KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS

Rs 135, 000 Crore: Report Claims IPL’s Business Value, Says MI Not Most Valued Team, It Is…

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

The IPL 2024 was huge success for Kolkata Knight Riders, with the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise winning its third title. IPL, overall as an entity, has grown manifold financially too in the past one year. Houlihan Lokey, a global investment bank, in its latest report has said that IPL’s business value grew by 6.5 per cent while its brand value increased by 6.3 per cent over the past one year. The report also said revealed the IPL franchises’ brand value and surprisingly the star-studded Mumbai Indians or Royal Challengers Bengaluru are not the most valued team. “Houlihan Lokey, Inc. (NYSE:HLI), the global investment bank, today issued the 2024 IPL Brand Valuation Study, its comprehensive report into the business enterprise and brand values of the Indian Premier League (IPL),” a press release from the bank said. “According to the report, the value of IPL as a business has surged to US$16.4 billion, up by 6.5% (INR 135,000 crores), reflecting the continued strength and global appeal of the league. The stand-alone brand value of the IPL has increased by 6.3% to US$3.4 billion (INR 28,000 crores), over the past year. “The title sponsorship for the IPL has been secured by the Tata Group for a further five-year period, from 2024 until 2028, for approximately US$300 million (INR 2,500 crores), paying approximately 50% more than the previous deal of INR 335 crores per season. This, along with last year’s media rights auction, reinforces the IPL’s status as a pivotal platform for esteemed brands seeking to enhance their value.” The Report added that the most valued IPL franchise is Chennai Super Kings. “In terms of valuation, despite failing to make it to the playoffs in 2024, with a brand value of US$231.0 million, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) continues to be the most valued franchisee, achieving a growth of 9% from the previous year. IPL 2024 winners, Kolkata Knight Riders, saw the highest growth, with a 19.30% rise from 2023,” the release stated. Five-time champions Mumbai Indians are not even in the top three, when it comes to brand value, the report added. “Ranked second in brand and business value, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) boasts a staggering brand worth of US$227.0 million. Winners of the TATA IPL 2024, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has replaced Mumbai Indians to secure the third place in brand value with US$216.0 million. “Mumbai Indians (MI), which is another immensely successful and popular team, closely trails in fourth place on the table with a brand value of US$204.0 million. With the return of its legacy player and new captain Hardik Pandya, MI has solidified its status as one of the most evolving franchisees in IPL history, paving a path to player trades,” the report said. Topics mentioned in this article

‘Fair character’, ‘has the fire’, ‘can infuse winning culture’: Gautam Gambhir can be the kind of coach India need | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago06 mins

