VIDA and KKR Launch Campaign to Expand EV Charging Network VIDA, the electric mobility division of Hero MotoCorp, has partnered with Kolkata Knight Riders to launch a campaign that links cricket matches to the expansion of India’s fast-charging infrastructure. The initiative, titled “6 for 6,” aims to install a 6kW fast EV charger for every six hit by KKR during the Indian Premier League season. Each six on the field translates to a real-world contribution toward India’s electric mobility goals. The campaign builds on VIDA’s existing network of over 5,300 fast-charging points across more than 430 cities. As EV adoption grows, the partnership leverages cricket’s widespread appeal to boost awareness and infrastructure development. Hero MotoCorp’s emerging mobility business unit chief business officer, Kausalya Nandakumar, emphasized that cricket’s ability to unite millions makes it an ideal platform for driving progress. She highlighted VIDA’s focus on making EV ownership more practical through its expanding fast-charging network and removable battery technology, which allows users to charge at standard household outlets. Kolkata Knight Riders’ CEO, Venky Mysore, noted that the campaign transforms on-field moments into tangible impact. By connecting every six to the growth of EV charging infrastructure, the partnership turns fan excitement into measurable progress. The rollout includes co-branded charging stations in KKR’s signature colors, with a flagship installation unveiled alongside team players. These chargers enable VIDA scooters to reach 80% charge in about an hour and are strategically placed along key highways to support longer journeys. The initiative also integrates VIDA’s removable battery system, enhancing flexibility in the charging ecosystem.#kolkata_knight_riders #kkr #venky_mysore #vida #hero_motoCorp
Kolkata Knight Riders to Replace Injured Akash Deep with Saurabh Dubey Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have confirmed that Saurabh Dubey will replace the injured Akash Deep in their squad for the IPL 2026 season. The decision was announced by KKR CEO Venky Mysore during an intra-squad practice match in Kolkata. Dubey, a left-arm seamer from Vidarbha, will step into the role left vacant by Deep, who is sidelined due to a lower-back injury. Dubey, 28, has yet to make an IPL appearance and has played only 11 senior-level matches in domestic cricket. He last represented Vidarbha in a T20 match in October 2023, having been absent from competitive cricket for nearly two-and-a-half years. However, his performances in the Vidarbha Pro T20 League last year, particularly for the Orange Tigers, caught the attention of teams. In 2022, he was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) but his season was cut short by an injury. Dubey has also been a net bowler for Mumbai Indians. His cricketing journey includes a standout performance in 2019 when he was the leading wicket-taker for India in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup. KKR’s head coach, Abhishek Nayar, and his staff have been actively scouting for replacements for Deep and Harshit Rana, with Dubey emerging as the preferred option. During trials conducted during KKR’s IPL training camp in Kolkata, Dubey impressed the coaching staff, leading to his inclusion in the squad. Other bowlers who participated in the trials included Navdeep Saini, KM Asif, Simarjeet Singh, Akash Madhwal, and Sandeep Warrier. Mysore highlighted the efforts of Nayar in assembling potential candidates for the coaches to evaluate. “The one who has caught everyone’s eyes is Saurabh Dubey, Vidarbha’s left-arm seamer,” Mysore said.#kolkata_knight_riders #vidarbha #abhishek_nayar #saurabh_dubey #venky_mysore
Kolkata Knight Riders to Replace Akash Deep with Saurabh Dubey for IPL 2026 Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have confirmed that left-arm seamer Saurabh Dubey will replace the injured Akash Deep in their squad for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). The decision was announced by KKR CEO Venky Mysore during an intra-squad practice session in Kolkata, following trials conducted during the team’s training camp. Dubey, who has not played competitive cricket in nearly two-and-a-half years, will join the squad as a replacement for Deep, who is ruled out due to a lower-back injury. Dubey, 28, is an uncapped IPL player who has represented Vidarbha in senior cricket, logging just 11 first-class matches. His last competitive appearance came in a T20 game for Vidarbha in October 2023. However, he made a strong impression in the Vidarbha Pro T20 League in 2022, where he was part of the Orange Tigers squad. Despite being purchased by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2022, his season was cut short by injury. He has also been a net bowler for Mumbai Indians. Dubey’s inclusion comes after KKR’s coaching staff identified him as a key replacement for Deep. Head coach Abhishek Nayar praised the team’s efforts in bringing potential candidates to the training camp, highlighting Dubey’s standout performance. “The one who has caught everyone’s eyes is Saurabh Dubey, Vidarbha left-arm seamer, tall,” Mysore noted. The coaches expressed enthusiasm about Dubey’s potential to fill the void left by Deep’s injury. The team is also managing the absence of Matheesha Pathirana, who will miss the early part of the IPL due to an injury sustained in the T20 World Cup. Mysore emphasized that the club is in constant communication with Pathirana and the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board, ensuring the player’s recovery takes priority.#kolkata_knight_riders #vidarbha #abhishek_nayar #saurabh_dubey #venky_mysore
