In a heartwarming gesture connecting tradition with sports, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) took to their official X handle (previously known as Twitter) to share a powerful image of Goddess Durga, with the IPL trophy placed respectfully at her feet.

The picture of the same spread like wildfire on social media portals. The caption of the post read, "Trophy at Maa’s feet to seek her blessings." This goes to show the deep-rooted culture of worshipping Goddess Durga during the auspicious festival of Durga Puja, especially in Kolkata.

The Kolkata-based franchise honored local traditions and paid homage to the divine for strength and guidance ahead of the IPL 2025 season. Known as the city's most important festival, Durga Puja is a time when the city comes alive with devotion and colours.

The gesture has touched the hearts of netizens as they greeted with enthusiasm and love. It is also a reminder that in Kolkata, cricket is more than just a game, it is an integral part of the city’s identity, intertwined with its cultural and spiritual heritage.

In the last season, KKR qualified for the playoffs by topping the group stage points table. In 14 games, they won nine games and lost the remaining three games, collecting 20 points. KKR beat SRH by 8 wickets in the first qualifier at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, to book their berth in the final.

Notably, Shreyas Iyer and Co. went on to become the champions of the IPL 2024 edition by beating Sunrisers Hyderabad in the showdown. KKR beat SRH by 8 wickets to win their third IPL title at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. KKR will be looking forward to performing well in the next season to make a bid for the fourth title.

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has allowed the IPL teams to retain a maximum of six players, either through direct retention or Right-To-Match card. The three-time IPL champions are likely to retain Shreyas Iyer, Rinku Singh, Phil Salt, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Harshit Rana ahead of the mega auction.