With Virat Kohli’s RCB changing its name in their unbox event on March 19, it was yet another addition to teams who had decided to change their name over the years. As the 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starts from March 22, the season opener will see last year’s champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), facing off against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Captain @faf1307 is ready for a FAFulous season ahead 😎@RCBTweets fans, how excited are you to see the skipper Play Bold in #TATAIPL 2024? 😉 pic.twitter.com/JWKJqRTjBc
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 19, 2024
Notably, RCB has undergone a significant change, transitioning its franchise name from Royal Challengers Bangalore to Royal Challengers Bengaluru. This isn’t the first instance of a franchise altering its name in the IPL; previously, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Sunrisers Hyderabad have made similar changes.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Earlier called Deccan Chargers, the franchise changed their name to SunRisers Hyderabad back in 2013.
#OrangeArmy assemble 🙌@SunRisers fans, how excited are you to see Captain Pat Cummins dawn the leadership duties for the Orange brigade in #TATAIPL 2024 🧡 pic.twitter.com/n3XjVeyQDY
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 19, 2024
Delhi Capitals
Following Sunrisers Hyderabad, there was also a rebranding of Delhi’s team. In 2018, the Delhi Daredevils franchise was transformed into Delhi Capitals. However, despite the change in name, the team’s luck didn’t alter, and the franchise continues to aspire for championship glory. Delhi Capitals did manage to reach the final in 2020, but they suffered a defeat against Mumbai Indians by a margin of five wickets.
Captain @RishabhPant17 is back and ready to take on the leadership duties for @DelhiCapitals in #TATAIPL 2024! 😎#DC fans, get ready to roar for skipper Rishabh Pant, who’s all set to get back on field with renewed determination and passion 💪🥳 pic.twitter.com/0NcBkrGua3
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 20, 2024
Join the pride, #SaddaPunjab! 🦁
Captain @SDhawan25 is geared up to conquer #TATAIPL 2024 with @PunjabKingsIPL! 💪 pic.twitter.com/Z3bQLW0Uan
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 20, 2024
Punjab Kings
Prior to RCB, the most recent instance of a franchise altering its name occurred in 2021. Kings XI Punjab rebranded themselves as Punjab Kings ahead of the 14th season. Despite the rebranding, the franchise hasn’t managed to clinch a championship title yet. However, in 2014, the Punjab team did reach the final but ended up on the losing side, as Kolkata Knight Riders defeated them by a margin of 3 wickets.
Also Read: IPL 2024: List Of Replacements For Teams Revealed, Find Out Who All Miss Out