While it has been widely reported that former India opener Gautam Gambhir as the new India coach is a ‘done deal’, an official announcement on the team’s new boss replacing Rahul Dravid might take a few more days to come. But experts have no doubt left that Gambhir is the kind of character who has the fire inside him to take the Indian team to new heights.Among his most recent successes, Gambhir took over the role of Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) mentor just before IPL 2024 and turned out to be the chief architect of KKR’s third triumph in the T20 league. It only added to his credentials as a mentor, after he had taken Lucknow Super Giants to the playoffs in two successive editions, before making a move to join KKR in a similar role. “What a record he has had as a coach!” said the former wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, who announced his retirment after IPL 2024, on Cricbuzz. “Being a mentor for LSG, two years on the bounce qualifying (for playoffs), comes to KKR and they say, ‘Please, you got to do something special for us’. Ends up winning the trophy.” It was effectively Gambhir’s third IPL title in KKR colours. When the team won its two titles in 2012 and 2014, Gambhir was the KKR captain. “He has been at the helm, taken all the decisions (for KKR), be it sending (Sunil) Narine opening or getting Mitchell Starc in the auction — in all of those big recruits and getting the right team, the right balance, and then taking all the shots,” Karthik, who has previously played for KKR in the IPL, said.“I am seeing in the news that he could be part of the Indian team (chief coach) as well, and I really wish he does. He has that fire in him,” Gambhir added. Gambhir’s track record as a player and coach/mentor reflects that he knows what it takes to win big tournaments. Besides three IPL titles with KKR, Gambhir was part of the team under MS Dhoni when India won the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup.Karthik believes that Gambhir has put things in such proper order at KKR that even if he has to leave the job and take up the role of India’s chief coach, KKR remain well placed to excel in the next IPL season as well. “I think he has really built a good (KKR) team, one that will have a lot of players retained and he has left them in a very, very good place. And if he gets the opporunity (India coach), I really wish he takes it. Being part of the national team and the patriotism that he has, I think he will definitely be tempted to take it and I really wish he comes in because he will infuse that winning culture he has infused here (at KKR),” reckoned Gambhir. “India would do very well under him because I feel he has that fire that is required.“When it comes to KKR, whenever he is back (after stint as India coach), they will take him back with open arms. But I do believe he has left Shreyas Iyer and the team in a much better place than it was when he took it (mentorship role).” Former New Zealand pace Simon Doul was also part of the discussion on Cricbuzz, and fully agreed with Karthik’s opinion.“Those (Gambhir) are the kind of people you want at the helm — highly respected, tough. He is a tough character, but I think he is very fair character and I think he’ll do a great job if he were to take over, if he were to accept the role,” said Doull.The tenure of current India coach, Rahul Dravid, will end after the T20 World Cup in June.

“No Retentions But 8…”: KKR CEO’s Offbeat Advice For Next IPL Auction

Danijones5 months ago03 mins

KKR defeat SRH to clinch IPL 2024 title© AFP The IPL 2024 season came to a close with Kolkata Knight Riders claiming the title after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in a somewhat one-sided final. This year’s competition was the last in the three-year cycle and that means a mega-auction will take place ahead of IPL 2025. There will be a major shift in the tournament once again with teams allowed to retain just a handful of players and the majority of the cricket going under the hammer. However, reports claimed that IPL owners are discussing slight tweaks to the rules and KKR owner Venky Mysore even came with an interesting suggestion. In a video posted by famous cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle on his YouTube channel, he revealed that Venky Mysore came up with a suggestion that there should not be any retentions and teams should have 8 Right To Match (RTM) cards which will result in retentions at market price. The last mega-auction took place ahead of the IPL 2022 where all teams were allotted a purse of Rs 90 crore and were allowed to retain a maximum of 4 players. However, it came with the condition that the teams could retain a maximum of 3 Indian players and not more than 2 overseas players. Earlier, former Indian cricket team batter Ambati Rayudu suggested that IPL winners should receive an extra 2-3 retention spots in these mega auctions. However, he did not find a lot of support and former England skipper Kevin Pietersen did not agree with his suggestion. “And maybe, you know, the winner should get an extra 2-3 spots or maybe those who reached the final. They should get that because they deserve it, they played a brilliant season, so maybe they should take an extra 2-3 spots in terms of retention,” Rayudu said on Star Sports. Topics mentioned in this article

‘Can I bring my girlfriend?’: Gautam Gambhir reveals first conversation with ‘KKR’s MVP and brother’ Sunil Narine | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

