1xBet reveals who fans will root for as the IPL 2025 season progresses
The 1xBet team researched Indian cricket enthusiasts ahead of the new season of the Indian Premier League 2025.
Press release.- Fans are the driving force behind sports. Winning their sympathy and support is not an easy task, but the result can do wonders. Global bookmaker 1xBet researched which side Indian cricket enthusiasts will be on in the new season of IPL 2025.
The survey involved about 3,500 respondents. Participants were asked to choose the players and teams they would root for in the new season. They also indicated the key factors influencing their preferences. The survey provides regional statistics and age categories that most impacted the findings.
The survey was conducted just a month before the start of IPL 2025, which means the results regarding fan sympathies were as accurate as possible ahead of the season.
Top fan favourites among IPL 2025 players
The following 13 players in India have the most support:
- Virat Kohli (27.4 per cent)
- Rohit Sharma (12.4 per cent) and MS Dhoni (12.4 per cent)
- Abhishek Sharma (11.1 per cent)
- Jasprit Bumrah (4.3 per cent)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (4.2 per cent)
- Hardik Pandya (4.0 per cent)
- Rishabh Pant (2.9 per cent)
- KL Rahul (2.5 per cent)
- Heinrich Klaasen and Suryakumar Yadav (2.4 per cent)
- Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill (2.3 per cent)
Is it surprising that Virat Kohli is the fans’ favourite player? It was expected, as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru player is a true world-class legend. He was voted for by 27.4 per cent of respondents — in fact, one in three. The former captain of the India national team became the top striker of the tournament in the 2024 season, and his fantastic technique and unique style of play caught the admirers’ attention. Fighting spirit, charisma, and will to win are all qualities fans want to see in their favourites to be at least a little bit like Virat Kohli.
Indeed, the heritage of Virat Kohli will be forever cherished in cricket history. Perhaps not astonishingly, he received the most support among the 25-34 age group (46.8 per cent), followed by the 20-24 age group (33.1 per cent). Meanwhile, even in the 60+ age group, he was noted as a fan favourite (0.62 per cent). Kohli’s popularity extends across India, but the player’s supporters are most concentrated in the states of Karnataka (12 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (11.3 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (11 per cent), Telangana (9.7 per cent), and Maharashtra (7.2 per cent).
Mumbai Indians’ Rohit Sharma held the second position till the last moment, but at the last minute, he was overtaken by the legendary Mahendra Singh from Chennai Super Kings. Eventually, two different but equally beloved athletes shared the second position with 12.4 per cent of votes each.
Rohit Sharma balances elegance, strength, and leadership skills in a near-perfect combination. His unique talent to mercilessly demolish the opponents’ defences has earned him the nickname Hitman. His ability to counter both fast bowlers and spinners makes him one of the best opening batters in the world. He scored three double centuries in ODIs, an achievement for exceptional players. Under his captaincy, Mumbai Indians took the IPL five times, and the national team won the T20 World Cup.
Rohit’s core supporters are people aged 25-34 (48.9 per cent), while he is less popular among youth aged 20-24 (29.4 per cent). The player’s main fans live in states like Maharashtra (12.9 per cent), Karnataka (9 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (9 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (8.6 per cent), Bihar (8.2 per cent), and Telangana (7.3 per cent).
Mahendra Singh Dhoni is not just a player but a symbol of an entire generation. Thala, meaning ‘leader,’ is known for his equanimity, tactical intelligence, masterful team management, and spectacular match finishes. The India national team and Chennai Super Kings have won many significant trophies, with him in the captain’s role. Many experts consider Dhoni the greatest captain in the history of cricket. The upcoming season will likely be the last for the man who can score at the most necessary moment. It makes his performances on the pitch even more emotional and the MC’s personality more attractive to the fans.
His core support came from fans aged 25-34 (45.25 per cent) and 20-24 (35.75 per cent). Dhoni collected the highest number of votes in Andhra Pradesh (16 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (11.8 per cent), and Telangana (10.9 per cent), where his popularity exceeded that of Virat Kohli.
Cricket’s new superstar, Abhishek Sharma from Sunrisers Hyderabad, is another player who got more than 10 per cent of the votes. Fans are convinced that he is the future of Indian cricket. Aggression in offence, stunning technique, ability to consistently keep himself in top form — we see a player with no weaknesses who is always a pleasure to watch on the pitch.
