'Thank you for entertaining us over the years' - RCB pays tribute to deceased stadium drummer Deva

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) marked the passing of Deva, a drummer who had been a familiar presence at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for many seasons of IPL cricket. Deva passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026, following health complications. He was 64 years old.

RCB paid tribute to Deva on their official Instagram handle, sharing pictures of him from the stands at the Chinnaswamy. The franchise remembered his long association with the stadium and described him as a figure who had been part of the matchday atmosphere from the very beginning of IPL cricket at the venue.

Deva was fondly known by the Kannada nickname 'ಕನ್ನಡದ ಶಿವಮಣಿ', which translates to 'Kannada Shivamani'. He was an ardent fan of RCB and a vibrant presence in the stands at the Bengaluru-based franchise's home ground.

In their tribute post on Instagram, RCB wrote: "From the very first IPL game at the Chinnaswamy to many memorable nights in the stands, Deva's drums were a familiar part of RCB match day experience. We lost Deva, fondly known as ಕನ್ನಡದ ಶಿವಮಣಿ (Kannada Shivamani), yesterday at the age of 64, following health complications. Deva's beats will continue to echo around the Chinnaswamy and he will always be part of RCB's folklore," the franchise said.

RCB's tribute to Deva on Instagram

The tribute post also carried a direct message to the drummer. RCB added: "Thank you for entertaining us over the years. Rest in peace, Deva. ನಿಮ್ಮ ಆತ್ಮಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಂತಿ ಸಿಗಲಿ, ದೇವಾ ಅವರೇ (May your soul rest in peace, Deva)," the franchise wrote on Instagram.

Deva's drumming had become a recognisable part of the atmosphere at the Chinnaswamy across multiple IPL seasons. His presence in the stands was noted by supporters and the franchise alike, and RCB's tribute underlined how closely he was associated with the stadium's matchday identity.

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RCB won their first IPL title on June 3, 2025, defeating Punjab Kings by six wickets in the IPL 2025 final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, ending an 18-year wait for the franchise and its supporters. They went on to successfully defend the title earlier this year under Rajat Patidar's astute leadership.