NEW DELHI: Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir has heaped praise on star all-rounder Sunil Narine, who played a pivotal role in KKR’s third Indian Premier League title this year. Narine was named the ‘Most Valuable Player’ of IPL 2024. Narine regained his magical touch this season, scoring 488 runs and taking 17 wickets throughout the tournament.In a recent interaction with Sportskeeda, Gambhir spoke about his camaraderie with Narine and reminisced about the latter’s early days in the KKR camp.Gambhir, who captained KKR to their IPL victories in 2012 and 2014, highlighted Narine’s crucial role in those triumphs.”Me and Narine are similar characters, and so are our emotions. I still remember that when Narine first came into the IPL in 2012, it was in Jaipur, and we were going for practice, and I told him to come join for lunch. He was so shy that he did not say a single word during lunch, and the first question that he eventually asked was, ‘Can I bring my girlfriend to the IPL?’,” Gambhir recalled.Gambhir suggested that he and Narine share a special bond, describing the all-rounder as a brother. “He was so quiet that first season, but now, we can talk about anything. He is like a brother to me. I don’t see him as a friend, I don’t see him as a teammate, I see him as a brother. If I need him or he needs me, I think we are just one call away, that is the sort of relationship that we have built. We do not get excited much, we do not show too many emotions, we are not flamboyant, we just do the job and come back,” he added.Gambhir also emphasized Narine’s consistent value to KKR, asserting that he has always been the team’s ‘MVP’. “What can I say about him? Even if he didn’t win the ‘most valuable player award’ he would have still been the MVP. You are looking at his stats but he was KKR’s MVP even before the season got underway. The world has seen his talent as an all-rounder and I’m sure that Narine still has plenty to give to KKR and world cricket,” Gambhir explained.

Shah Rukh Khan “Won’t Be Successful…”: Gautam Gambhir’s Intriguing Revelation After KKR Heroics In IPL

Danijones5 months ago05 mins

Gautam Gambhir with Sunil Narine, Shah Rukh Khan and the IPL 2024 trophy.© Twitter Gautam Gambhir is now the cynosure of Kolkata Knight Riders after the IPL 2024 win. There is every reason for him to get all the adulation. He transformed a team that had been waiting for an IPL title for a decade into a champion side. Since joining KKR as a mentor. Gambhir had one mission. That mission – to take KKR to third IPL win – is successful. The joy of the entire KKR team knew no bounds after the IPL 2024 triumph on Sunday. Even KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, who has been a constant presence in his team’s IPL 2024 matches, was happy. Shah Rukh even said in his dressing room speech that he now intends to se Gautam Gambhir on the dance floor, an offer which was declined by the latter. Gambhir, in a recent interview was asked, after his dance prospect after KKR win. His reply was intersting. “Aap galat aadmi se pooch rahe hai. Na mein dance kar sakta hu, na mein ga sakta hu. Lekin ha doosro ko dance karte hue dekh zaroos sakta hu and usko enjoy kar sakta hu. Wo maine zaroos kia. Shah Rukh bhai apne zindagi mein bahut successful rahe hai, aur bahut successful rahenge bhi. Lekin ek jagah jaha pe woh unsuccessful hai ki woh mujhe dance nahi kara paye. Mujhe lagta hai aage aane wale time mein bhi successful hone. Pas iss jagah pe woh successful nahi ho paenge kiuki main dance aur gaana ga hi nahi sakta (You are asking this to the wrong person. Neither can I dance, nor can I sing. Yes, I love to watch others dance and enjoy. Shah Rukh bhai has been very successful in his life and he will continue to be successful. But I think he won’t be successful in this aspect as I can’t dance or sing),” Gautam Gambhir said on Sportskeeda. Several reports have claimed that Gambhir is one of the front-runner for the post but in a recent interview, after he mentored KKR to IPL 2024 title, he indicated something unique. He was asked about KKR now being a ‘trophy-winning dressing room’. “Today you are saying this because we have won our third trophy. But if you ask me, we are still two trophies away from MI and CSK. Today I am content, but again that hunger (is there) that you are still not the most successful team in the IPL, for that to happen you need to win the IPL three more times, which will require a lot of hard work. So I think, the next mission is that, if we can make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There won’t be any bigger feeling for me. But the journey abhi shuru hui hai (the journey has just started),” Gautam Gambhir said on Sportskeeda. The official deadline for application submission for the post of Indian cricket team coach selection is over. Monday was the last date to submit the google sheets to be the next India coach. Topics mentioned in this article

“Can I Bring My Girlfriend To IPL?”: Gautam Gambhir Reveals KKR Star’s First Words

