(RCB) has faced online criticism after creating a separate social media handle for Hindi-speaking fans or those who don’t understand English. The new X (formerly Twitter) account, named “Royal Challengers Bengaluru Hindi” with the handle “@RCBinHindi,” has stirred controversy among Kannada speakers.
Many have accused the Bengaluru-based IPL team of promoting “Hindi imposition” and are calling for the account to be removed. RCB introduced the Hindi page by sharing a video of speaking in Hindi, accompanied by English subtitles. The page, that the IPL franchise launched on November 24.
अपने प्रिय खिलाड़ी विराट कोहली को सुनिए अपनी प्रिय हिन्दी भाषा में, जहाँ उन्होंने आरसीबी से सालों से जुड़े रहने की खुशी और ऑक्शन पर अपनी बातें साझा की।
अब आरसीबी के सभी वीडियो आपकी पसंदीदा हिन्दी में भी उपलब्ध है! @RCBTweets @imVkohli | #PlayBold #Hindi pic.twitter.com/LeGJ6HhQzA
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru Hindi (@RCBinHindi) November 24, 2024
The caption of the post when translated read, “Listen to your favourite player Virat Kohli in his favourite Hindi language, where he shared his thoughts on the joy of being associated with RCB for years and the auction. Now all RCB videos are available in your favourite Hindi language too!
Fans express anger over Royal Challengers Bengaluru Hindi handle
As a proud Kannadiga and Bengaluru-based RCB fan, it’s disheartening to see our franchise using Hindi in their social media posts. Bengaluru represents Kannada culture and language, and RCB should respect this by prioritizing Kan-Eng in their communication.#stopHindiImposition
— Naveen | ನವೀನ್ (@naveen_gowda3) November 26, 2024
Better u take off ur franchise to some North States… The one who love our language n our players will take the RCB franchise n build the team..
It’s enough, fans adjusted all sorts of ur blunders from all these days bt now this kind of things not necessary..
— Sri (@Charliee_007) November 26, 2024
Do one thing . Remove bangaluru from your team name ..keep it as royal challengers hindi
— manjunath (@manjuna30613995) November 26, 2024
— Amogh (@amoghmannikeri1) November 26, 2024
What does Virat Kohli say in the video?
In the video Virat Kohli can be heard saying , “A big hello to everyone at the RCB, the fans, the people involved in behind the scenes, the management. I am sending out this message to inform everyone that I’ve been retained once again for the three-year cycle of the IPL beginning next year. And I am as excited as ever.”
Everyone knows what RCB means to me. It’s been a very special relationship over so many years, which continues to grow stronger. And what I’ve experienced playing for RCB is truly, truly special and I hope the fans and everyone who’s connected to the franchise feels the same,”
