Some journeys begin with a moment. Mine began with a team sheet.
Back in 2008, before the very first ball of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was bowled, I, Nikunj Bhagchandani, found myself drawn to a team that didn’t boast the star-studded lineup others had.
While the cricketing world was abuzz with names like Dhoni, Sachin, and Ganguly, I noticed something different in the Rajasthan Royals squad - a mix of unknown talents, domestic performers and an iconic leader in Shane Warne.
It felt like the perfect underdog story waiting to unfold. And I knew then - this was my team.
About me
I come from Bharuch, a small city in Gujarat, very close to the village of Munaf Patel - a name that also found its place in the inaugural Royals squad. That connection felt personal. Today, I live in Pune and work in the construction management field. I recently turned 30 and entered a new phase of life - marriage. Coincidentally, my wife hails from Jaipur - yet another sign that the Royals are deeply woven into my life.
I hold an MBA in Construction Management, but beyond the world of buildings and blueprints, cricket - and especially the Royals - remains one of my biggest passions.
Why the Royals?
What made me support Rajasthan Royals from the start wasn't just their potential - it was their philosophy. The team embraced players like Munaf Patel, Neeraj Patel and Siddharth Trivedi - names I had seen in domestic circuits - and gave them a platform to shine.
Shane Warne’s leadership in that inaugural season was more than just tactical brilliance. It was about belief. He showed the world that winning isn't about big names - it’s about heart, hustle and harmony. That spirit resonated with me.
As years passed, my admiration only grew, especially with the presence of Rahul Dravid and Ajinkya Rahane - two players I deeply respect for their calm demeanour and effective leadership. I’ve always believed in working quietly and letting actions speak louder than words - a philosophy that aligns perfectly with how the Royals operate.
Moments I cherish
There have been many moments that deepened my love for the team but nothing beats the 2022 IPL Eliminator 2 and Final in Ahmedabad. I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stay in the same hotel as the team - from sharing dinner with players to even travelling briefly in the Rajasthan Royals team bus.
That experience wasn't just about meeting my heroes - it was about feeling like I was a part of the family.
More than just cricket
For me, Rajasthan Royals is more than a cricket team. It’s a symbol of resilience, innovation and doing things differently. They inspire me not just as a fan but as a person - to challenge norms, support the underdogs, and believe in silent impact over loud noise.
My dream? Beyond lifting another IPL trophy, I hope to see Royals continue growing as a brand that supports social causes, connects deeply with fans and becomes a model franchise in every sense.
Signing off… but never truly done
This journey as a Royals fan is far from over. It’s a part of who I am - just like my roots in Bharuch, my career in construction or my new life in Pune with a partner from Jaipur. The Royals aren’t just a team I support. They’re a part of my story.
