Kolkata Knight Riders IPL Team

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are more than just a cricket team—they’re a symbol of passion, glamour, and cricketing excellence in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for their star-studded ownership, electrifying performances, and a record-tying three IPL titles, KKR has become a household name among cricket fans globally. Whether you’re a loyal member of the Knight Riders’ fanbase, affectionately called the “Purple Army,” or a newcomer eager to learn more, this article covers everything you need to know about KKR—from their ownership to where the players live and how much the team was sold for. Let’s dive in, Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo!

Who Owns the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL Team?

The Kolkata Knight Riders are owned by Knight Riders Sports Private Limited, a venture spearheaded by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan through his company Red Chillies Entertainment, along with actress Juhi Chawla and her husband, businessman Jay Mehta. Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood,” holds a majority 55% stake, making him the face of the franchise. His charisma, passion for cricket, and emotional investment in the team have made KKR one of the most popular IPL teams, especially in Kolkata, where cricket is nothing short of a religion.

Fun Fact: KKR’s brand value was estimated at $1.1 billion in 2022, making it the third most valuable IPL franchise, behind only Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Shah Rukh Khan’s presence in the stands, often accompanied by his children Suhana and AbRam, adds a touch of Bollywood glamour to every match, turning Eden Gardens into a spectacle of sport and entertainment.

Where Do Kolkata Knight Riders Players Live?

During the IPL season, KKR players are based in Kolkata, West Bengal, where the team plays its home matches at the iconic Eden Gardens, one of the world’s most historic cricket stadiums. For the duration of the season, players typically stay in luxury hotels or team-provided accommodations in Kolkata, ensuring they’re close to training facilities and the stadium. Here’s a look at where some of the key players live outside the IPL season:

• Venkatesh Iyer (Bought, ₹23.75 crore): The dynamic all-rounder and KKR captain for IPL 2025 hails from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, but spends significant time in Kolkata during the season.
• Rinku Singh (Retained, ₹13 crore): The breakout star of IPL 2023, known for his finishing prowess, is from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, where he recently bought a luxurious house.
• Sunil Narine (Retained, ₹12 crore): The West Indian mystery spinner resides in Trinidad and Tobago but is a Kolkata favorite, spending much of his IPL career in the city.
• Andre Russell (Retained, ₹12 crore): The explosive all-rounder lives in Kingston, Jamaica, but is a fan favorite in Kolkata, often staying in team accommodations during the season.
• Varun Chakaravarthy (Retained, ₹12 crore): The Indian mystery spinner calls Chennai, Tamil Nadu, his home but is based in Kolkata during the IPL.
• Harshit Rana (Retained, ₹4 crore): The promising young pacer is from New Delhi, where he resides outside the IPL season.
• Quinton de Kock (Bought, ₹3.60 crore): The South African wicketkeeper-batsman lives in Pretoria, South Africa, but joins the team in Kolkata for the season.
• Anrich Nortje (Bought, ₹6.50 crore): The fiery South African pacer resides in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, but is housed in Kolkata during the IPL.
• Rovman Powell (Bought, ₹1.50 crore): The West Indies T20I captain lives in Kingston, Jamaica, but is part of KKR’s Kolkata setup during the season.

International players and outstation Indian players are provided with top-notch accommodations in Kolkata, ensuring comfort and focus during the grueling IPL schedule.

How Much Did Kolkata Knight Riders Sell For?

When the IPL was launched in 2008, the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise was purchased by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment, along with Juhi Chawla and Jay Mehta, for approximately $75.09 million (around ₹262.5 crore at the time). This made KKR one of the most expensive buys in the inaugural IPL auction, reflecting the high expectations and star power associated with the team. Over the years, this investment has proven to be a goldmine, with KKR’s brand value soaring to $1.1 billion by 2022, driven by their on-field success, celebrity ownership, and massive fan following.

Why Kolkata Knight Riders Are IPL Legends

Kolkata Knight Riders are synonymous with resilience and glory in the IPL, having won the title three times (2012, 2014, and 2024), tying with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings for the most IPL trophies. Under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir, KKR clinched their first two titles, establishing themselves as a dominant force. Gambhir, who returned as a mentor in 2024, played a pivotal role in their third title win, this time under the captaincy of Shreyas Iyer. The 2024 season was particularly dominant, with KKR losing only three matches and bowling out opponents six times—the most by any team in a single IPL edition.

Now, with Venkatesh Iyer taking the helm in 2025, fans are eager to see if KKR can continue their legacy of success. The team’s ability to unearth talent, like Rinku Singh and Harshit Rana, and maximize the potential of international stars, like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, has made them a formidable force year after year.

Kolkata Knight Riders IPL 2025 Squad: A Blend of Experience and Youth

Ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, KKR retained six core players, spending ₹65 crore of their ₹120 crore purse. They then made strategic buys in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to bolster their squad, focusing on a mix of explosive batsmen, versatile all-rounders, and a potent bowling attack. Here’s the full KKR squad for IPL 2025:

• Retained Players: Rinku Singh (₹13 crore), Varun Chakaravarthy (₹12 crore), Sunil Narine (₹12 crore), Andre Russell (₹12 crore), Harshit Rana (₹4 crore), Ramandeep Singh (₹4 crore)
• Auction Buys: Venkatesh Iyer (₹23.75 crore), Quinton de Kock (₹3.60 crore), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (₹2 crore), Anrich Nortje (₹6.50 crore), Angkrish Raghuvanshi (₹2 crore), Rovman Powell (₹1.50 crore), Vaibhav Arora (₹1.80 crore), Ajinkya Rahane (₹1.50 crore), Manish Pandey (₹1 crore), Spencer Johnson (₹1 crore), Mayank Markande (₹30 lakh), Luvnith Sisodia (₹30 lakh), Sandeep Warrier (₹30 lakh), Vinay Kumar (₹30 lakh), Samarth Kumar (₹30 lakh), Ankul Roy (₹30 lakh)

With a balanced squad featuring experienced campaigners like Ajinkya Rahane and Manish Pandey, alongside young talents like Angkrish Raghuvanshi, KKR is once again poised to be a top contender in IPL 2025.

Fun Facts About Kolkata Knight Riders

• Home Ground: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with a capacity of 68,000, is known for its passionate crowd and electric atmosphere.
• Most Successful IPL Team: KKR is tied with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings for the most IPL titles (3).
• Global Reach: The Knight Riders brand has expanded globally, with sister franchises in leagues like the Caribbean Premier League (Trinbago Knight Riders) and Major League Cricket (Los Angeles Knight Riders).

Why Kolkata Knight Riders Are a Fan Favorite Kolkata Knight Riders IPL Team

What sets KKR apart is their ability to connect with fans on an emotional level. From Shah Rukh Khan’s iconic pose in the stands to the team’s social media engagement, KKR has built a community that transcends cricket. Their motto, “Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo” (Perform, Fight, Win), resonates deeply with the people of Kolkata, embodying the city’s fighting spirit and love for the game.

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