the IPL and, as a result, they will talk about it online every time there’s a boundary, a wicket, or a strategic play. With this, every team’s social media presence has become a key metric to measure fan power since the teams are actively engaging supporters across such platforms as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).

IPL Teams Social Media Fan Count (2025 Update)

Chennai Super Kings – 44.6 million

Facebook: 14M

Instagram: 19.8M

X: 10.8M

Mumbai Indians – 41.5 million

Facebook: 15M

Instagram: 18.3M

X: 8.2M

Royal Challengers Bangalore – 39.7 million

Facebook: 11M

Instagram: 21.3M

X: 7.4M

Kolkata Knight Riders – 30.1 million

Punjab Kings – 17 million

Delhi Capitals – 16.5 million

Sunrisers Hyderabad – 15.3 million

Rajasthan Royals – 14 million

Gujarat Titans – 7.43 million

Lucknow Super Giants – 5.81 million

The reason behind the CSK's dominance is a combination of consistent performances and the star player MS Dhoni's getting popularity. The MI's position in the ranking is due to their numerous championship wins and the trustful player who is Rohit Sharma. RCB has developed a strong following despite having less number of titles, players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle whose performances keep their supporters engaged are the reason behind this.

Kolkata Knight Riders, which have won the IPL thrice, are still the richest in terms of the loyalty of the fans. Teams such as Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals have consistent support from fans but are nowhere near the leaders. The social media presence of the newer teams Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants is still on the lower side of the rankings, although they are still trying to build it up.

According to the researchers, the number of fans is mainly determined by the historical success, star players, and interaction through social media. When a team focuses on digital content and fan engagement, it is likely to see an increase in followers; hence, social media has become a crucial arena just like on-field performance.

The IPL 2026 is not far away, and the battle for fan supremacy is still going on. CSK is on top of the table but MI and RCB are right behind keeping a close watch on the gap, which is a good indicator of not only thrilling matches on the ground but also online an exciting season.