Cricket

Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket superstar, has regained his position as the country's most valuable celebrity, according to the 2023 Celebrity Brand Valuation Report by Kroll. With a brand value of USD 227.9 million, Kohli has witnessed a significant 29% increase from 2022, when his valuation stood at USD 176.9 million.Kohli's resurgence has pushed actor Ranveer Singh to the second spot, with a brand value of USD 203.1 million. Shah Rukh Khan, buoyed by the success of his recent films, has climbed to the third position with a valuation of USD 120.7 million.The report highlights that while Kohli's brand has grown, it has not yet reached the peak of USD 237.7 million achieved in 2020. Aviral Jain, managing director for valuation advisory services at Kroll, attributed Shah Rukh's remarkable return to the top five to his successful film releases.The rankings have also seen adjustments due to Shah Rukh's rise. Akshay Kumar now holds the fourth position with a brand value of USD 111.7 million, followed by Alia Bhatt in fifth place with USD 101.1 million. Deepika Padukone has slipped to sixth place with a valuation of USD 96 million.Former India captain MS Dhoni has moved up one spot to eighth place with a brand value of USD 95.8 million, while legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar maintains his eighth position with a valuation of USD 91.3 million. Salman Khan has climbed one spot to become the tenth most valuable celebrity brand in 2023, with a value of USD 81.7 million.The combined valuation of the top 25 celebrity brands has reached USD 1.9 billion in 2023, marking a 15.5% increase from the previous year. Among the rising stars, actor Kiara Advani has experienced a meteoric rise to rank 12, while Katrina Kaif has debuted on the list at rank 25.Kroll's assessment is based on the brand value of celebrities derived purely from their earning potential through product brand endorsements. This includes full-fledged endorsements, digital campaigns, one-time campaigns, and website appearances. Merchandising earnings were not considered in the analysis due to the dominant contribution of brand endorsements to a celebrity's brand value.

Gautam Gambhir, the former Indian cricketer, has emerged as the mastermind behind Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) triumphant IPL 2024 victory. As the team's mentor, Gambhir orchestrated a remarkable transformation, guiding KKR to their third IPL title after a decade-long drought.Gambhir's unwavering determination to bring glory to KKR was evident from the moment he joined the franchise. His mission was clear: to lead the team to its third IPL triumph. And he delivered.The joy of the KKR team after their IPL 2024 triumph was palpable. Even co-owner Shah Rukh Khan, a constant presence throughout the tournament, expressed his elation. In a heartwarming gesture, Khan invited Gambhir to join him on the dance floor, an offer that the latter politely declined.In a recent interview, Gambhir addressed his dance prospects after KKR's victory. With characteristic wit, he quipped, "You're asking the wrong person. I can neither dance nor sing. But I can certainly watch others dance and enjoy it. I did just that. Shah Rukh bhai has been incredibly successful in his life and will continue to be. But there's one area where he's unsuccessful: he couldn't make me dance. I believe he'll continue to be unsuccessful in this regard because I simply can't dance or sing."Despite his reluctance to dance, Gambhir's leadership and strategic acumen have earned him widespread praise. Reports suggest that he is a frontrunner for the post of Indian cricket team coach. However, in a recent interview, he hinted at a different path.When asked about KKR's status as a "trophy-winning dressing room," Gambhir said, "Today, you say this because we've won our third trophy. But if you ask me, we're still two trophies behind MI and CSK. I'm content today, but that hunger remains. We're not the most successful team in the IPL yet. To achieve that, we need to win the IPL three more times, which will require a lot of hard work. So I think our next mission is to make KKR the most successful team in the IPL. There's no greater feeling for me. But the journey has just begun."As the official deadline for application submission for the post of Indian cricket team coach has passed, it remains to be seen whether Gambhir will pursue this opportunity or continue his mission with KKR. Regardless of his decision, his legacy as a transformative leader in the IPL is secure.

Shah Rukh Khan's Kolkata Knight Riders Triumph in IPL 2024, Clinching Third ChampionshipBollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan expressed his elation and gratitude as his team, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), emerged victorious in the IPL 2024 final. KKR's dominating eight-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) marked their third IPL championship title.Khan, the principal owner of KKR, hailed the team's "stars" for their exceptional performance. He 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," Khan wrote in a heartfelt social media post.He emphasized the team's unity and collaboration, stating that KKR is "not built on hierarchy but pure respect for collaboration." Khan praised the players' understanding of the team's vision and their dedication to the cause."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!!" he exclaimed.Khan also expressed his gratitude to the KKR fans who had patiently waited 10 years for this victory. He urged them to continue their support and encouraged youngsters to learn from the team's resilience."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.Despite suffering from a heat stroke last week, Khan was present at the final in Chennai's Chepauk Stadium. He appeared in a mask throughout most of the match but removed it as KKR approached victory.KKR's first IPL title came in 2012, followed by another triumph in 2014. The team's latest victory is a testament to their determination and the leadership of Shah Rukh Khan, who has been a constant source of inspiration for the players and fans alike.

