IPL - What the Teams Do Off-Field and Online

by Shawn D'souza

he Indian Premier League (IPL) created a benchmark this year with its online viewership worldwide. People all around the globe seem to be engrossed to what is known as one of the most auspicious events in sports.

So, as we come into the mid-stages of the IPL season 4, DigiMouth gives you a lowdown on the websites of the 10 teams in the IPL and what they have to offer users online.

Kolkata Knight Riders

Team Owners - Shahrukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, Jai Mehta

Website - http://kkr.in

Services -

News
Online Booking
Facebook, Twitter
Gallery pictures, wallpapers
Blog , Discussions
Videos, KKR TV
Match schedules
Wallpaper downloads
Online apparel and accessories

Exclusive - An excellent application for iPhones called ‘KnightWatch’, along with KKR widgets that leave users amazed. The interface is highly user-friendly and website pays attention to presentation.

Rating - 7/10

Mumbai Indians

Team Owners - Reliance Industries Limited

Website - http://mumbaiindians.com

Services -

News, interviews, features
Online Booking
Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Technorati, StumbleUpon
Blog
Match schedules
Videos, MI TV
Wallpaper downloads

Exclusive - Some attractive features like contests (Chief Fan Officer, Know Your Mumbai Indians) and games (Stadium Shootout, Fantasy Cricket, Pinch Hitter, Sachin ka Saamna, CPL and more) which are available to users. You can also wish to the team players on their respective birthdays. The website gives you an interactive and user-friendly interface that makes the entire experience a pleasant one.

Rating - 9/10

Delhi Daredevils

Team Owners - GMR Group

Website - http://delhidaredevils.co.in

Services -

News, interviews
Team information
Facebook, Twitter
Blog
Match schedules, live scores

Exclusive - Not much to offer with the exception of contests like 'Eye Spy' and 'Recognize the Daredevils'. Browsing is made easy although there are certain areas left unattended. Users may tend to find it monotonous after a few visits.

Rating - 5/10

Chennai Super Kings

Team Owners - India Cements

Website - http://www.chennaisuperkings.com

Services -

News, interviews, features, media
Online Booking
Match schedules
Facebook, Twitter
Team information
Gallery
Apparel, accessories and stadium gear
Wallpapers, screensavers, online games, Kids zone

Exclusive - A definite entertainer to visitors which includes the 'Kings Club' for members who can be part of the team's practice sessions and avail of the privileges of the 'Red Carpet' as well as discounts on team gear and merchandise. Mobile games for users are also available on the website. The Super Kings website also have the infamous 'Super Blog' which is a blogging competition open to all those with a knack for writing.

Rating - 7/10

Rajasthan Royals

Team Owners - Emerging Media, Shilpa Shetty, Raj Kundra

Website - http://rajasthanroyals.com

Services -

News, events
Team information
Match schedules
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
Wallpapers, screensavers, posters

Exclusive - Their only highlight would be the 'Rajasthan Royals Shop' that offers team autographed memorabilia, DVD's, souvenirs, apparel and gear. However, overall it sticks to its core purpose.

Rating - 6/10

Kochi Tuskers Kerala

Team Owners - Koch Cricket Pvt Limited

Website - http://www.kochituskers.in

Services -

News
Information on Kerela and Kochi, Team information
Match schedules
Online Booking
Facebook
KTK TV
Forum for users
KTK merchandise
Videos

Exclusive - This would be a run-of-the-mill pattern with nothing exceptional to offer to users. The first-timers in IPL keep it simple and to the book.

Rating - 6/10

Pune Warriors India

Team Owners - Sahara Group

Website - http://www.punewarriorsindia.com

Services -

Team information
Match Schedules
Gallery photos and videos
Warrior Club

Exclusive - Nitty-gritties in the website needs to be worked upon. In comparison to the Tuskers, the Warriors website still leaves their sections like 'The Action', 'Warrior Interviews' and 'Get to know your Warriors' untouched and under progress. For a team that is already passed half the stage in the IPL 4 season, this is below expectations. On the other hand, glamour covers up for the websites shortcomings.

Rating - 5/10

Deccan Chargers

Team Owners - The Deccan Chronicle

Website - http://www.deccanchargers.com

Services -

News, interviews
Team info, messages
Online Booking
Match schedules
Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, Blogspot
Blog
Gallery pictures and videos
Graffiti Board, Discussion board
Discounts on apparel and gear at Chargers mall

Exclusive - Great features like 'Bond with the Team' that allow you to chat with team players as well as add your own picture beside that of the players. However, the section 'Chargers Mall' is not yet live and hence the discounts offered on merchandise poses a question in users' minds.

Rating - 7/10

Kings XI Punjab

Team Owners - Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Karan Paul, Mohit Burman

Website - http://www.kxip.in

Services -

News, press releases
Team info
Online bookings
Match schedules, live streaming
Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Digg, MySpace, Blogger
forum discussions, blogs, chats, polls
Merchandise
Contests

Exclusive - Members are given importance on this website as they include an exclusive 'Fan Page' that has fan photos and fan videos. It also has an above average interface that enables smooth browsing to users.

Rating - 8/10

Royal Challengers Bangalore

Team Owners - Vijay Mallya

Website - http://www.royalchallengers.com

Services -

News
Team information
Match schedules
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
Blog
Fan club
Live Scores
Forum discussions
Photo albums

Exclusive - One of the most flamboyant and glamorous of the teams. It has an exclusive 'WEB TV' which includes videos photos and a blog. As expected, the site also has an exclusive category of all the cheerleaders known as 'Mischief Gals' that includes photos, albums and posts. 'Go Green' is an initiative started by the site in a bid to spread awareness against global warming and help people vote against it.

Rating - 9/10

As per the ratings, it appears to be a tie between Reliance owned-Mumbai Indians and Vijay Mallya's Royal Challengers Bangalore. It would be interesting to see if the results would be identical for the IPL season 4 finals. Do let us know your thoughts on the same.