IPL 2025: How Cricket Teams Can Impact Mental Health
Yuvraj Nanda | Feb 02, 2025, 21:35 IST
Cricket in India is no less than a religion (like anything else?). And when it comes to the Indian Premier League (IPL), the stakes go beyond the field. Every six, every wicket, and every nail-biting finish has the power to influence a fan’s mood. But have we realised how deeply these games can affect mental health? Let’s find out.
Cricket has been beyond a sport in India for decades now. It’s that one emotion that unites millions of us across the country. However, when it comes to the Indian Premier League (IPL), this bond between fans and teams always becomes deeply personal. The beautiful ups of a thrilling last moment win, or the heartbreak of a quick collapse, the frustration of losing back to back, just when you thought your team would bounce back — all of these emotions impact the fans on a psychological level, without us even realising it.
Many believe that supporting an IPL team is more than just entertainment; it is an emotional investment that can majorly impact mental health. Whether it is the renowned “loyalty” of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, or Virat Kohli fans, the comforting consistency of Chennai Super Kings under Thala MS Dhoni’s constant presence, or the unwavering underdog spirit of Punjab Kings, every team carries its own emotional baggage.
Let’s check the patterns of how these IPL clubs can influence mental health on a mass scale, and what would be a better way to maintain a more neutral relationship with this sport of cricket.
The Highs & Lows of Being an RCB Fan
Few teams in T20 history have been able to build a more popular fan community than Bengaluru. Having some of the biggest names of the game like Virat Kohli, previously AB de Villiers and many more stars to have donned their jersey, RCB has never won an IPL title. And yet, every year, their fans return, hoping that this could finally be their year of glory.
This endless circle of hope can be exhausting. The emotional rollercoaster of any RCB season also mirrors real struggles of the ground reality — to invest time and energy into anything, only to face disappointment. There in, also lies the bliss of being an RCB fan — despite endless setbacks, they do not give up. This element of resilience and loyalty creates a strong emotional identity for any team.
Mental well-being is important. Fans experience mood swings based on results, and social media can sometimes turn toxic. If the losses feel deeply personal, it’s recommended to step back and realise that cricket, at the end of the day, is still just a game.
CSK: The Comfort of Consistency
Chennai Super Kings is one of the most successful and loved IPL franchises, and their identity to the league goes beyond just winning titles. With “Thala” Dhoni as the icon of the team since the inception, CSK fans, therefore, find comfort in the team’s stability and consistency. Unlike the unpredictability of RCB, CSK provides a larger sense of reliability which reassures their fans that no matter what happens, they will find their way.
Supporting Chennai is linked to feelings of nostalgia and emotion. For the masses, Dhoni represents a father figure or a guiding force, the Captain Cool who stays calm under pressure situations and finds a way to execute what’s needed.
The psychoanalytical impact of being a CSK fan is positive. The Chennai team’s ability to stay focused in hard situations mimics the mindset that’s needed in real life staying composed, believing in self, and trusting the process. However, the 2020 season which took place in UAE, when CSK miserably failed to qualify for the playoffs for first time in IPL history, was a tough pill to swallow for the team’s cult. It was a clear reminder that even the most reliable things in life can occasionally fall short, but they can always bounce back just as the Super Kings did in the next year, winning the IPL 2021 trophy.
Punjab Kings: The Underdog Cult of IPLOut of all the big marketing front runners in the league, Punjab Kings, what was earlier known as the Kings XI Punjab is one unique franchise in the IPL ecosystem. They might not have the historical dominance of CSK or MI, nor the star-studded drama of RCB, but what they do have is a fiercely loyal cult following. PBKS fans do not expect (nor know) easy victories; they expect to fight for every run, every wicket, and every moment of hope.
Supporting Punjab Kings is a tough test of patience. This team has had seasons where they started strong, only to fade away later. Over the years, they have had very talented players and icons of the game who couldn’t quite deliver at crucial moments for the team. Yet, their fans stick around. Why? Because in sport, there is something deeply human about rooting for an underdog story.
Being a Punjab fan is more of an emotional investment in hope rather than just the results. It is primarily about having faith in second chances, celebrating small wins, and accepting flaws or imperfections of the team you love. Psychologically, this again resembles a real life scenario where not everyone gets a fairytale ending, but the journey is still worth it, for the process in itself is beautiful.
However, like any other sphere of life, constant disappointment and lack of results can take a toll on the fans - leading to frustration, especially when the supporters feel that their loyalty and emotional investment is not being rewarded. In these cases, it is recommended to maintain a perspective. The unpredictability of PBKS is a part of its charm, and while they may not have the glory of trophies, the emotional highs (and lows) that they provide are unmatched.
