In a season full of close contests, underdog victories, and shifting fan allegiances, Delhi Capitals (DC) has emerged as the breakout star of the 2025 Indian Premier League—not just on the field, but in the hearts of viewers.
According to the latest eDART-IPL25 report by CrispInsight and Kadence International, DC has seen the sharpest growth in fan engagement, transforming from a team with modest national recognition to one of the most liked franchises this season. While traditionally overshadowed by legacy teams with deeper histories, Delhi Capitals has rewritten its narrative by combining strong performances with regional connect.
The standout metric is DC’s rise in Delhi-NCR’s home-region support, which soared from 23% to 45% in just five weeks—marking the most substantial growth across any team’s catchment area this season. Nationally, preference for DC as a first or second favorite team has more than doubled.
“For years, Delhi was a silent stadium where visiting teams got louder cheers. That’s changing. DC’s strong showing has given fans a reason to finally rally behind their home team,” said Ritesh Ghosal, Partner at CrispInsight. “This is a prime example of how likability is earned through performance, not branding alone.”
Another notable rise in regional affinity came from Gujarat Titans, with their home-region support climbing from 35% to 64%. Both cases reinforce a central theme in the 2025 season: on-field success directly fuels fan acquisition, especially in home territories.
Meanwhile, the report notes that traditional giants are not immune to the effects of underperformance. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the first team eliminated this season, saw its national appeal halve. However, the franchise’s home base held steady—a testament to its enduring legacy and emotional connect after nearly two decades of IPL presence. Similarly, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), despite a strong 2024, have seen a noticeable dip in regional support.
“Teams like DC present fresh opportunities for brands. As performance aligns with local pride, a new breed of fandom is emerging,” said Aman Makkar of Kadence International. “This alignment is critical for brand partnerships seeking cultural relevance.”
Perhaps most revealing is the report’s insight into the broader IPL audience. Only 35% of viewers identify with a specific team, leaving 65% open to forming new loyalties. This untapped segment represents a golden opportunity for both franchises and sponsors to build long-term engagement—if they can capture attention through performance and community resonance.
Historically, only four teams had consistent records strong enough to attract significant national followings. But IPL 2025 may be a turning point, where competitiveness is more evenly distributed, opening the door for newer teams or historically inconsistent ones to build a deeper fan base.
As the season progresses, the eDART-IPL25 tracker will continue to provide real-time intelligence on fan sentiment and brand impact, offering marketers and franchises a data-rich lens into the evolving world of Indian cricket.
For now, the Delhi Capitals’ rise is a case study in how performance, not just pedigree, can spark a new era in sports loyalty—and unlock value for brands willing to bet on the underdog.
