At right valuation, RCB is a great team: Adar Poonawalla sparks purchase bid with cryptic post
Bengaluru: A cryptic social media post by Adar Poonawalla has intensified rumours about the potential sale of the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), with many speculating that the Serum Institute chief could be in the running to acquire the team.
The talk of RCB's potential sale was revived on Tuesday when former IPL chairman Lalit Modi tweeted that Diageo, the current owner of the Bengaluru-based team, might be considering offloading the franchise. Modi’s tweet suggested that RCB could be valued at more than $2 billion—significantly higher than the $269 million valuation in Houlihan Lokey’s 2025 IPL Brand Valuation Study.
Adding fuel to the fire, Poonawalla posted a cryptic message on his X account on Wednesday, which many interpreted as hinting at a possible bid. "At the right valuation, @RCBTweets is a great team," Poonawalla wrote, leaving fans speculating about his interest in purchasing the IPL team.
The speculation surrounding RCB’s ownership began earlier in June when the team clinched its first IPL title. However, the celebrations were marred by a tragic stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which resulted in the loss of 12 lives. Following the incident, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) sought clarification from Diageo, prompting the company to dismiss the rumours as "speculative."
Meanwhile, despite Lalit Modi's tweet, the company declined to issue a categorical denial.
RCB’s media team echoed the company's stance, stating they had “nothing to share” regarding the ownership rumours.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