Danijones5 months ago04 mins

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) mentor Gautam Gambhir has showered big praise on star all-rounder Sunil Narine who helped the franchise win their Indian Premier League (IPL) title last week. Narine was named ‘Most Valuable Player’ of IPL 2024 as KKR defeated SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the final last Sunday. Under Gambhir’s mentorship, Narine regained his magical touch, scoring 488 runs and picking up 17 wickets. In a recent interaction, Gambhir opened up on his camaraderie with Narine, and recalled the latter’s early days in the KKR camp. Gambhir was the captain of KKR when they won the IPL in 2012 and 2014, respectively, with Narine playing a crucial role in both the triumphs. “Me and Narine are similar characters, and so are our emotions. I still remember that when Narine first came into the IPL in 2012, it was in Jaipur, and we were going for practice, and I told him to come join for lunch. He was so shy that he did not say a single word during lunch, and the first question that he eventually asked was, ‘Can I bring my girlfriend to the IPL?,” Gambhir told Sportskeeda in an interview. Gambhir suggested that Narine and him are similar persons, and also termed the all-rounder as a brother. “He was so quiet that first season, but now, we can talk about anything. He is like a brother to me. I don’t see him as a friend, I don’t see him as a teammate, I see him as a brother. If I need him or he needs me, I think we are just one call away, that is the sort of relationship that we have built. We do not get excited much, we do not show too many emotions, we are not flamboyant, we just do the job and come back,” he added. Gambhir insisted that Narine has always been KKR’s ‘MVP’. “What can I say about him? Even if he didn’t win the ‘most valuable player award’ he would have still been the MVP. You are looking at his stats but he was KKR’s MVP even before the season got underway. The world has seen his talent as an all-rounder and i’m sure that Narine still has plenty of to give to KKR and world cricket,” he further explained. Topics mentioned in this article

My relation with Virat Kohli is not to give masala to the public: Gautam Gambhir | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago02 mins

NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir shared a warm embrace during the 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League. It was one of the heartwarming moments of the just concluded season. The long-standing alleged hostility between the two former teammates seemed to dissolve as they demonstrated mutual respect and camaraderie. Kohli, the face of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Gambhir, mentor the Kolkata Knight Riders, showed that their past differences were behind them. Gambhir’s return to KKR as a mentor proved to be a masterstroke, as he guided Shreyas Iyer‘s team to their third IPL title. KKR dominated the final, thrashing Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai. This victory ended KKR’s 10-year title drought. Addressing the perceived rift with Kohli, Gambhir told Sportskeeda, “The perception is far away from the reality. My relation with Virat Kohli is something this country doesn’t need to know. He has as much right as I do to express himself and help our respective teams win. Our relation is not to give masala to the public.” Gambhir also praised Kohli’s six-hitting prowess, acknowledging RCB batter’s batting excellence.Kohli had a stellar IPL 2024 season, topping the batting charts with 741 runs in 15 games and winning the prestigious Orange Cap. Earlier, Kohli also reflected on the moment with Gambhir during an event. “People are very disappointed with my behaviour. I hugged Naveen, and then the other day, Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) came and hugged me. Your masala is over so you’re booing. We’re not kids anymore,” Kohli remarked.

IPL 2024: Data useful but captain is the on-field boss, says KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit

