The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), one of the most iconic teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), have had a rollercoaster journey through the years. As we look forward to IPL 2024, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable moments in KKR’s history.
Inception and Celebrity Owners
The story of KKR began in 2008 when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced the IPL, a revolutionary cricketing spectacle. KKR was among the eight teams formed to represent different cities in India. This Kolkata-based franchise was purchased by the iconic Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s company, Red Chillies Entertainment, in partnership with renowned actress Juhi Chawla and her husband Jay Mehta for a whopping $75.09 million. The stage was set for an exhilarating cricketing journey, and Sourav Ganguly, a native of West Bengal and former Indian national team captain, was named the Icon player.
The team’s name, Kolkata Knight Riders, was a nod to the popular 1980s American television series “Knight Rider,” combining glamor with cricket.
Champion Beginnings
The turning point for KKR came in 2011 when they qualified for the IPL playoffs for the first time. The real magic happened in 2012 when KKR became the IPL champions for the first time by defeating the formidable Chennai Super Kings in a thrilling final. They continued their winning streak by clinching the title again in 2014, this time against Kings XI Punjab. KKR also holds the record for the longest winning streak by any Indian team in T20s, with an impressive run of 14 consecutive victories.
Legends of KKR
KKR boasts a rich history of cricketing legends. Gautam Gambhir stands as the all-time leading run-scorer for the team, while Sunil Narine holds the record for the leading wicket-taker. These two names are etched in KKR’s history, having played pivotal roles in the team’s success.
Purple and Gold: The Official Colors
The official colors of KKR are purple and gold, giving the team a distinctive identity. The tagline “Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo Re” reflects the team’s spirit, translating to “We will perform, fight, and win!” The theme song was scored by the famous Vishal–Shekhar duo, and a Knight Riders album featuring renowned singers and music composers was created to capture the essence of the team.
Expansion and Success Beyond Borders
The journey of KKR is not confined to Indian shores. In 2015, the team’s ownership group extended its reach by acquiring a stake in the Caribbean Premier League’s Trinidad and Tobago Red Steel, later renamed the Trinbago Knight Riders in 2016. The foray continued with an investment in the American T20 league, Major League Cricket, in December 2020.
In 2021, the Knight Riders Group CEO, Venky Mysore, announced KKR’s entry into the South African T20 league, with the creation of Cape Town Knight Riders. They also signaled their intentions to invest in the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new competition format, The Hundred.
Valuation and Prestige
The success and popularity of KKR have translated into immense value. According to Forbes in 2022, KKR is the third most valuable team in the IPL, trailing only Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, with a valuation of $1.1 billion.
Rivalries That Ignite Passion
KKR’s success has naturally led to intense rivalries in the IPL:
Mumbai Indians: The rivalry with Mumbai Indians, the most successful IPL franchise, is one of the fiercest. Matches between them are high-voltage affairs, as both teams play in major cricketing markets. Over the years, the rivalry has seen dramatic twists, captivating fans and setting the stage for unforgettable encounters.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): The KKR-RCB rivalry dates back to the inaugural match of the IPL, where Brendon McCullum’s historic 158* off 73 balls announced KKR’s arrival. This rivalry has seen many thrilling contests, often with standout performances from both sides.
As we eagerly await IPL 2024, it’s clear that KKR’s journey is one filled with memorable moments, legendary players, and intense rivalries. With a strong foundation and an ever-growing legacy, Kolkata Knight Riders continue to be one of the most beloved franchises in the IPL.
