The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is a franchise cricket team based in Kolkata, India, which plays in the Indian Premier League (IPL). They were one of the eight teams that took part in the inaugural IPL in 2008, managed by India’s biggest film star, Shah Rukh Khan, along with actress Juhi Chawla and her spouse Jay Mehta. The team’s iconic purple and gold colors and the burning knight chess piece logo are recognized by cricket fans worldwide. The team’s home ground is the iconic Eden Gardens, one of the most historic and largest cricket stadiums in India.
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Kolkata Knight Riders ‘s journey in the IPL has been marked by significant highs. The team clinched the IPL title twice, first in 2012 and then in 2014, under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. These victories were the result of strategic team-building and the inclusion of key players who made a significant impact. In 2020, England’s World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan was signed by KKR, adding substantial strength to their middle order. In the 2023 season, Nitish Rana was appointed as the captain in place of the injured Shreyas Iyer, marking a new chapter in the team’s leadership.
Low Point
However, KKR’s journey has not been without its lows. The initial years were particularly challenging, with the team finishing at the bottom of the table in the 2009 season. The team also faced a significant setback in 2012 when their co-owner and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was banned from the Wankhede Stadium for five years following a heated argument with the stadium’s security staff. The team also faced fan backlash when they did not retain their former captain and local hero Sourav Ganguly in 2011. The decision led to protests and a significant drop in stadium attendance. However, the team managed to turn things around with strategic decisions and strong performances, leading to their first IPL title in 2012.