Danijones5 months ago08 mins

One of the enduring debates in T20 cricket is on data – its understanding and how much to use. Between Kolkata Knight Riders head coach Chandrakant Pandit, mentor Gautam Gambhir and analyst Nathan Leamon, each belonged to a different school of thought. So, how did KKR marry their views during their victorious campaign? Kolkata Knight Riders captain Shreyas Iyer, coach Chandrakant Pandit and mentor Gautam Gambhir during a practice session(PTI) Gambhir recently said on R Ashwin’s talk show that he has “never believed in data”. Leamon has worked with the England cricket team for many years, and his coded signals from the dressing room balcony to provide tips to captains on using matchups had made headlines. KKR used this method actively when Brendon McCullum was the head coach, but it hasn’t been seen for the past two years. Unlock exclusive access to the latest news on India’s general elections, only on the HT App. Download Now! Download Now! ALSO READ: IPL 2024 moved many needles, changed cricket’s grammar Without going into details on the strategy shift, Pandit, who took over the KKR post ahead of the 2023 season, said he believed data had its value, but the captain should be the final authority during play. “Data is useful. You can look at bowling charts, study patterns of bowling. It gives you an idea if you need to correct strategy on which deliveries and lengths to bowl during which phase of the game and in which conditions,” Pandit said. “But on field, the captain has the right to back his instincts.” He was asked about pacer Vaibhav Arora being used for his third successive powerplay over in the final where he was taken for 17 runs by Aiden Markram. It did not open up the match for Sunrisers Hyderabad, but it could have. SRH were shot out for 113 and KKR won by eight wickets. “It’s the spontaneous decision of the captain. And all of us felt it was the right decision because the ball was moving. Vaibhav being a little inexperienced, he felt the pressure after one bad ball, but that can happen. It’s easy to say from the outside that you go with another plan. But even that can cost you runs.” Pandit said the take on data differed from player to player; how to use it was part of the challenges of coaching. “Data may be helpful for five guys in the team, but may not be for ten other guys. We don’t spend hours on it. It’s not rocket science. It’s still how you bowl on the 22 yards…the bowlers have known about the 6-metre and 10-metre lengths all the time. It’s about giving them more ideas to succeed,” he added. Calling Shreyas Iyer a quality captain, Pandit said he was receptive to ideas but knew how to make his own calls. “Not just because he won the trophy, but I liked him as a captain because he was never rattled in any situation. He looked confident about his decision making and backed his instincts.” PERSONAL LEARNINGS From coaching six Ranji Trophy winning teams across three states (Mumbai, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh) to winning the IPL crown on second attempt, the former India player calls IPL 2024 a tournament of many personal learnings. His old-school coaching style has been questioned sometimes. Pandit said one never stops learning. “What I have understood from IPL is that every player at this level prepares differently,” he said. “Some players do not like to bat or bowl before a match. Initially, Mitchell Starc told me that he does not like to bowl a day before the match in the nets. Later, he felt the need to bowl and he wanted to attend the nets. Sunil Narine may come for an hour in the nets and bowl to one stump. They are used to their own preparations. They know their bodies better than anyone else. You go with that. “In domestic cricket, it’s tough sometimes because you may have only two batters with international experience, while in IPL you have 7-8. But I will be a slightly changed man. I have learned how to manage players slightly differently and give them more freedom when one can. I have never said I know everything. In domestic cricket as well, I have taken suggestions from my video analyst and used it against Mumbai.” Pandit is hopeful his success can open avenues for other Indian coaches to take senior positions in IPL teams. “I am honoured that KKR had faith in me. Gautam brought his international and KKR experience. His directions worked not just for the players but the coaching group as well. Between all the coaches, respect and communication was the way to go.”

‘To my boys, my team, my champs…’: Shah Rukh Khan’s million-dollar praise for KKR | Cricket News