Abhishek Sharma is one of the most dangerous opening batsmen, capable of putting pressure on opponents from the opening minutes. At 24, he has already reached a fantastic level, so we can expect him to progress further in the IPL 2025 season. Abhishek’s skill is also evident in international matches, and his 135 runs off 54 balls against England was the highest individual scoring total in Indian T20I history.
Owing to his youth, Abhishek Sharma is predictably favoured by the 25-34 age group (57.8 per cent). However, older fans also appreciate his style, with 2.5 per cent of supporters in the 45-59 age group. Sharma has the most admirers in the states of Telangana (13.7 per cent), Maharashtra (12 per cent), and Andhra Pradesh (10.6 per cent).
Just below in the rankings are three players with a minimal vote gap (around 4 per cent) — Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya (representing Mumbai Indians) and Yashasvi Jaiswal from Rajasthan Royals.
Jasprit Bumrah is more than an elite bowler. He is a true icon of modern cricket who sets the match’s tone. His fans marvel at his impeccable accuracy, indomitable spirit, and ability to turn the game around in a few deliveries. His signature yorkers, which hit the feet of rivals, flawless execution of key fatal overs, and phenomenal stability make Jasprit the core weapon of the India team. Bumrah received 63 per cent of the votes in the 25-34 age group and his most loyal supporters live in the states of Karnataka (12 per cent), Maharashtra (11 per cent), Uttar Pradesh (11 per cent), and West Bengal (9.2 per cent).
Fans recognise Hardik Pandya for his outstanding versatility and skills. This player can change the course of a match, whether he plays as a batsman or a bowler. In the 2025 season, he has every chance to reaffirm his status as one of the best. In the 25-34 age group, Pandya received nearly 60 per cent of the votes, and his supporters are most numerous in Uttar Pradesh (14.5 per cent), Andhra Pradesh (12.7 per cent), West Bengal (12.7 per cent), Maharashtra (10 per cent), and Rajasthan (10 per cent).
Yashasvi Jaiswal is a member of the new generation of Indian cricket who combines discipline, an aggressive style of play, and a phenomenal ability to adapt to different conditions. Fans see him as the national team’s future leader, and his performance in IPL 2025 could become a pivotal moment in his career. He gathered the most admirers in Andhra Pradesh (20 per cent) as well as Rajasthan (15 per cent) and Uttar Pradesh (15 per cent). Anticipatedly, Jaiswal’s core audience is fans aged 25-34 (52.7 per cent).
The recent transfer of Rishabh Pant from Delhi Capitals to Lucknow Super Giants has not affected his popularity in any way — he is firmly in eighth place with almost 3 per cent of the respondents’ support. KL Rahul went in the opposite direction, with 2.5 per cent of votes. After two years with Lucknow Super Giants, the recent Giants captain has changed clubs and will now play for Delhi Capitals.
Rishabh Pant’s return to the game after a severe accident was an absolute triumph. Moreover, he made history as the most expensive player in the IPL — Lucknow Super Giants paid a record ₹27 crore for him. Now, enthusiasts look forward to the start of the season to see how he’ll handle the captaincy role. Pant received the highest support in West Bengal (12 per cent); his key audience (60 per cent support) is fans aged 25-34.
KL Rahul is a master of technically skilled batting, known for his graceful yet surprisingly powerful shots. A man who keeps cool in the most tense moments will not be lost in the new team. Rahul will surely shine at his best, given even more freedom in the game. He is most popular among 25-34 (43.5 per cent) and 20-24-year-old supporters (24 per cent). At the same time, he has a high percentage of fans (4.4 per cent) among the 45-59 age group.
Among the players who received almost equal votes from respondents were 1xBet brand ambassador Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians), both with 2.4 per cent each, while Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals) and Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans) with 2.3 per cent each.
The standout among the four is the outstanding South African cricketer Heinrich Klaasen, who has long proved himself a world-class star. In addition to the IPL, he has excelled in several prestigious leagues, such as the SA20 (Durban’s Super Giants), Caribbean Premier League (Guyana Amazon Warriors), and Major League Cricket (Seattle Orcas). As part of the South Africa national team, he won a silver medal in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup, confirming his status as one of the top players in world cricket.
