KCC 2023: Puneeth Rajkumar fans fondly remember late actor as Ganga Warriors become champions

Last night, on February 25th, Love Mocktail actor Darling Krishna led the Ganga Warriors to an emphatic win in the finale of the third edition of the Kannada Chalanachitra Cup. With the amazing Suresh Raina leading from the front and Krishna, Karan Aaryan and others chipping in with valuable contributions, the Warriors were too good to deal with for Upendra's Vijayanagara Patriots. For the fans, who got to watch four back-to-back games including the finale on Day #2 of KCC 2023, the opportunity to watch their favourite movie stars dish out some exciting cricket seemed unmissable.

Alongside, the grand occasion also proved to be slightly sombre for the same fans considering that the late Puneeth Rajkumar shared a glorious association with the Ganga Warriors. The Powerstar, who had been a crucial element in the success of KCC, had represented the Ganga Warriors the previous two seasons and, in fact, was the face and the main lure of the team. Known for his competitive spirit and also his strong presence on the field, Puneeth Rajkumar was the main draw of his team and his fans, to date, fondly remember his stint. 

So much so that everyone cheered and celebrated when a special tribute video was played for Puneeth Rajkumar at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. With the very popular 'Bombe Heluthaithe' playing in the background and a montage of visuals reflecting the superstar's legacy, the entire arena seemed soaked in memory and emotions.

On social media, too, netizens have shared many posts to acknowledge that the dearest Appu was the face of the Ganga Warriors the previous two seasons. With the Warriors then going on to lift the KCC Season 3 trophy, it is almost inevitable that the Gandhada Gudi actor would be remembered on the happy occasion. Some even held placards to convey that they miss Appu.