Danijones5 months ago05 mins

NEW DELHI: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Wednesday congratulated the “stars” of his team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), for their outstanding performance in the IPL 2024 final, where they clinched the championship trophy for the third time.KKR triumphed in the latest edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a dominating eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a completely one-sided final on Sunday.As the principal owner of the team, Shah Rukh also expressed his gratitude to the fans who patiently waited 10 long years for this win. “Love you all and don’t let the dancing stop! Also, so happy and thankful for each and every KKR fan and I hope all around the world youngsters learn that tough times don’t last…” he wrote in a lengthy post on his social media handles. The 58-year-old actor expressed his gratitude to the KKR coaching staff and management in his post. He specifically acknowledged the contributions of Gautam Gambhir, the team’s mentor, Abhishek Nayar, the assistant coach, and Chandrakant Pandit, the head coach.“To my boys… my team… my champs… ‘these blessed candles of the night’… My Stars…of KKR. I cannot do a lot of things and you cannot do them all either…but together we manage most of them. That’s what @KKRiders stood for.“Simply being together. Beyond the ability and guidance of @GautamGambhir….the earnestness of Chandu, the love of @abhisheknayar1 & leadership of @ShreyasIyer15… the dedication of @rtendo27, Bharat Arun, @1crowey & @Numb3z.”KKR is a team that’s not built on hierarchy but “pure respect for collaboration”, he said.“GG (Gambhir) said if u can’t support a single vision as a team… u are leading to a division in the team. Each player understood that. Young and old. The Trophy is not a testament of having the best players in the team… but a proof of each player being the best for the team. Boys you are all made of Star stuff!! Finally Tough and Happy teams do! Korbo…Lorbo…Jeetbo….Always. See u all at the stadia in 2025,” Shah Rukh wrote.Shah Rukh, who was hospitalized last week in Ahmedabad due to a heat stroke following his attendance at an IPL match of his team at the Narendra Modi Stadium, was overjoyed when KKR emerged victorious in IPL 2024.During the final match at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium, the actor wore a mask for most of the game but removed it when the team was on the brink of securing the coveted title, displaying his excitement.Accompanied by his wife Gauri Khan and children Aryan, Suhana, and AbRam, Shah Rukh was present at the final match.KKR, co-owned by Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, clinched its first IPL title in 2012, followed by another win in 2014.(With PTI inputs)

Fans Trend “Sorry Kavya Maran” On Social Media As SRH Suffer Heartbreaking IPL Final Defeat

Danijones5 months ago03 mins

Kolkata Knight Riders clinched the IPL 2024 title after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the summit clash by eight wickets. Asked to bat first, SRH had a horrendous day as they were bundled out for 113 with Andre Russell and Mitchell Starc scalping three and two wickets respectively. Later, KKR chased down the target in just 10.3 overs and lifted their third IPL trophy. After the victory, celebrations began in camp KKR but the mood was exactly opposite in camp SRH as their owner Kavya Maran could not hide tears. Kavya, who always supported SRH with a beautiful smile on her face, left many hearts broken with her crying face. As soon the video of her crying went viral on social media, many memes started circulating. However, few fans shared some posts, apologizing her for SRH’s defeat. Will never forgive KKR for making Kavya Maran Cry pic.twitter.com/wbswAh0Vrn — Mohit (@mohit12j) May 26, 2024 Sorry Kavya Ma’am But This Was About Silencing Pat Cummins Again pic.twitter.com/zeDnzwe576 — Dr Khushboo 🇮🇳 (@khushbookadri) May 26, 2024 Feeling sad for her 🥹 #kavyamaran pic.twitter.com/Dlz4gOchuI — VIKAS JHA (@vikasnisu_007) May 26, 2024 “They bowled fantastically. Unfortunately, old mate Starcy turned it on again. Not enough tonight, totally outplayed. You hope you get a few boundaries away but they bowled fantastically well, didn’t really give us anything. Similar to last week in Ahmedabad where they bowled really well, so full credit. It was a bit of a tricky wicket. If we got 160, it would have felt we were in the game. Didn’t feel like a 200+ wicket,” said SRH skipper Pat Cummins after the heartbreaking loss. “Great season. It was fantastic, hadn’t worked with many of the guys before at all. It was a real pleasure to work with some of the older, experienced guys like Bhuvi. Bhuvi, Nattu, Jaydev were great and lots of young talent throughout. Really great squad, the support staff were amazing, had a great couple of months. We play a lot over here in India but it’s normally a sea of blue,” he added. Topics mentioned in this article