Chargers, KKR most popular IPL teams: survey

Defending champions Deccan Chargers were rated the most popular side of Indian Premier League (IPL) while last year's laggards Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) was second in cricket lovers' popularity chart, according to a survey.

The Adam Gilchrist-led side, which started IPL campaign on a losing note against KKR but since then have recaptured the rhythm to clinch three consecutive wins, got 33 per cent vote in the 'eBay Battle of the Fans' survey.

On the other hand, the Kolkata side who are struggling to end their losing streak in the cash-rich Twenty20 league, got 18 per cent of the votes cast by the fans.

The two teams are followed by Royal Challengers Bangalore (12 per cent), Delhi Daredevils (11 per cent), Chennai Super Kings (9 per cent) and Mumbai Indians (8 per cent), a release said today.

Surprisingly, Shane Warne-led Rajasthan Royals was the least popular side in the chart with just 4 per cent of the votes cast, behind Kings XI Punjab (6 per cent).

The 'eBay Battle of the Fans' is a barometer that measures the popularity of an IPL team by the quantity of the team merchandise bought by the fans on eBay, the release said.