Kolkata Knight Riders' Triumph Illuminates Burj Khalifa in Purple GloryIn a spectacular display of celebration, the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa in Dubai, was adorned in the vibrant purple hues of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to commemorate their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title victory.KKR's triumph over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL final on May 26 at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium sparked jubilation among their fans and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. In Dubai, the iconic Burj Khalifa became a beacon of celebration, its facade illuminated with purple lights and videos of the moment going viral on social media.The franchise shared a captivating video on social media, capturing the breathtaking spectacle. "View from the top. It's all PURPLE," they captioned the post. The building's towering structure showcased images of the KKR squad and their co-owner, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, alongside the message: "Congratulations KKR. Congratulations SRK."KKR's previous IPL triumphs came in 2012 and 2014 under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. Coincidentally, Gambhir now serves as the team's mentor and is a frontrunner to become the new coach of the Indian men's cricket team, replacing Rahul Dravid after the T20 World Cup in June.The Burj Khalifa's tribute to KKR's victory not only celebrated their achievement but also highlighted the global reach and popularity of the IPL. The tournament has become a major sporting event, attracting fans from around the world and showcasing the talent and skill of Indian cricketers.

Kolkata Knight Riders' young paceman Harshit Rana has shared a heartwarming story involving franchise co-owner Shah Rukh Khan following KKR's victorious IPL 2024 campaign. Rana, who had a breakthrough season, played a pivotal role in KKR's third title victory, taking 19 wickets in 13 matches.However, Rana's season was not without controversy. He was handed a one-match ban for a Level 1 offence under Article 2.5 of the IPL's Code of Conduct during a match against Delhi Capitals at Eden Gardens. The young pacer made an animated gesture towards DC's Abhishek Porel after taking his wicket, marking his second penalty of the season. Earlier, Rana had been fined 60% of his match fees for giving a flying-kiss send-off to Sunrisers Hyderabad's batter Mayank Agarwal.Reflecting on his emotions after the ban, the 22-year-old disclosed a special interaction with Shah Rukh Khan. Feeling dejected, Rana received a pep talk from the Bollywood superstar, who made a heartfelt promise to lift his spirits."Oh Yes! After I got banned for one match, I was very sad and then Shah Rukh sir came to me and said 'Tu tension mat le ye waali celebration Trophy ke saath karenge' (Don't worry, we will celebrate this with the trophy). He promised me and made sure that we did that with the trophy and our team," Harshit told the Indian Express.True to his word, Shah Rukh Khan led the entire KKR team in a flying kiss celebration after they clinched the IPL trophy. This gesture not only fulfilled a promise but also united the team in a moment of shared joy and camaraderie.Rana's performance in the final against Sunrisers Hyderabad was outstanding. He claimed two wickets for just 24 runs in his four overs, including a rare maiden over in the summit clash. His contributions were crucial in securing KKR's victory.After the final, KKR's left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc lauded the young pacer's efforts, highlighting his growth and confidence throughout the season."Harshit is learning what his skills are capable of throughout this IPL. He seems pretty confident in his abilities. He started his season with the second-best team in this season (SRH). The right-arm seamer has bowled some tough overs and also crucial last overs and has taken a good amount of wickets this season as well," Starc said.Rana's journey in the IPL has been a testament to his hard work and determination. Despite facing setbacks, he has shown resilience and a willingness to learn. His performances have not only helped KKR achieve success but have also earned him the respect of his teammates and opponents.

Bollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) owner Shah Rukh Khan delivered an emotional and heartfelt speech in the dressing room following his team's triumph in the IPL 2024 final. KKR produced a dominant performance to defeat Sunrisers Hyderabad and secure their third IPL trophy.Despite being recently hospitalized due to a heat stroke, SRK made a special appearance at the summit clash to support his team alongside his family. In a video shared by KKR on social media, SRK expressed his gratitude to the players and staff, while also making a special request."I just have one request, which is my special thanks to Gautam Gambhir," SRK said. "I have not thanked him specially. Two things we had discussed when we started that maybe we can make him dance. Sunil (Narine) has already crossed that boundary. I saw him dance. So we have to make GG [Gautam Gambhir] dance tonight."SRK's speech was met with cheers and applause from the KKR players. He went on to express his love and appreciation for the team, acknowledging their hard work and dedication."Thank you, everybody. You guys are lovely. God bless you. Just stay healthy. And, wherever we go ahead from here onwards, I wish you the best. And, I know, I speak on behalf of Jay, Juhi, Jahnavi, Suhana, Pooja, all of us, who love you very much that you make us very emotional. And, we wish we had this team for the rest of our lives. And you kept on listening to my speeches and playing like this."In the match itself, SRH batters struggled against KKR's bowling attack, with Andre Russell claiming three wickets and Mitchell Starc and Harshit Rana taking two each. SRH were bundled out for a mere 113 runs.In response, Venkatesh Iyer and Rahmanullah Gurbaz guided KKR to an easy victory, securing the franchise's third IPL title.

