The Indian Premier League (IPL) final is upon us, and the cricketing world is buzzing with excitement. This year, the buzz has reached even further shores, with international music sensation Drake joining the frenzy! The Canadian rapper has thrown his support behind the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the much-anticipated final against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), happening today, May 26th, 2024, in Chennai.
Drake’s First IPL Bet: A Big One for KKR!
News broke through Drake’s Instagram story, where he revealed his pick for the IPL champions. Since his friend Rohit Sharma’s team, the Mumbai Indians, didn’t make it to the finals, Drake declared his allegiance to KKR. He captioned his story, “Since @ovorajuju’s team is out, I am going with KKR for my first-ever cricket bet. Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo!” This translates to “We will do, we will fight, we will win!” in Bengali, the language spoken in Kolkata, KKR’s home city.
What Makes Drake Back KKR?
While the exact reason behind Drake’s choice remains unknown, there could be a few possibilities. Here are some:
- Following a Friend’s Footsteps: Drake’s close friend Rohan Bopanna, a renowned Indian tennis player, hails from Bangalore. Bangalore has a long-standing rivalry with Hyderabad, SRH’s home city. Perhaps a friendly nudge from Bopanna influenced Drake’s decision.
- A Team on the Rise: KKR has been a strong contender throughout IPL 2024. They finished the league stage in second place and have displayed some exceptional teamwork and individual brilliance. Their performance might have caught Drake’s attention.
- The Underdog Factor: While both teams are strong, SRH might enter the finals with a slight edge based on their recent performance. Drake, known for supporting the underdog in various sports, could be backing the Kolkata team for this reason.
A Big Bet for a Big Match
Drake’s support for KKR isn’t just a verbal one. According to reports, he has placed a whopping ₹2.7 crore (approximately $250,000 USD) bet on KKR’s victory. This hefty wager has surely added more fuel to the already blazing fire of the IPL final.
More Than Just a Celebrity Endorsement
Drake’s interest in the IPL is a significant development for the tournament’s global reach. Cricket, already a massive sport in South Asia, is increasingly attracting fans worldwide. Celebrity endorsements like Drake’s can further propel the IPL onto the international stage.
Will Drake’s Support Bring KKR Luck?
Only time will tell if Drake’s hefty bet and vocal support will translate into victory for KKR. But one thing is certain: his involvement has undoubtedly added another layer of excitement to the IPL final, making it a truly global spectacle.
Who will emerge victorious? Tune in to the IPL final today and witness history unfold!