The Impact of IPL on Mental Health
1. The Ups and Downs of FandomYour favourite team winning a game can lead to a dopamine rush, boosting happiness and energy levels. On the other side, losses, especially in a crucial game can cause stress, frustration, and even temporary anxiety. These emotional moments can be intense, especially for hardcore fans.
2. Social Media and ToxicityWith discussions around cricket dominating Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups, especially during the March-May window, IPL debates often turn into heated arguments. Continuously indulging in digital wars about “which team is better” can poorly impact mental health. It’s crucial to engage in healthy discussions rather than toxic arguments with lack of logic.
3. The Power of CommunityOne of the largest plus points of IPL fandom is the sense of oneness of communities. Whether it is the Yellove Army of CSK, the die-hard RCB fans, or the PBKS loyalists, supporting a club gives people a sense of belonging and representation. This social connection can boost mental well-being, especially during times of hurdles and challenges.
4. The Stress of Close GamesLast-over, or even the very last ball thrillers, super overs, and unexpected collapses can drain the fans out, miserably regardless of where the result goes. Although these moments create special memories, they can also trigger stress. It’s essential to cherish the excitement but not let it impact your mental peace.
1. Celebrate, But Don’t ObsessGood to enjoy the highs, but do not let the lows ruin your day. A team’s loss, especially something not in your control is definitely not a personal failure.
Take regular breaks from social media to avoid cricket debates that feel negatively overwhelming. Engaging in negativity will not change the results of the match. Hence, detox.
3. Watch for the Love of the GamePut the game above teams or individuals. As long as it is cricket that wins, nothing should be too personal that it takes a toll on mental health. Appreciate the Cricket — batting performances, the bowling spells, and the unexpected moments of thrill.
4. Connect with Fellow Fans
Celebrate with friends, engage in discussions, and share memories, with fans of your own team, or your rival teams. Create a bond and healthy banter to avoid negativity. The IPL is meant to bring the fans together, not create an unnecessary divide.
On the Cards: How to Watch IPL 2025 as a Fan?The IPL isn’t just about runs and wickets, but a lot more than that. It is indeed about emotions, memories, and the stories we create on our way. Whether you’re an RCB fan hoping for your maiden title, a CSK supporter enjoying your team's dominance, or a PBKS loyalist wearing the underdog spirit, your team becomes a part of you and your identity.
While it is perfectly normal to feel the highs and lows of the game, it’s also important to remember that cricket is supposed to be cherished as a sport and wholeheartedly enjoyed. Wins and losses of any team could be temporary, but the love for the game must last a lifetime.
Many believe that supporting an IPL team is more than just entertainment; it is an emotional investment that can majorly impact mental health. Whether it is the renowned “loyalty” of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, or Virat Kohli fans, the comforting consistency of Chennai Super Kings under Thala MS Dhoni’s constant presence, or the unwavering underdog spirit of Punjab Kings, every team carries its own emotional baggage.
Let’s check the patterns of how these IPL clubs can influence mental health on a mass scale, and what would be a better way to maintain a more neutral relationship with this sport of cricket.
The Highs & Lows of Being an RCB Fan
An RCB fan (AI Generated)
Few teams in T20 history have been able to build a more popular fan community than Bengaluru. Having some of the biggest names of the game like Virat Kohli, previously AB de Villiers and many more stars to have donned their jersey, RCB has never won an IPL title. And yet, every year, their fans return, hoping that this could finally be their year of glory.
This endless circle of hope can be exhausting. The emotional rollercoaster of any RCB season also mirrors real struggles of the ground reality — to invest time and energy into anything, only to face disappointment. There in, also lies the bliss of being an RCB fan — despite endless setbacks, they do not give up. This element of resilience and loyalty creates a strong emotional identity for any team.
Mental well-being is important. Fans experience mood swings based on results, and social media can sometimes turn toxic. If the losses feel deeply personal, it’s recommended to step back and realise that cricket, at the end of the day, is still just a game.
CSK: The Comfort of Consistency
A Group of Chennai fans, generated via AI.
Chennai Super Kings is one of the most successful and loved IPL franchises, and their identity to the league goes beyond just winning titles. With “Thala” Dhoni as the icon of the team since the inception, CSK fans, therefore, find comfort in the team’s stability and consistency. Unlike the unpredictability of RCB, CSK provides a larger sense of reliability which reassures their fans that no matter what happens, they will find their way.
