Kolkata Knight Riders released their new team anthem for IPL 2018 on Thursday. One has to wonder whatever happened to the thumping beats of the original 'Karbo Ladbo Jeetbo.'
When the cricketainment began with Indian Premier League in 2008, several franchises of the cash-rich tournament came up with their team anthems to attract fans and boost the morale of their team members. Bollywood star power was put to work as owners-cum-movie stars Shilpa Shetty and Priety Zinta starred in the promotional songs for their respective teams. Hrithik Roshan danced for Mumbai Indians as singer Daler Mehendi crooned for Kings XI Punjab. Katrina Kaif shimmied for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Chennai Super Kings went their own way with Whistle Podu.
But the crown of exciting team anthem went to Shah Rukh Khan's video of 'Karbo Ladbo Jeetbo' for Kolkata Knight Riders. It had the energy to get your foot tapping.
Come 2018, after 10 years of the original one and the South Africa special when the tournament was moved to the African country in 2009, the revamped version fails to excite.
'KKR Hai Taiyaar' (KKR is ready) is the message this one-minute long video is trying to send. The video, of course, features King Khan. The colour palette focuses on team colours - purple and yellow. It features Kolkata's iconic figures like the yellow cab, team ground Eden Ground, the tram, etc. But misses the mark to get even the KKR fans excited about the prospect of the team in this edition of Indian Premier League.
The Kolkata based team has picked up the best from the team that won India U-19 T20 world cup. Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shubman Gill, Shivam Mavi. They also have Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, West Indian wonder Sunil Naraine. But the team has no international marquee players who would have guided this younger lot in high-pressure situations.
After the departure of Gautam Gambhir, Dinesh Karthik has been appointed as the captain. Karthik was remarkable in the tournament last year when he was playing with Gujarat Lions. But it remains to be seen if he can pull the triple duty as captain, wicketkeeper, and senior batsman onboard.
Experts maybe hopeful about the KKR making some impact in this edition of IPL, if not win it. But one thing is certain that this brand new anthem will do very little to lift the spirits on field.
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