IPL 2025: CSK, KKR Lose Fan Base across India Amid Delhi Capitals’ Regional Surge

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In a season where underdog surges are reshaping fan allegiances, the IPL 2025 narrative is increasingly highlighting a reversal of fortunes for two of the league's most iconic teams - Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Both sides, long considered benchmarks of regional devotion and national popularity, are now confronting an erosion of loyalty in the face of disappointing campaigns.

According to the latest eDART-IPL25 report released by CrispInsight and Kadence International, KKR and CSK have experienced stark drops in national fan preference, while upstarts like Delhi Capitals (DC) are capitalizing on strong performances to build momentum in both metrics and mindshare.

CSK, eliminated early in IPL 2025, has endured the most significant fall - from a commanding 53% to just 26% in terms of national team preference. This marks the sharpest decline among all franchises. However, their home base remains stubbornly loyal, with support in Tamil Nadu inching up from 82% to 85%. The numbers affirm that while CSK's nationwide appeal has dulled, the legacy built over 18 seasons continues to hold emotional sway among its core fan base.

KKR, who had captured hearts with their stellar run in IPL 2024, now find themselves grappling with declining local confidence. The team's support in the Bengal catchment area has slipped from 77% to 69% - a notable drop for a franchise once defined by intense regional pride and high recall. The dip in their fanbase has resulted from the departure of some key names, most notably, mentor Gautam Gambhir - but more than that, the lackluster performance this season has hugely contributed as well.

Delhi Capitals on the Rise

In sharp contrast stands Delhi Capitals, who are rewriting their reputation in IPL 2025. Once dismissed as a franchise with limited identity and sparse support, DC has surged in fan favorability, climbing from a modest 3% in Week 1 to 8% by Week 5 nationally. Their most impressive gain is hyperlocal: in the Delhi-NCR region, home loyalty skyrocketed from 23% to 45% - the biggest regional gain recorded this season. It reflects a transformation powered not just by wins on the field, but by a stronger connection to local aspirations.

"For years, DC suffered from inconsistency and lacked local icons. But this season, their performances are giving fans a reason to rally," noted Ritesh Ghosal of CrispInsight. Aman Makkar of Kadence added that brands should now view franchises like DC as "growth properties" where loyalty is being built in real time.

More broadly, the study reveals that only 35% of IPL viewers identify firmly with a team - signalling a massive 65% who remain open to switching loyalties. For teams like CSK and KKR, this represents both a warning and a window: regaining performance parity will be key to reclaiming floating fans in seasons to come.