Supporting Chennai is linked to feelings of nostalgia and emotion. For the masses, Dhoni represents a father figure or a guiding force, the Captain Cool who stays calm under pressure situations and finds a way to execute what’s needed.
The psychoanalytical impact of being a CSK fan is positive. The Chennai team’s ability to stay focused in hard situations mimics the mindset that’s needed in real life staying composed, believing in self, and trusting the process. However, the 2020 season which took place in UAE, when CSK miserably failed to qualify for the playoffs for first time in IPL history, was a tough pill to swallow for the team’s cult. It was a clear reminder that even the most reliable things in life can occasionally fall short, but they can always bounce back just as the Super Kings did in the next year, winning the IPL 2021 trophy.
Punjab Kings: The Underdog Cult of IPLOut of all the big marketing front runners in the league, Punjab Kings, what was earlier known as the Kings XI Punjab is one unique franchise in the IPL ecosystem. They might not have the historical dominance of CSK or MI, nor the star-studded drama of RCB, but what they do have is a fiercely loyal cult following. PBKS fans do not expect (nor know) easy victories; they expect to fight for every run, every wicket, and every moment of hope.
Supporting Punjab Kings is a tough test of patience. This team has had seasons where they started strong, only to fade away later. Over the years, they have had very talented players and icons of the game who couldn’t quite deliver at crucial moments for the team. Yet, their fans stick around. Why? Because in sport, there is something deeply human about rooting for an underdog story.
Being a Punjab fan is more of an emotional investment in hope rather than just the results. It is primarily about having faith in second chances, celebrating small wins, and accepting flaws or imperfections of the team you love. Psychologically, this again resembles a real life scenario where not everyone gets a fairytale ending, but the journey is still worth it, for the process in itself is beautiful.
However, like any other sphere of life, constant disappointment and lack of results can take a toll on the fans - leading to frustration, especially when the supporters feel that their loyalty and emotional investment is not being rewarded. In these cases, it is recommended to maintain a perspective. The unpredictability of PBKS is a part of its charm, and while they may not have the glory of trophies, the emotional highs (and lows) that they provide are unmatched.
The Impact of IPL on Mental Health
A Mumbai Indians supporter in the crowd with his body painted in MI colours.
1. The Ups and Downs of FandomYour favourite team winning a game can lead to a dopamine rush, boosting happiness and energy levels. On the other side, losses, especially in a crucial game can cause stress, frustration, and even temporary anxiety. These emotional moments can be intense, especially for hardcore fans.
2. Social Media and ToxicityWith discussions around cricket dominating Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp groups, especially during the March-May window, IPL debates often turn into heated arguments. Continuously indulging in digital wars about “which team is better” can poorly impact mental health. It’s crucial to engage in healthy discussions rather than toxic arguments with lack of logic.
3. The Power of CommunityOne of the largest plus points of IPL fandom is the sense of oneness of communities. Whether it is the Yellove Army of CSK, the die-hard RCB fans, or the PBKS loyalists, supporting a club gives people a sense of belonging and representation. This social connection can boost mental well-being, especially during times of hurdles and challenges.
4. The Stress of Close GamesLast-over, or even the very last ball thrillers, super overs, and unexpected collapses can drain the fans out, miserably regardless of where the result goes. Although these moments create special memories, they can also trigger stress. It’s essential to cherish the excitement but not let it impact your mental peace.
How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship with IPL?
A fan watching IPL on TV, generated by AI.
1. Celebrate, But Don’t ObsessGood to enjoy the highs, but do not let the lows ruin your day. A team’s loss, especially something not in your control is definitely not a personal failure.
2. Social Media Detox
3. Watch for the Love of the GamePut the game above teams or individuals. As long as it is cricket that wins, nothing should be too personal that it takes a toll on mental health. Appreciate the Cricket — batting performances, the bowling spells, and the unexpected moments of thrill.
4. Connect with Fellow Fans
On the Cards: How to Watch IPL 2025 as a Fan?The IPL isn’t just about runs and wickets, but a lot more than that. It is indeed about emotions, memories, and the stories we create on our way. Whether you’re an RCB fan hoping for your maiden title, a CSK supporter enjoying your team's dominance, or a PBKS loyalist wearing the underdog spirit, your team becomes a part of you and your identity.
While it is perfectly normal to feel the highs and lows of the game, it’s also important to remember that cricket is supposed to be cherished as a sport and wholeheartedly enjoyed. Wins and losses of any team could be temporary, but the love for the game must last a lifetime.