The “Southern Derby” between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has just hit a new level of glamour. While Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar are lighting up the pitch, all eyes in the VIP box are on India’s tennis icon, Sania Mirza.
But why is the Hyderabadi star supporting the Bengaluru side today? We have the exclusive “Powerhouse” reason.
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1. The “Birla” Connection: Friendship Over Everything
The secret behind Sania’s presence isn’t just a love for cricket—it’s about deep-rooted loyalty and friendship.
- The New Owners: Ahead of IPL 2026, a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group acquired RCB in a record-breaking ₹16,700 crore deal.
- The BFF Factor: Sania Mirza is incredibly close friends with Ananya Birla, the singer and business powerhouse who has become a key face of the new RCB era. Their bond is so strong that Ananya recently appeared on Sania’s podcast, ‘Serving It Up With Sania’, where they spoke about supporting each other through life’s biggest challenges.
- The Chairman: To make it a true family affair, Ananya’s brother, Aryaman Vikram Birla, has officially taken over as the Chairman of RCB. When your best friend’s family owns the team, you don’t just watch the match—you lead the cheering squad!

2. Sania Mirza: The Global Icon (A 100-Word Tribute)
Sania Mirza isn’t just a guest; she is an institution. For over two decades, she has been the face of Indian women’s sports, breaking barriers with her powerful forehand and even more powerful voice. Whether it’s winning Grand Slams or being a role model for millions, Sania defines “Grace under Pressure.” Even after retiring from professional tennis, her aura remains unmatched. Today, seeing her at the Chinnaswamy stadium brings a “Champion’s Energy” to the RCB stands. She is, and will always be, the original “Powerhouse” of Indian sports.
3. A Mother’s Day Out: Izhaan in the Stands?
Fans are also hoping to catch a glimpse of Sania’s son, Izhaan Mirza Malik. Sania often shares how Izhaan loves the energy of stadiums, and bringing him to a high-voltage match like RCB vs. CSK is the perfect way to spend a Sunday in Bengaluru.
📊 Why This Match is “Must-Watch”
| Feature | The Detail |
| The Venue | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (April 5, 2026) |
| New Ownership | Aditya Birla Group (Aryaman Birla, Chairman) |
| Star Guest | Sania Mirza (Supporting Ananya Birla) |
| Match Vibes | Defending Champions (RCB) vs. The Yellow Army (CSK) |


