Cricket in India is more than just a sport - it's woven into the very fabric of our lives. And for me, Jaideep Singh Saluja, a 24-year-old from Udaipur, it’s a way of life, especially when it comes to Rajasthan Royals.
As a sports presenter, video producer and content creator, I've been fortunate to combine my professional life with my love for the Royals and it’s an honour to serve as a Super Royal Skipper. But at the core, I’m just a cricket fan whose heart beats a little faster for the Royals.
Since the inaugural IPL season in 2008, I’ve been a die-hard fan, cherishing every boundary, every wicket and every heart-pounding moment that the Royals have delivered.
Royals feel like family
My journey with the Royals isn't just as a spectator but as an active voice in the cricket community, sharing stories, creating content and rallying the Royals family through my work.
I recall the magical 2008 season when the Royals lifted the IPL trophy under the leadership of the charismatic Shane Warne. The connection was instant. The Royals weren’t just a team; they felt like family. Watching them play wasn’t just entertainment - it was an emotion.
Watching a match live at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur is one of the things I look forward to every year and greatly cherish. The electrifying atmosphere, surrounded by fellow fans in pink, makes me feel like I am part of something much bigger.
Whether it is celebrating a last-ball victory or feeling the sting of a close loss, my loyalty never wavered.
Outside of cricket, I’m a CA finalist and I've had the opportunity to contribute as the ex-Joint Secretary of the Young Sikh Seva Dal and as a member of the Rakt Daan Maha Daan Charitable Trust.
Drawn to the Royals’ ethos of giving back
I’ve always believed in giving back and it’s this same spirit of community and positivity that draws me to the Royals. They represent more than just cricket - they embody a culture of excellence, humility and giving back.
For me, lifting the IPL trophy is just one of my dreams for the Royals. I envision the team becoming a powerhouse, nurturing young talent and promoting cricket at the grassroots level.
The Royals have always been about discovering and polishing raw talent and I’d love to see them continue that legacy.
2025 could be the Royals’ year
As the 2025 IPL season unfolds, I am hopeful. I believe this could be the year the Royals reclaim their throne. We have the talent, the strategy and the heart. All we need is that perfect run.
And as the stands fill with pink and blue, with every chant of “Halla Bol” echoing through the stadium, I will be there cheering, believing and living every moment with my beloved Royals.
For me, being a Rajasthan Royals fan isn’t just a title; it’s a lifelong commitment.
