Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is a professional Twenty20 cricket team based in Kolkata, West Bengal, that competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise is owned by actor Shah Rukh Khan through Red Chillies Entertainment, actress Juhi Chawla, and her spouse Jay Mehta through Mehta Group. The team plays its home matches at Eden Gardens, which has a capacity of 68,000 spectators.
Kolkata Knight Riders have won three IPL titles in 2012, 2014, and 2024, making them one of the most successful franchises in the league. The team holds the record for the longest winning streak in IPL history—14 consecutive matches achieved in 2015.
Franchise History
Formation (2008)
The Indian Premier League was announced in 2007 as a Twenty20 competition to begin in 2008. At the franchise auction in February 2008 in Mumbai, the Kolkata franchise was bought by Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment in partnership with Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta for $75.09 million. Sourav Ganguly, the former captain of the Indian national team, was named the icon player for the team.
Early Struggles (2008–2011)
In the inaugural 2008 season, KKR finished seventh in the league stage. The team struggled in the first few seasons, with inconsistent performances. In 2009, KKR finished eighth, and in 2010, they finished sixth. The 2011 season marked a turning point as KKR qualified for the playoffs for the first time.
Championship Success (2012–2014)
In 2012, under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, KKR won their first IPL title. The team finished second in the league stage and defeated Chennai Super Kings in the final by five wickets at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.
In 2014, KKR won their second IPL title. After finishing second in the league stage, they defeated Kings XI Punjab in the final by 39 runs at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Return to Glory (2024)
In 2024, KKR won their third IPL title, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.
Ownership
Kolkata Knight Riders is owned by Knight Riders Sports Private Limited (KRSPL), a joint venture between Shah Rukh Khan's Red Chillies Entertainment and the Mehta Group. According to Forbes in 2022, KKR was the third most valuable IPL franchise with a valuation of $1.1 billion.
Team Identity
The franchise's colors are purple and gold. The logo features a stylized Corinthian helmet. The team is nicknamed "Knights" and has a passionate fanbase. Gautam Gambhir is KKR's all-time leading run-scorer, while Sunil Narine is the leading wicket-taker.
Season-by-Season Record
| Season | Position | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 7th | League stage |
| 2009 | 8th | League stage |
| 2010 | 6th | League stage |
| 2011 | 3rd | Playoffs |
| 2012 | 2nd | Champions |
| 2013 | 7th | League stage |
| 2014 | 2nd | Champions |
| 2015 | 5th | Playoffs |
| 2016 | 4th | Playoffs |
| 2017 | 6th | League stage |
| 2018 | 3rd | Playoffs |
| 2019 | 5th | Playoffs |
| 2020 | 5th | Playoffs |
| 2021 | 5th | Playoffs |
| 2022 | 7th | League stage |
| 2023 | 6th | League stage |
| 2024 | 2nd | Champions |
| 2025 | 4th | Playoffs |