Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain Ruturaj Gaikwad recently made headlines at a fan engagement event in Bengaluru, where he humorously addressed a microphone malfunction with a cheeky comment aimed at their rivals, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
The incident occurred during the INFYusion event hosted by Infosys, where Gaikwad was welcomed on stage amidst cheers.
However, when the microphone failed to work, he seized the moment and quipped, “Must be an RCB fan,” which prompted a mix of laughter and boos from the audience.
This playful jab not only entertained the crowd but also highlighted the intense rivalry between CSK and RCB, often referred to as the Kaveri Derby.
The rivalry has been particularly heated since RCB eliminated CSK from playoff contention in the IPL 2024 season, leading to increased tensions among fans of both teams.
Gaikwad’s witty remark added to this ongoing narrative and quickly went viral on social media, with fans from both sides reacting strongly.
While CSK supporters praised Gaikwad for his humor, many RCB fans took offense, showcasing the deep-rooted animosity that exists between the two franchises.
In addition to his humorous quip, Gaikwad reflected on his captaincy journey, recalling that his first match as CSK captain was against RCB, which CSK won.
He expressed gratitude for having captained MS Dhoni and emphasized the significance of that victory. Despite a challenging season where CSK narrowly missed the playoffs, Gaikwad’s individual performances have been impressive, scoring over 580 runs in IPL 2024.
As CSK looks forward to IPL 2025, they are preparing for the upcoming auction with a retained squad that includes key players like Gaikwad and Dhoni.
The team is still in search of a new captain for RCB after releasing Faf du Plessis, adding another layer of intrigue to their rivalry.
The playful exchange at the Bengaluru event not only showcased Gaikwad’s growing confidence as a leader but also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting season ahead, marked by fierce competition and passionate fan engagement.