As the Indian Premier League 2026 kicks off today with the much-anticipated clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad, a city auto rickshaw driver has won hearts online with a unique gesture for RCB fans. A handwritten note inside the auto promises free rides to passengers wearing the team jersey.

The image, shared on X by a woman named Mahika Jadhav, shows a note pinned to the back of the driver’s seat. It reads: “Match day RCB vs SRH. Free ride if you are wearing RCB jersey. E sala cup namdu 2.0. RCB forever.”

The post has since gone viral, with users praising the driver’s loyalty and the city’s deep-rooted connection with the franchise.

‘E Sala Cup Namdu’ Spirit Takes Over

The gesture comes on the opening day of the 19th edition of the IPL, with the first match being played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Both teams enter the contest without their star pacers – Josh Hazlewood for RCB and Pat Cummins for SRH – adding intrigue to the opener.

Jadhav, while sharing the image, reflected on the cultural significance of cricket in India. “There’s something about cricket in India that you can’t really explain. It’s been there since childhood, in the background of every home, every conversation, every summer,” she wrote.

“And RCB fans, honestly, the most patient and loyal. Every year it’s ‘e sala cup namde’ with the same belief, same excitement. You have to respect that kind of love for a team,” she added.

Social Media Applauds Driver’s Loyalty

The post has drawn widespread appreciation on social media, with many users tagging the franchise and hailing the driver as the “true spirit of Bengaluru.” The auto driver’s gesture has been widely shared as an example of how deeply IPL fandom is woven into the city’s culture.

While the driver’s identity remains unknown, the image has sparked conversations about the unique ways fans express their support. Several users commented that such gestures set Bengaluru apart as a city that lives and breathes cricket.

IPL 2026 Opener: High Expectations at Chinnaswamy

The opening match between RCB and SRH is expected to be a high-scoring affair, given the batting-friendly conditions at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. With both teams boasting aggressive batting line-ups, fans are anticipating a run-fest to kick off the season.

The absence of Hazlewood and Cummins has prompted discussions around bowling combinations, with both sides likely to rely on their Indian pace and spin options to fill the gap. The match marks the beginning of a two-month-long tournament that draws massive viewership across the country.

A Tradition of Passionate Fandom

Bengaluru’s auto drivers have occasionally made headlines for their creative expressions, from literary quotes to philosophical musings displayed inside vehicles. The latest gesture, however, taps into the city’s well-documented passion for its IPL franchise.

RCB, despite not having won a title since the league’s inception, enjoys one of the most loyal fan bases in the country. The phrase “E Sala Cup Namdu” (This Year the Cup is Ours) has become a rallying cry for supporters year after year.

What’s Next

With the IPL opener underway, the auto driver’s gesture continues to circulate widely on social media. Meanwhile, fans heading to the stadium in RCB jerseys may find themselves beneficiaries of the driver’s offer, as the city comes together to celebrate the start of another cricket season.