Gautam Gambhir's move from Lucknow Super Giants to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024 was not a sudden decision, but rather the culmination of years of discussions between Gambhir and KKR co-owner Shah Rukh Khan. According to a report in Dainik Jagaran, Gambhir and Khan had been meeting regularly at Khan's residence since 2018.During these meetings, Khan reportedly offered Gambhir a "blank cheque" to join KKR for the next 10 years. Gambhir, who had led KKR to two IPL titles in 2012 and 2014, was enticed by the offer and decided to leave Lucknow despite having spent two successful seasons with the franchise.Gambhir's departure from Lucknow came as a surprise to owner Sanjeev Goenka, who was unaware of the ongoing discussions between Gambhir and Khan. However, Gambhir's decision to join KKR was a strategic move that has paid off handsomely.In his first season with KKR, Gambhir guided the team to a remarkable IPL triumph. His leadership and tactical acumen were instrumental in KKR's success, and he has quickly become a fan favorite in Kolkata.Now, Gambhir faces a crossroads in his career. He is reportedly on the BCCI's shortlist to replace Rahul Dravid as India head coach. However, he has also committed to KKR for the next 10 years.If Gambhir accepts the India head coach job, he will have to step down from his role at KKR. This would be a significant loss for KKR, who have benefited greatly from Gambhir's leadership and experience.The BCCI is eager to secure Gambhir's services as India head coach, but they may face competition from KKR. Khan is determined to keep Gambhir at KKR for the long term, and he may offer him a lucrative contract extension to persuade him to stay.Ultimately, the decision of whether to accept the India head coach job or remain at KKR is up to Gambhir. He will need to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully before making a decision.

Shah Rukh Khan's Heartwarming Gesture Wins Chennai Crowd's HeartsBollywood superstar and Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Shah Rukh Khan stole the hearts of Chennai fans after his team's emphatic victory in the IPL 2024 final. Despite KKR's dominant performance, Khan made a special effort to acknowledge the home crowd of five-time champions Chennai Super Kings.After KKR's comprehensive 113-run victory over SunRisers Hyderabad, Khan joined the Chennai crowd in chanting "CSK, CSK." The gesture was a heartwarming tribute to the city that has hosted numerous memorable IPL matches."It was a beautiful gesture by SRK," said Chennai fan John Abraham. "It showed that he understands the passion of the Chennai crowd and that he respects their team."Khan's gesture was not only a moment of sportsmanship but also a reflection of his deep connection with his fans. Despite being a co-owner of a rival team, Khan has always maintained a close relationship with the people of Chennai."Shah Rukh Khan is a true superstar," said Chennai resident Priya Sharma. "He knows how to make people happy, even when they're not supporting his team."KKR's victory was a culmination of a remarkable season for the team. After a long trophy drought, KKR finally lifted their third IPL title, thanks to a dominant performance throughout the tournament."We played like invincibles throughout the season," said KKR captain Shreyas Iyer. "There's so much to cherish right now. It is pleasing, the performance has been flawless throughout."SRH, who had a superb IPL 2024, were unable to replicate their form in the final. KKR's bowlers restricted SRH to a paltry 113, which the Kolkata batters chased down in just 10.3 overs."We were lucky to bowl first and every situation went in our favor," said Iyer. "We have been tremendous from game one, we stepped up today."Khan's heartwarming gesture and KKR's emphatic victory made the IPL 2024 final a memorable night for both Kolkata and Chennai fans.

Kolkata Knight Riders Triumph in IPL 2024, Shah Rukh Khan Celebrates with TeamAfter a decade-long wait, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and his Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) team emerged victorious in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 final. The Knights crushed Sunrisers Hyderabad by eight wickets in Chennai on Sunday, claiming their second IPL title.Mitchell Starc, the Australian left-arm quick, played a pivotal role in KKR's triumph. He bowled a sensational opening spell, dismissing Sunrisers Hyderabad for a mere 113 runs, the lowest total in an IPL final. Starc's figures of 2-14 justified his status as one of the world's top T20 bowlers.KKR's victory was a testament to their resilience and determination. Despite Shah Rukh Khan's health issues, which forced him to be hospitalized before the final, the team rallied together and delivered a dominant performance.After the match, Khan celebrated with his team, hugging each member and lifting the trophy with them on the podium. His celebrations were tempered by his recent health concerns, but he still managed to share his joy with the fans.KKR's victory was a special moment for the franchise and its supporters. It marked their second IPL title triumph at the Chepauk stadium, where they had won their first trophy in 2012. The near-capacity crowd cheered on the Knights, creating an electric atmosphere.