KOLKATA: With a frenzied crowd of thousands cheering on, Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday began a victory parade from south Kolkata's Hazra Crossing on a flower-bedecked open top trailer.

More than 50,000 people lined up both sides of the road as the players, led by Gautam Gambhir, waved on them on an open bus-top during the 5-km journey. The players were also seen clicking photographs of the frenzied scenes in front of them.

Team owners Shah Rukh Khan, Jay Mehta and Juhi Chawla arrived around 11.45 pm as they were thrilled at the crowd response late into the night.

Skipper Gautam Gambhir's three Bengali words "ami Kolkatar chhele" (I am son of the city) won the hearts of fans gathered to welcome 'home' the Knight Riders who beat two-time defending champions Chennai Super Kings to win their maiden title in five appearances.

The team reached Eden Gardens, where a huge crowd cheered the victorious team, as the Shah Rukh, co-owner Juhi Chawla and skipperGautam Gambhir cut the cake, followed by a lap of honour at Eden Gardens. (Agencies)