The new ownership of Royal Challengers Bengaluru has sparked speculation about a possible rebrand, but incoming co-owner Satyan Gajwani has made it clear that continuity—not change—is the priority.
Addressing rumours around a name change, Gajwani firmly stated that there is no immediate plan to alter the franchise’s identity, despite its historical association with a liquor brand under previous ownership.
“Our attitude today is that the franchise, its brand, and its performance—both on and off the pitch—have been extremely strong. Our default position is to support the team’s vision, approach, and execution as they’ve done to date.”
Relief for RCB Fans
This stance comes as a major relief for loyal RCB supporters, especially at a time when ownership changes in global T20 leagues have often led to sweeping rebrands.
A recent example can be seen in The Hundred, where franchises backed by IPL owners have undergone identity shifts. Notably, Lucknow Super Giants’ ownership acquired Manchester Originals and rebranded the team as Manchester Super Giants, complete with a new identity and logo.
Strong Brand Value Drives Decision
RCB’s new ownership group—a consortium that includes the Aditya Birla Group, Times Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone’s BXPE—believes the franchise’s brand equity and emotional connect with fans are too valuable to disrupt.
Over the years, RCB has built one of the most recognisable identities in franchise cricket, making stability a logical choice during this transition phase.
Virat Kohli Remains Central to RCB’s Identity
On the cricketing front, Gajwani acknowledged the immense importance of Virat Kohli to the franchise. He confirmed that engaging with the former captain will be a key step once the takeover process is completed.
Kohli has become synonymous with RCB, evolving into a brand in his own right. His association would have played a crucial role in the franchise’s valuation discussions.
However, with Kohli now 37, the franchise may also need to start planning for a future beyond its long-time talisman, even as he continues to remain a central figure in the present setup.
