IPL 2019: Hotstar registers 18.6 million concurrent viewers for finale

The final match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings that took place on Sunday saw the streaming platform soar past its earlier record of 12.7 million concurrent users.

Online streaming platform Hotstar registered 18.6 million concurrent viewers during the finale of IPL 2019 between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

The final match on Sunday saw the streaming platform soar past its earlier record of 12.7 million concurrent users, achieved during an earlier game in the same tournament, according to a statement.

The Rohit Sharma-led team defeated an equally strong Chennai Super Kings by one run in an edge of the seat thriller Sunday night in Hyderabad.

Social media chatter around the latest version of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the loudest in comparison to all its previous editions. In two weeks, about 345 million people watched the matches on television, while the viewership on digital platforms was at 267 million in three weeks, making this season of the IPL the most-watched.

According to the data shared by media agency Wavemaker, the IPL has been trending high on social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Varun Narang, Chief Product Officer, Hotstar, said: "We have an innate belief in delivering a game-changing viewing experience to our consumers through ideas that challenge the status quo.

"With technology as our backbone and our all-round expertise in driving scale, we are confident we will continue to break global records and set new benchmarks with each passing year."

The 12th edition of the IPL began with Hotstar aiming to reach 300 million unique visitors, and by the end of the tournament, Hotstar had not only recorded in excess of 300 million users but also witnessed a 74% increase in watch-time as compared to last year.

The IPL began on March 23. The seven-week tournament was stream streamed live in eight languages on the platform, which is now gearing up for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup.

Business Standard

IPL 2019 KXIP vs DC Preview: Can Ashwin's Punjab break Delhi's team spirit?

Punjab may again eye home ground advantage but Delhi will be a different challenge after their last win against KKR in super over.

Business Standard : In match 13 of VIVO Indian Premier League 2019 (IPL 2019), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will host Delhi Capitals (DC) at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Monday. The clash will be interesting as both DC and KXIP won their previous IPL 2019 matches against KKR and MI and are high on confidence. K L Rahul's 71 runs off 57 balls proved instrumental for Punjab's victory and marked the return of his form. 

Chris Gayle has found his rhythm and his teammate Mayank Agarwal has been attacking almost every other ball. Ashwin has been shuffling his bowling department and it looks likely that he would again bring a change or two in playing 11.

For Delhi, things have started to fall in places after their second match defeat against MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings.

Shreyas Iyer-led DC is high on confidence after they triumphed in the super over thriller against Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday night.

Punjab may again eye home ground advantage but Delhi will be a different challenge.

2019 IPL points table

Check 2019 IPL Full schedule here

DC team news

Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant are in supreme form and Shikhar Dhawan has not found the edge yet but when he takes the charge, there's no looking back. The bowling looks challenging and whatever changed they asre making, has been paying off.

Delhi made changes in the bowling department considering the pitch in Feroz Shah Kotla and are likely to shuffle more as the pitch is different in Mohali. Lamichhane is likely to play and Rabada may be they key pacer in the playing 11 but Chris Morris may have to be rested to make place for Ishant Sharma.

Harshal Patel may also have to sit in the dug out as Trent Boult or Keemo Paul may be included. Amit Mishra is likely to be in the playing 11 as he would be useful in the Mohali pitch.

KXIP team news

Ashwin's Punjab has won two matches out of three and their last triumph against KKR at home ground must be a booster for the team. Murugan Ashwin was also included in the playing 11 and he is likely to remain there against Delhi.

Ashwin made changes to his playing 11 and got it equation right, David Miller produced top-notch innings from his bat but bowling area is where he is likely to make some changes.