We simply cannot imagine terms like 'ball breakers' and 'razors' with our favourite IPL teams
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has not been merely successful
because of its cricket. Factors or content such as fashionable jerseys, anthems, cheerleaders, DJs, light shows, player & fan meetups, team merchandise, and even the dramatic names of the teams gave the cricket fans something new to root for. In a country where franchise- or club-based tournaments similar to the English Premier League or La Liga were absent, IPL took its place with franchise-based cricket.
Speaking about team names, did you know that before the names were finalised, some IPL teams had really weird names?
Bengal Ball Breakers
Yes, that is the name of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that Shah Rukh Khan had selected for his Kolkata-based team. Despite everybody hating the name, SRK was hell-bent on keeping it until everyone on board convinced him to find a better alternative. Fortunately, in 2008, the Knight Rider movie was released, and from there, the Badshah of Bollywood picked and finalised the name Kolkata Knight Riders. Imagine calling yourself a Ball Breaker fan? Phew!!!
Mumbai Razors
The Mumbai Indians weren’t called Mumbai Indians before the tournament started. Initially, the team was named Maha Mumbai, followed by Mumbai Razors. However, Sachin Tendulkar was unhappy with both names, and it was on his suggestion that the franchise named itself the Mumbai Indians. However, one can still find the ‘Razor’ in the Mumbai Indians logo, which was not changed.
The Mumbai Indians' name still did not click with a large section of fans, who felt it was weird for a team playing in an Indian league to still call itself Indian. Not to forget, many also highlighted how the name doesn’t work in other leagues such as WPL, SA20, ILT20, MLC, and The Hundred. For example, Mumbai Indians Cape Town or Mumbai Indians New York would sound weird, so the team had to settle for MI Cape Town, MI New York, and so on.
In terms of brand identity and integration around the world, KKR did the best because all they had to do was change the city’s name, and they got Trinbago Knight Riders (CPL), Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (ILT20), and Los Angeles Knight Riders (MLC).
Delhi Daredevils
Delhi Daredevils also had another name before the tournament started – they were called Delhi Sultans – but some wise soul chose a name with a much better vibe. From Delhi’s jersey to the name, the team had a cool aura like KKR, even though its performance was questionable, and it has remained an IPL team without a single trophy since 2008. The team rebranded in 2018 after JSW acquired a 50% stake, adopting the name Delhi Capitals and a new logo.
