When Lauren Bell joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), few anticipated how much her life would change. The England bowler not only won her second WPL trophy with RCB but also saw a significant increase in her global fan base, making her one of the season’s highlights.
Bell’s time with the Bengaluru team has been transformative. From the moment she wore the red and gold jersey, her popularity surged, thanks to RCB’s dedicated fanbase known for supporting their players.
Lauren Bell reacts to viral fame after RCB heroics
On the Wisden Women’s Cricket Weekly podcast, Bell shared her amazement at the rapid growth of her social media following.
She started the year with about 800,000 Instagram followers. Within the first week of the WPL, she surpassed one million, and now she has reached 2.3 million followers.
“I remember hitting a million in the first week, thinking, ‘How do I have so many people following me?’ It’s unbelievable,” Bell said.
Despite her newfound fame, she continues to post as if she’s only sharing with a small group of friends.
“I still post like I’ve got 10 of my friends on it. I think that’s why people find me relatable,” she joked.
Now, Bell is the third most-followed English cricketer on Instagram, trailing only Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes. She has even surpassed the follower counts of Joe Root and Jofra Archer.
The new fan favourite of RCB
Beyond her follower count, Bell has become a beloved figure among RCB supporters. Viral videos showcasing her smile have gained popularity across social media, earning her the title of the RCB community’s new favorite.
However, her connection with fans goes beyond just viral content. Bell appreciates the franchise’s enthusiastic supporters for making her feel at home.
“They have such passionate fans, and I felt really supported. It’s incredible to think that two million people are interested in what I’m doing,” she added.
Backing the buzz with on-field brilliance
As her social media fame grew, Bell ensured her performance on the field matched the excitement. She played a vital role in RCB’s championship run, finishing the tournament with 12 wickets. Her impressive control was noteworthy, as she held the best economy rate of 5.52 among all bowlers.
In the final against the Delhi Capitals, she bowled a disciplined four-over spell, allowing just 19 runs. RCB captain Smriti Mandhana praised her performance as match-winning, highlighting the confidence the team had in her during crucial moments.
Also SEE: 7 most stunning pics of Southern Brave’s star Lauren Bell – The Hundred
