KKR Stars Shine at Knights Unplugged 2.0 Ahead of IPL 2025

KKR Stars Assemble at Knights Unplugged 2.0 Ahead of IPL 2025 Season

Kolkata, March 20, 2025

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) gave their fans an unforgettable experience at the Knights Unplugged 2.0 event, held at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan on Wednesday. The excitement ahead of IPL 2025 was palpable as over 5,000 passionate supporters gathered to see their favorite cricketers up close. The event, just days before KKR's opening clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, reinforced the deep bond between the franchise and its fans.

The highlight of the evening was the grand unveiling of KKR’s three IPL championship trophies, a proud reminder of the team’s rich legacy. Fans cheered as key players, including captain Ajinkya Rahane, vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer, head coach Chandrakant Pandit, and newly-appointed team mentor Dwayne Bravo, took center stage to share their thoughts on the upcoming season.

KKR Leadership Reflects on IPL 2025 Preparations

Venky Mysore, CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders

Addressing the roaring crowd, KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed his gratitude for the unwavering fan support. “It’s an honor to be part of this franchise. Seeing the love we receive gives me goosebumps. There’s no place like Kolkata when Eden Gardens fills with purple and gold, their chants truly lift the entire team.”

Ajinkya Rahane, Captain of KKR

Leading KKR once again, Rahane spoke with pride about his return. “It’s great to be back with KKR and an honor to lead this franchise with such a rich history. We have a strong squad this year, and our focus is on keeping things simple. Our preparation has been excellent, and we’re ready for an exciting season.”

Venkatesh Iyer, Vice-Captain

Iyer, who has been a rising star in the franchise, reflected on his journey. “Being vice-captain of a team with such a rich legacy is an honor. This franchise gave me my big break, and I am grateful for the trust they have shown in me. My goal is to give back and contribute to our success.”

Chandrakant Pandit, Head Coach

The seasoned head coach was reflective about KKR’s journey over the past few seasons. “These three years have been amazing. Winning the title last year was a collective effort players, management, and fans all played their part. We want to keep building on that success.”

Dwayne Bravo, Team Mentor

Bravo, an IPL legend himself, shared his enthusiasm about joining KKR in a new role. “The Knight Riders brand is respected worldwide. I’ve had great success with the franchise in Trinidad, and when the opportunity came to join KKR, it was an easy decision. We’re here to win, and I’m looking forward to defending our title.”

KKR Unveils Retro Black and Gold Jersey

In addition to celebrating past achievements, the franchise used the event to unveil a special collection of merchandise, including a retro black and gold jersey inspired by KKR’s inaugural season. The jersey was well-received by fans, adding to the buzz surrounding the team’s preparations for IPL 2025.

Kolkata Knight Riders: A Global T20 Force

The Knight Riders brand continues to dominate the global T20 scene, with franchises in multiple leagues, including:

• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the TATA IPL

• Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR) in the Caribbean Premier League

• Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ADKR) in UAE’s ILT20

• Los Angeles Knight Riders (LAKR) in USA’s Major League Cricket

With eight trophies across these leagues, the Knight Riders have established themselves as one of the most successful brands in the T20 format.

KKR’s IPL track record includes four finals and three championships (2012, 2014, 2024), with their most recent title coming after an inspiring campaign last season. The franchise has also made a significant impact in the Caribbean Premier League, where TKR has won four titles, including a historic unbeaten championship run in 2020. The TKR Women’s team added another feather to the cap, winning the inaugural Women’s CPL title in 2022.

Knight Riders Academy: Building the Future

Beyond their IPL success, KKR continues to invest in the future through the Knight Riders Academy. The academy scouts and nurtures young cricketers from around the world, providing them with year-round training and development opportunities. The initiative aims to groom the next generation of cricketing superstars and reinforce KKR’s legacy in the game.

KKR Ready for IPL 2025 Kickoff

With just days to go before the IPL 2025 season begins, excitement is at an all-time high. KKR will start their campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 23, aiming to build on last year’s championship-winning momentum. With a balanced squad and strong leadership, the team looks well-positioned for another deep run in the tournament.

Knights Unplugged 2.0 not only celebrated KKR’s past achievements but also set the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season ahead. As the fans painted the town purple and gold, one thing was clear Kolkata is ready to back their team with full force once again.