Vels Chennai Kings represents the Tamil film industry (Kollywood) in the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL). The team was formerly known as Chennai Rhinos from 2011 to 2025. The franchise underwent a complete rebranding ahead of CCL 2026 with new ownership and a fresh identity.
Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh and Mrs. Sripriya Rajkumar now co-own the team. Dr. Ganesh serves as the Founder Chancellor of Vels University and Chairman of the Vels Group. He also serves as President of the Tamil Nadu Olympic Association. This ownership brings together sports and entertainment under one roof.
Actor Arya leads the team as captain for CCL 2026. Veteran actor Sarathkumar serves as the team mentor. Actress Meena works as the brand ambassador. The team plays its home matches at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Vels Chennai Kings aims to continue the legacy of Chennai Rhinos and win more championships.
Team Information
| Team Name | Vels Chennai Kings (formerly Chennai Rhinos) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tamil (Kollywood) |
| State | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Founded | 2011 (CCL Season 1) |
| Owners | Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh & Sripriya Rajkumar |
| Mentor | Sarathkumar |
| Brand Ambassador | Meena |
| Home Ground | M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai |
| CCL Titles | 2 (2011, 2012) |
CCL 2026 Squad
Vels Chennai Kings has assembled a talented squad for CCL 2026. The team features popular Tamil actors with strong cricketing abilities.
Here is the complete player list:
• Arya (Captain)
• Adhav
• Balasarvanan
• Dasarathi
• Jivva
• Prithvi
• Ramana
• Shanthanu
• Sharran
• Vikranth
• Vishnu Vishal
Previous Records And History
Chennai Rhinos was one of the four founding teams of CCL in 2011. The franchise participated alongside Karnataka Bulldozers, Telugu Warriors, and Mumbai Heroes. Actor Vishal led the team to victory in the inaugural season. Chennai defeated Karnataka Bulldozers in the final to become the first CCL champions.
The team defended their title successfully in 2012. Chennai Rhinos beat Karnataka Bulldozers again in the final. This made them the first team to win back-to-back CCL championships. The franchise established itself as a dominant force in the league’s early years.
Chennai Rhinos reached the final again in 2015 but lost to Telugu Warriors. The team has three final appearances in total, with two victories. After 2015, the franchise faced inconsistent performances in subsequent seasons. The rebranding to Vels Chennai Kings in 2026 marks a new chapter for Tamil cinema’s CCL representatives.
CCL 2025 Journey
Chennai Rhinos had a remarkable run in CCL 2025. The team qualified for the semifinals after winning two of their four league matches. They showed great fighting spirit throughout the tournament.
Here is their complete match record:
1. Match vs Bengal Tigers (Bengaluru) – Lost by 12 runs
2. Match vs Karnataka Bulldozers (Hyderabad) – Lost by 8 wickets
3. Match vs Telugu Warriors (Hyderabad) – Won by 25 runs
4. Match vs Bhojpuri Dabanggs (Surat) – Won by 16 runs
5. Semifinal vs Karnataka Bulldozers (Mysuru) – Won by 7 wickets
6. Final vs Punjab De Sher (Mysuru) – Lost by 8 wickets
The team finished third in the points table with 4 points. Vikranth’s leadership as captain proved crucial in crucial matches. Chennai stunned Karnataka Bulldozers in the semifinal to reach their first final since 2015. However, Punjab De Sher proved too strong in the final.
Top Performers in CCL 2025
Player of the Season
Vikranth delivered outstanding performances throughout CCL 2025. He scored fifties in both innings of the semifinal against Karnataka Bulldozers. His batting and leadership guided Chennai to the final. Ajay also played a crucial role with match-winning knocks in the knockout stages.
Key Performances
| Player | Match | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Vikranth | Semifinal vs Karnataka | 50+ in both innings |
| Ajay | Semifinal vs Karnataka | 65 runs (30 balls) |
| Dasarathi | vs Bhojpuri Dabanggs | Crucial final over bowling |
Championship History
Chennai Rhinos/Vels Chennai Kings have appeared in three CCL finals. The franchise won the first two championships in league history. Here is a summary of all their final appearances:
| Season | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Karnataka Bulldozers | Won (Champions) |
| 2012 | Karnataka Bulldozers | Won (Champions) |
| 2015 | Telugu Warriors | Lost (Runner-up) |
| 2025 | Punjab De Sher | Lost (Runner-up) |
CCL Winners History
Telugu Warriors lead the all-time CCL winners chart with four titles. Chennai Rhinos and Karnataka Bulldozers share second place with two championships each. Here is the complete list of CCL winners:
| Season | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Chennai Rhinos | Karnataka Bulldozers |
| 2012 | Chennai Rhinos | Karnataka Bulldozers |
| 2013 | Karnataka Bulldozers | Telugu Warriors |
| 2014 | Karnataka Bulldozers | Kerala Strikers |
| 2015 | Telugu Warriors | Chennai Rhinos |
| 2016 | Telugu Warriors | Karnataka Bulldozers |
| 2017 | Telugu Warriors | Kerala Strikers |
| 2019 | Mumbai Heroes | Karnataka Bulldozers |
| 2023 | Telugu Warriors | Bhojpuri Dabanggs |
| 2024 | Bengal Tigers | Karnataka Bulldozers |
| 2025 | Punjab De Sher | Chennai Rhinos |
Conclusion
Vels Chennai Kings enters CCL 2026 with a fresh identity and renewed ambition. The franchise carries the proud legacy of Chennai Rhinos, who won the first two CCL titles. The rebranding brings new ownership, new jerseys, and fresh energy to the team. Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh’s involvement adds credibility and resources to the franchise.
Captain Arya leads a talented squad featuring experienced actors and skilled cricketers. The 2025 season showcased the team’s potential, culminating in a final appearance after years of struggle. Players like Vikranth and Vishnu Vishal provide both star power and cricketing ability. The team’s aggressive style continues to attract loyal fans across Tamil Nadu.
Vels Chennai Kings aims to reclaim the glory of their early championship years. The team wants to add a third CCL title to their trophy cabinet. With strong leadership from mentor Sarathkumar and captain Arya, the franchise looks ready for success. CCL 2026 promises to be an exciting journey for the pride of Kollywood.