Sports
KKR unveils ‘Lines of Legacy’ jersey for IPL 2026
Three-time champions weave iconic moments into new kit design.
MUMBAI: KKR just turned their jersey into a history book because when every six and every wicket gets its own line, even the fabric starts telling tales. Kolkata Knight Riders have unveiled their new jersey for TATA IPL 2026, themed “Lines of Legacy,” transforming defining moments from the franchise’s 18-year journey into abstract linear art that forms the letters KKR. From Brendon McCullum’s explosive 158* on opening night in 2008 to Rinku Singh’s five consecutive sixes in a dramatic finish, each milestone becomes a deliberate line woven into the design.
The jersey allows fans to literally wear a piece of the team’s story. The reveal was supported by a viral social-media campaign under #LinesOfLegacy that trended for 48 hours, culminating in a humorous film blending pop culture and Kolkata flavour, featuring actor Rajat Bedi, comedian Anirban Dasgupta and local creators.
Knight Riders Sports CEO Venky Mysore said, “The Lines of Legacy captures the essence of KKR’s storied history and celebrates the journey of the team over the years. Each line represents a pivotal moment of brilliance, reflecting the energy and spirit that weaves together to form our identity.”
Knight Riders Sports chief marketing officer Binda Dey added, “Through our ‘Kya Line Hai?’ campaign film, we wanted to bring the idea of the ‘Lines of Legacy’ to life and celebrate the iconic moments that define KKR’s journey. By collaborating with local Kolkata influencers and creators, we’re bringing the legacy of the team to fans in a fun and authentic way.”
The new jersey is available for purchase on the official website.
In a league where kits often change for fashion, KKR changed it for memory turning every thread into a trophy moment and every fan into a walking chapter of IPL folklore.
Sports
IPL 19 TV Ad Volumes Rise 10 per cent Despite Fewer Brands
Google storms top spot as e-com services and mouth fresheners lead charge in four-match clash with IPL 18.
MUMBAI: Google has bowled a perfect googly in the IPL 19 ad arena while the batsmen chased sixes on the field, the search giant has quietly smashed the biggest boundary of all, claiming 12.67 per cent of commercial airtime and leaving rivals gasping. Overall television ad volumes for the four live matches of IPL 19 hit an indexed 109.94 compared with IPL 18’s baseline of 100, a crisp 9.94 per cent jump that proves advertisers still see cricket’s biggest stage as the ultimate pitch. Yet the numbers tell a more nuanced tale. Categories slimmed from 47 to 40 (a 14.9 per cent drop) and advertisers shrank from 58 to 43 (down 25.9 per cent), suggesting a leaner, meaner battle where the survivors are spending smarter.
The new pecking order makes for fascinating reading. In IPL 19, Ecom-Other Services surged to the summit with 13.78 per cent share, nudging out perennial favourite Mouth Fresheners (13.57 per cent). Air Conditioners (5.94 per cent), Corporate-Financial Institutes (5.69 per cent) and Paints (5.23 per cent) rounded out the top five, elbowing aside last season’s heavy hitters. Back in IPL 18, Mouth Fresheners led at 10.73 per cent, followed by Ecom-Gaming (10.62 per cent), Cellular Phones-Smart Phones (7.83 per cent), Biscuits (7.66 per cent) and Cars (6.60 per cent).
On the advertiser leaderboard, Google’s 12.67 per cent dominance is unassailable. Reliance Consumer Products (7.28 per cent) took silver, Havells India (5.94 per cent) bronze, while Vishnu Packaging (5.56 per cent) and K P Pan Foods (4.80 per cent) completed the top five. Contrast that with IPL 18, where Parle Biscuits (7.66 per cent) topped the chart, followed by Vishnu Packaging (5.92 per cent), Apple Computer India (5.52 per cent), Reliance Consumer Products (5.31 per cent) and Billion Brains Garage Ventures (4.52 per cent).
Fresh blood has clearly refreshed the mix. Nine entirely new categories and a whopping 45 new brands entered the fray. Among the debutants making an instant splash: Chocolates, Laptops/Notebooks, Range of Hair Care, Corporate-Pharma/Healthcare and Footwear. Stand-out new brands include Google Search Engine, Google Gemini, Lloyd Designer AC, Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Chocolate, Hero Splendor Plus Range and Joy Hello Sun Sunblock Anti-Tan Lotion, proof that even the most unexpected players are now eyeing cricket’s captive millions.
Conversely, 16 categories sat out IPL 19, including former stalwarts Ecom-Gaming, Cellular Phones-Smart Phones, Biscuits, Airlines and Fans. The message is clear: the ad economy is evolving faster than a T20 run-chase.
So while the on-field drama delivers its usual thrills, the commercial breaks are delivering something even more compelling, a masterclass in how to turn 22 yards of grass into serious brand territory. IPL 19 has shown that when the right mix of innovation and investment meets cricket fever, the ad scoreboard lights up in ways even the most optimistic analysts might not have predicted.
