The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is witnessing a fascinating shift in fan allegiances, and the Delhi Capitals (DC) are scripting a compelling narrative. According to the latest eDART-IPL25 report by CrispInsight and Kadence International, the Delhi Capitals have not only doubled their national fan base but have also emerged as the team with the highest growth in home region loyalty. This surge indicates a significant connection being forged between the team’s performance and the support of their local fans.
The eDART-IPL25 report highlights an impressive journey for the Delhi Capitals. Nationally, their fan preference as a first or second favorite team has risen from a modest 3% in the first week of the tournament to an impressive 8% by Week 5. However, the most striking growth has been witnessed in the Delhi-NCR region. Here, the home-region support for DC has dramatically jumped from 23% to a commanding 45%. This remarkable 22-percentage-point increase represents the highest regional fan base growth recorded across all IPL teams this season, signifying that Delhi is finally rallying behind its home team.
Ritesh Ghosal, Partner at CrispInsight, aptly noted this transformation: “For years Delhi Capitals’ inconsistent performances, ever-changing team and absence of local icons has meant visiting teams get more cheers from the crowd. The team’s strong showing this year is finally changing this, giving the crowd reason to cheer for their own team. 1 From low recall to being the top gainer in the region, DC’s rise shows that likability is earned on the field.”
While Delhi Capitals’ growth in its home region is the most significant, the eDART report also points to a strong surge in regional loyalty for the Gujarat Titans. Their home-region support climbed from 35% to an impressive 64%, further emphasizing the powerful link between a team’s performance on the field and the affinity of its local fan base.
Aman Makkar of Kadence International emphasizes the opportunities this presents: “For brands and sponsors, teams like DC represent fresh opportunities. Their success shows what’s possible when performance and regional engagement align.” This alignment can lead to more meaningful and impactful partnerships, resonating strongly with the local audience.
Interestingly, the report also sheds light on the fluid nature of fan loyalty in the IPL. Only 35% of viewers currently identify with a specific team, leaving a significant 65% open to forming new loyalties. This presents a unique window for teams and sponsors to engage with emerging fan bases by delivering strong on-field performances and building genuine connections with their regions.
In contrast to DC’s rise, the report indicates a decline in national favorability for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and a dip in home catchment support for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), highlighting that even established teams are not immune to the impact of their current season’s performance.
The eDART-IPL25 report will continue to track these evolving fan sentiments throughout the IPL 2025 season, providing valuable insights for franchises and brands looking to understand and connect with the dynamic IPL audience.
Key Highlights:
- The Delhi Capitals‘ fan base has doubled nationally in IPL 2025, according to the eDART report.
- DC recorded the highest growth in home region loyalty, with support in Delhi-NCR jumping from 23% to 45%.
- Gujarat Titans also saw a significant increase in home-region support.
- The report indicates that on-field performance is a key driver of fan loyalty, and a large portion of IPL viewers are open to new team allegiances.