By Papri Das

As the eighth season of Indian Premier League (IPL) makes a quick recovery with the first couple of matches of the season after the not-so-happening opening ceremony, it already has us engaged hook, line and sinker, with all the on and off-field entertainment. Thus being the situation, it?s natural to wonder what our media executives are up to this IPL.

Be it their title as the defending champions, their victorious start this season, or simply the fact that the team?s owner is the Baadshah of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan, Kolkata Knight Riders continue to garner patrons within the industry.

"I don?t have strong opinions regarding any particular team, and enjoy watching every player give their best. But yes, I do have a soft corner for Kolkata Knight Riders because of my connection with the City of Joy,? says Travelxp CEO Prashant Chothani.
?For the longest time, my wish had been to see a cricket match in Eden Gardens and I finally realised this dream at the last big India Vs Pakistan match. There is nothing like the atmosphere of a live match in Eden, which makes me anticipate a KKR match there. But alas, my work will keep me out of the country for the most part of this IPL season, and I will be limited to catching online updates through various digital platforms,? he adds.

Big Synergy whole-time director Anita Kaul Basu tells us how she is torn between love for her home team Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders. ?My attachment to KKR goes way back in to the very first season, when the IPL kicked off. Shah Rukh was doing a show with us that time (Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain on Star Plus) and everyday we would see him busy with the team, merchandises, jerseys etc. Having said so, I also follow the Mumbai Indian matches ardently, and try to catch them live in the Wankhede Stadium,? says Basu, adding that like every season, she expects IPL 8 to be yet another reason for a family extravaganza where friends and loved ones gather to have some fun.

Dentsu Aegis Network South Asia chairman Ashish Bhasin is a proud and loyal Mumbai Indians fan, but when it comes to picking his favourite players from the team, Bhasin goes with performance than blind faith. ?It was easy to pick your favourite when Sachin played. While Malinga continues to be a key player, there isn't anyone I have blind faith in. It is hard to take sides or choose favourite players unless I see how the series unfolds. I am specially looking forward to how Pollard and Harbhajan Singh fair this season,? shares Bhasin, adding that he would rather have the viewer?s attention shift back to the action in the stadium than unnecessary drama off the game.