Nowadays, Klaasen is considered one of our time’s most dangerous and unpredictable batters. His crushing shots can change the course of a match in a matter of minutes. He has an exceptional talent for playing against spin bowling, which makes him a formidable force against the most skilful spinners. Furthermore, Klaasen demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, keeps his composure in decisive moments, and is not afraid to take responsibility, pulling the team out of the most complicated situations. These qualities have made him a crowd favourite and the ideal face of the international brand 1xBet, which chose him as its ambassador.
Top 5 most supported teams of IPL 2025
In addition to favourite players, the participants of the 1xBet survey shared their preferences for teams. In the new season, fans will root with special excitement and devotion for the following squads:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 28.5 per cent
- Mumbai Indians – 21.6 per cent
- Chennai Super Kings – 20.4 per cent
- Sunrisers Hyderabad – 10.3 per cent
- Kolkata Knight Riders – 6.4 per cent
Royal Challengers Bengaluru tops the rankings with 28.5 per cent support. This club has already made it to the playoffs four times in the last five seasons, which should be no surprise given that it has the legendary Virat Kohli in its squad.
However, fans can’t wait for more. Namely, the historic moment when the team will finally lift the coveted championship trophy over their heads. RCB has one of the most numerous and loyal armies of admirers, with the atmosphere at home matches being wild. Supporters love this club for its genuine passion for the game and the incredible emotions it gives to everyone who roots for it.
Mumbai Indians, the five-time IPL champions, came second with 21.6 per cent of the votes. Their popularity is easy to explain: MI has a couple of superstars in its squad, including the legendary Rohit Sharma. Fans of the team note the powerful squad, thoughtful tactical preparation, and the club’s rich history, which features famous names. The Mumbai Indians team shows a high level of performance, and its supporters believe it’ll add a sixth championship title to its collection soon.
Chennai Super Kings holds the honourable third spot, with the support of 20.4 per cent of fans. The club, which features living legend Mahendra Singh Dhoni, continues to live up to the supporters’ expectations. CSK has won the championship trophy twice in the last four seasons — in 2021 and 2023 — and is once again among the top contenders to win the championship. Admirers remark on the stable results, champion spirit, and solid training ground for young talents. However, the main element of magnetism remains the cult figure of Dhoni, around whom a real fan movement has formed — the cult of Thala. Loyal fans do not simply support the team but genuinely believe in its glory.
Sunrisers Hyderabad came fourth with 10.3 per cent of the votes. Last season, the team was one step away from a third championship, losing by only one point in the final. Nevertheless, fans are confident that Orange Army will manage to take revenge in 2025. Under the leadership of captain Pat Cummins, the team demonstrates the perfect balance of youth and experience, an aggressive style of play, and a sound strategy. This explosive mix is what gives supporters hope for a long-awaited triumph.
Kolkata Knight Riders, the reigning IPL champion, finishes in the top 5. The club, which has the strongest squad and a well-built strategy, has always been admired by its supporters. However, Kolkata Knight Riders is more than a team — it’s a true family united by the incredible support of the fans. The club’s owner, the ‘King of Bollywood’ Shah Rukh Khan, has invested not only finances but also his soul in the team, which can be felt in the stands and on social media. KKR is a team that people don’t just root for — they live for it.
Top 3 most awaited matches of IPL 2025
Fans eagerly anticipate the start of the new IPL 2025 season, and some matches have already been highlighted in the calendar of the enthusiasts of the beautiful game. According to the survey results, the top three most expected matches are as follows:
1. RCB vs CSK – 27.5 per cent
It’s the absolute leader in viewer engagement. Two of the most passionate fan camps make the confrontation an event beyond sports limits.
2. Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings – 20 per cent
Every match between them becomes a real sports show. The atmosphere at the stadium during their matches is highly electrifying.
3. Mumbai Indians vs RCB – 6.87 per cent
An unpredictable clash of ambition and superstars. Both teams consistently demonstrate an offensive style and strive to win at all costs.
The fan survey further fuels interest in the new season by reminding people about the diversity of stars and teams in IPL 2025. This research will help new viewers decide what they like most and become true fans of India’s most popular game.
