IPL franchises have enormous brand values. As per a recent report, the Mumbai Indians have a brand value of 761 Crores, which is the highest among all IPL franchises. The immense brand value shows every decision has a huge impact in IPL. The team owners need to be careful with any call they make. Also, the name of the IPL franchises also has a huge value.
For example, Chennai Super Kings is a well-known team. Their abbreviation CSK is equally popular. Brand recognition is a big thing in this business. So, the IPL franchises need to decide on a good, catchy name. Sometimes they don’t get the right name at the first attempt and then try to change it a bit. Here’s a look at four IPL franchises that changed team name.
4. Kochi Tuskers Kerala
Not many fans would have an idea of this name change. The Kochi Tuskers Kerala played only one IPL season. However, they were among the most controversial IPL franchises. KTK was earlier known as Indi Commandos. However, the fans were very upset with the name.
Back then, they used Facebook to voice their displeasure. At that time, the team owners even considered moving their base to Ahmedabad. Heavy entertainment tax in Kerala was another reason. Eventually, there was a mutual agreement. The team was later renamed Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
3. Rising Pune Supergiant
Pune was one of the two IPL franchises that joined in 2016. BCCI suspended CSK and RR for two seasons. In their absence, RPS and Gujarat Lions joined the league. RPS was known as Rising Pune Supergiants in the 2016 season. MS Dhoni was the squad’s leader.
However, the franchise finished in the second-last position. The team owners then made a few changes. They changed their captain to Steve Smith. Also, they shortened the name to Rising Pune Supergiant. Removing the ‘s’ helped as RPS finished second in IPL 2017.
2. One of the oldest IPL franchises – Delhi Capitals
The Delhi Capitals changed their name in 2019. Before that, the team was known as Delhi Daredevils. Virender Sehwag was Delhi’s captain. The likes of Gautam Gambhir and Mahela Jayawardene also led DD. Later, Zaheer Khan became the skipper.
Even though some legendary names captained DD, they never made it to the final. Delhi topped the points table but faltered in the knockouts. Later, the franchise changed its name to Delhi Capitals. Shreyas Iyer was the captain. In 2019, DC finished third, and in 2020, DC was runner-up.
1. One of the most recent IPL franchises to change their name – Punjab Kings
While Delhi completely changed its name, Punjab did not make such a big alteration. The Mohali-based franchise played under the name Kings XI Punjab from 2008 to 2020. Like Delhi, Punjab could not win the IPL title. KXIP had topped the table in 2014. However, Kolkata Knight Riders won the championship that year.
This year, ahead of IPL 2021, the Kings XI changed their name to Punjab Kings. Also, it seems like their kit will be a bit different. KL Rahul will lead the team. Last year, they finished sixth. It will be interesting to see where the Punjab Kings finish this year. Looking at the trend after the name change, it looks like Punjab may have a good season in 2021. They have the likes of Dawid Malan, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, and Mohammed Shami in the squad.
