Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), one of the prominent franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has reaffirmed its focus on brand expansion through means other than owning teams in international cricket leagues. Rajesh Menon, the chief operating officer of RCB, clarified that the franchise has different strategies for growth, steering away from the tradition seen among several other IPL teams that have become part-owners in leagues abroad.
RCB, owned by United Spirits, stands as one of the founding members of IPL since its inception in 2008. The league has cultivated immense popularity, becoming a highlight of the Indian cricket calendar. However, despite its storied history, RCB remains one of the only two teams in the IPL without investments in overseas franchises, the other being the Gujarat Titans, which joined the IPL in 2022. In contrast, several established franchises, including Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders, have expanded their brand presence internationally through multiple team ownerships in leagues across various countries.
These franchises have made significant investments in leagues outside India, acquiring teams in competitions like the SA20 in South Africa, the Caribbean Premier League in the West Indies, the United States’ Major League Cricket, and the UAE’s International League T20. Menon pointed out that RCB aims for a different roadmap for global expansion. The focus, according to him, is not solely on cricket but encompasses broader brand visibility by enhancing merchandise distribution through RCB bars and cafes in territories like Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
A notable step in RCB's expansion occurred in 2023 when it successfully bid for the Bengaluru franchise in the Women's Premier League (WPL). The investment was substantial, exceeding $100 million (approximately Rs 870 crore). This move proved fruitful as the team excelled under the leadership of Indian batter Smriti Mandhana, who became the most expensive acquisition in WPL history at around $415,000 (Rs 3.61 crore), and led RCB to a championship victory.
However, when it comes to the men's team, they have yet to secure an IPL title despite emerging as a competitive side, having reached the playoff stages four times in the last five seasons. Menon expressed that continuous playoff participation enhances the likelihood of clinching the championship. He remains optimistic about the men’s team's potential to win, citing the success of the women's team as a sign of progress.
RCB's roster over the years has featured some of cricket's biggest stars, including Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, and Faf du Plessis. Despite their elite talent, the team has faced disappointment, losing in the finals on three occasions—in 2009, 2011, and 2016. Menon emphasized the significance of having iconic players, asserting that their legacy adds value to the franchise. The franchise’s historical performances, including Chris Gayle's monumental unbeaten score of 175, which remains unchallenged, and Kohli holding the record for the most runs in IPL history (8,004 runs), reflect the franchise's commitment to propelling cricket to new heights.
Nevertheless, the franchise has also endured low points, including recording the lowest team score in IPL history—49 runs against Kolkata in 2017. Menon mentioned that this transparent approach resonates with the aspirations of young cricketers in India. He acknowledged that many young players have diverse goals but may be held back by the fear of failure.
In preparation for the upcoming IPL seasons, RCB underwent an extensive squad revamp during the last auction, retaining only key players such as Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Yash Dayal. The team made significant additions, bringing in formidable batsmen like Liam Livingstone and Phil Salt, alongside experienced bowlers such as Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar to enhance their bowling attack.
Menon also highlighted the strength of RCB's supporting staff, featuring notable names such as head coach Andy Flower and director of cricket Mo Bobat. Their fresh perspectives are believed to contribute positively to the franchise's performance. Menon closed by expressing confidence in the team's capabilities moving forward, showcasing a commitment to achieving not just competitive success, but also enhancing the RCB brand on a global stage.
In summary, RCB's approach towards teamwork, player acquisitions, and brand expansion stands as a comprehensive strategy to uplift the franchise. As cricket continues to evolve, RCB's decisions reflect its vision beyond just tournament participation, aiming to establish a lasting legacy both on and off the pitch. This multifaceted plan indicates that RCB is not only focused on its immediate challenges but is also strategically positioning itself for long-term success in the ever-competitive cricket landscape.